The Quieting by Suzanne Woods Fisher (Review)

Series: The Bishop's Family (Book 2)

Paperback: 352 pages

Publisher: Revell (May 3, 2016)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 080072321X

ISBN-13: 978-0800723217

The Stoltzfus family faces serious problems, both in the church and at home. Everyone in the community expects minister David Stoltzfus to fix things--fast. But David doesn't work fast. He prefers to wait for God to work in individual hearts. However, even he is left wondering if the solution to their most pressing problem might be a Quieting.

When David's mother arrives, uninvited, more upheaval is in store. She has matchmaking plans for everyone in the family, including David and her eligible granddaughters--and especially for David's niece Abigail. When Abigail stumbles onto a curious connection during her genealogical research, it could help David solve one problem--but will it create another?

Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher takes fans back to Stoney Ridge, delivering the twists, turns, and romance they adore.

My Review:

This is book two in the Bishops Family series. To be fully appreciated I think they need to be read in order. The first has the background on David, his family, and the church situation. There is a lot going on in this book. There are many characters and plots. The main plot is still concerning the church situation. David is the father of the Stoltzfus family and is a minister of an Amish church. One of the other church leaders is corrupt and leading the church astray. David is standing up to him as much as possible but it makes life hard on his family. The title of the book comes from when the Amish church has to away a leader's job. The big question throughout the book is will this happen and to who? David has a love interest in Birdy who is the sister to the corrupt church leader. His niece Abigail comes to visit and do research on her genealogy project. Her studies and relationship with Dane are the other focus of the book. I enjoyed reading this book even with the serious undertones of the church issues The characters and plot were well developed and interesting. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. Highly Recommended.

Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author whose most recent novels include The Imposter, Anna's Crossing, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and The Heart of the Amish. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Twitter @suzannewfisher

Review copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Step by Step by Candace Calvert (Review)

Series: Crisis Team

Paperback: 400 pages

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (February 1, 2016)

ISBN-13: 978-1414390345

Three years after a tragic accident left her a widow, ER nurse Taylor Cabot is determined to move on, checking off one item after another on her survival list. Her relationship with a handsome plastic surgeon even gives her hope for the last point―“fall in love again.” At least until crisis chaplain Seth Donovan steps back into her life, reawakening unanswered questions about her husband’s death.

While in San Diego to train community volunteers, Seth hopes to learn why Taylor is backing away from the crisis team and from their friendship. But nothing prepares him for the feelings that arise when he sees Taylor again . . . and sees her moving on with another man.

When a community crisis hits home and puts lives at risk, emotions run high and buried truths are unearthed. Will hope make the survival list?

My Review:

This was an okay medical drama book. I have enjoyed reading all of this author's books. Step by Step is book two in the Crisis Team series. The main focus of this story is Taylor and Seth. I did not connect to Taylor like I would have liked. The story did not read as well as the author's other books.There is a subplot with her co worker Sloane who will be the focus of the next book in the series. At times it felt like it took away from the main plot. I wanted to be reading it instead of the current book.The romance between Taylor and Seth did not seem developed and natural. The ending fit the book. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

Often called the author of "medical hope opera," Candace Calvert is an ER nurse who landed on the other side of the stethoscope after the equestrian accident that broke her neck and convinced her love, laughter--and faith--are the very best medicines of all.

Her popular medical drama series (Mercy Hospital, Grace Medical and Crisis Team) offer readers a chance to "scrub in" on the exciting world of emergency medicine, along with charismatic characters, pulse-pounding action, tender romance, humor, suspense--and an encouraging prescription for hope. Think "Grey's Anatomy finds its soul"!

A native northern Californian, mother of two and proud grandmother to eight, Candace is a passionate "foodie," equally at home with a whisk in her hand as she is penning stories. Folks who follow her on Twitter and Facebook will find photo-embellished recipes, funny insights into the writing life, snippets of upcoming work, and a chance at book giveaways. Please visit her website at: www.candacecalvert.com

Review copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Without Warning by Lynette Eason (Review)

Series: Elite Guardians (Book 2)

Paperback: 352 pages

Publisher: Revell (August 2, 2016)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0800723252

ISBN-13: 978-0800723255

From the Back Cover

Intensity. Skill. Tenacity.
The bodyguards of Elite Guardians Agency have it all.
Katie Singleton, a partner with the Elite Guardians Protection Agency, stumbles upon her next assignment quite by accident. Spotting blue lights at a familiar restaurant, she stops to investigate, only to discover that owner Daniel Matthews has become the target of someone who will go to any lengths to put him out of business.

Daniel might be concerned, but he's not convinced that a bodyguard--and a female one at that--is necessary. A new attack and his niece's urgings are enough to make him reconsider. He and Katie must figure out who's behind the intimidation and threats--before a would-be killer strikes again.

My Review:

This is book two in the Elite Guardians series. The plot is separate so it can stand alone. Some of the characters do repeat along with new ones. It is a Christian romantic mystery suspense book. The main focus in this book is Katie and Daniel. Katie is a professional bodyguard. Daniel is ex military restaurant owner. This is not my favorite Lynette Eason book. I did not really connect with the characters. The plot had a few too many incidents in it for me. I guessed the bad guy early. I did not really enjoy reading it. I think part of what bothered me is the whole female bodyguard thing. It did not work with him being so capable of defending himself. I will still read the next book in the series. I want to see what happens with the other characters.

Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of the Women of Justice series, the Deadly Reunions series, and the Hidden Identity series, as well as Always Watching in the Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of an ACFW Carol Award, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Readers' Choice Award. She has a master's degree in education from Converse College and she lives in South Carolina. Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com

Review copy provided by Revell in exchange for an honest review.

What Matters Most by Kellie Coates Gilbert (Review)

Series: Texas Gold Collection

Paperback: 320 pages

Publisher: Revell (July 5, 2016)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0800722752

ISBN-13: 978-0800722753

Leta Breckenridge is forced to drop out of college to care for her dementia-ridden mother. After learning a severely delinquent account may force her mother into a less desirable facility, Leta steps out of her comfort zone and lands a high-paying job at an Austin public relations firm. But her dream job turns into a nightmare when she learns the firm is a front for a political opposition machine--and that the research she's been collecting will be used against her new love interest, Nathan Emerson.

Nathan is a rising political star being pressured to run a bid to unseat the current governor of Texas. He's already in a relationship with a woman much better suited to be a politician's wife, but he's never met anyone like Leta. Could this feisty, challenging woman hold the key to his heart?

My Review:

This is book three in the Texas Gold Collection. The characters and plot are separate. The main focus in this book is Leta and Nathan. Leta is a college dropout who has two jobs and is taking care of her mother who has bad dementia. Nathan is a senator that many people want to run for Governor including his family and girlfriend. Leta and Nathan meet at her second job at a grocery store. They have a minor automobile accident. The attraction is there from the beginning which is complicated by both of their lives. Leta lands a big job at a local PR firm. What she does not know is that they are a political opposition firm and have been hired to work against Nathan. She immediately feels guilty and wants to quit but can't because of her mother. Her relationship with Nate progresses slowly since he has a real girlfriend. He knows that he needs to break up with one of them. The truth always comes out though. The book is well written and held my attention from the beginning. The ending wrapped up too neatly though. There is not a lot of Christian for this to be a Christian fiction book. Overall a good book.




Kellie Coates Gilbert is a former legal investigator and trial paralegal and the author of A Woman of Fortune, Where Rivers Part, and A Reason to Stay. Gilbert crafts her emotionally charged stories about women in life-changing circumstances in Dallas, Texas, where she lives with her husband. Learn more at www.kelliecoatesgilbert.com

Review copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The Miracle Morning Art of Affirmations: A Positive Coloring Book for Adults and Kids by Hal Elrod (Review)

Paperback: 160 pages

Publisher: Hal Elrod International, Inc.; First edition (August 31, 2016)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1942589107

ISBN-13: 978-1942589105

Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.4 x 11 inches

The Miracle Morning Art of Affirmations Coloring Book is a positive coloring book for adults and kids that brings to life the joys of combining affirmations with mindful artistry.

Let this book be your guide to visualizing success, reinforcing the mindset you need to make it happen, and deepening your connection with your loved ones. Choose the affirmations that resonate with you, and use the images to create or enhance your vision board. Keep them highly visible so you can read and re-read them throughout your day. This book is filled with coloring pages, affirmations, insights, and activities. Use this book to inspire and empower you to become the best version of yourself. Take the time to appreciate how beautiful your creations are, and let them guide you toward your goals.

Unleash your inner artist and join The Miracle Morning Art of Affirmations Community today!

My Review:

I was sent a selection by PDF for free to review. I liked everything that I saw. The affirmations are great! The coloring pages are easy and fulfilling. Adults and kids alike will enjoy them. I am ordering a complete copy!

An Amish Harvest by Beth Wiseman Amy Clipston Katheleen Fuller Vannetta Chapman (Review)

Paperback: 432 pages

Publisher: Thomas Nelson (August 16, 2016)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 052911853X

ISBN-13: 978-0529118530

Faith, hope, and love remain forever in season in this collection of four richly absorbing novellas set amidst the wonder of an Amish autumn.

Under the Harvest Moon, by Beth Wiseman
When Naomi Dienner is suddenly widowed, she never expects to find love again . . . until she meets Brock Mulligan, an English family friend hired at harvest time. As a sinister presence begins to threaten Naomi, Brock seeks to prove himself trustworthy while struggling with growing feelings for Naomi and her children. Will God open Naomi’s heart—and give Brock his own second chance at love?

Love and Buggy Rides, by Amy Clipston
Janie Lantz is a cashier at Lancaster Souvenirs and Buggy Rides, where Jonathan Stoltfuz is a buggy driver. A frightening accident brings Janie and Jonathan together in a blossoming friendship, yet daunting obstacles stand between them and something deeper. Can love kindle into flames that burn away fear and regret—and lead them to a life together?

Mischief in the Autumn Air, by Vannetta Chapman When items start going above market value at his auction house, Eli Wittmer is first thrilled, and then puzzled. But when the house is broken into, Eli and his new bookkeeper, Martha Beiler track down a trail of clues. Will they solve the mystery before the fall festival ends—and discover an unexpected new love?

A Quiet Love, by Kathleen Fuller Dinah Hochstetler, quiet and bookish, longs for marriage but hides in her shyness. Amos Mullett, a simple farmer, knows he’s different but aches for a loving wife. As Dinah and Amos navigate a budding romance, will the power of love—and the blessing of God—be enough to overcome their doubters?

My Review:

I enjoyed reading this entire collection of Amish novellas set during harvest season. These collections are one of my favorite things to read. There are four separate stories in this book. They are not connected in plot line at all. They were all well written with good characters. The plots were interesting and held my attention. The romance part was just right. If I had to pick a favorite it would probably be A Quite Love. The characters and plot line are unlike all Amish books that I have read. It really touched my heart. I really liked all the stories. I recommend this book to anyone who likes Amish fiction.

Beth Wiseman is the best-selling author of the Daughters of the Promise series and the Land of Canaan series. Having sold over 1.5 million books, her novels have held spots on the ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) Bestseller List and the CBA (Christian Book Association) Bestseller List. She is a two-time winner of the Carol Award in, a three-time winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, and an INSPY Award winner. In 2013 she took home the coveted Holt Medallion. This is Beth’s fifteenth novel, and she has also published thirteen novellas that appear in various Thomas Nelson collections.


Kathleen Fuller is the author of several bestselling novels, including A Man of His Wordand Treasuring Emma, as well as a middle-grade Amish series, the Mysteries of Middlefield. Visit her online at www.kathleenfuller.com, Twitter: @TheKatJam, and Facebook: Kathleen Fuller.


Amy Clipston is the award-winning and bestselling author of the Kauffman Amish Bakery series. Her novels have hit multiple bestseller 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 three spoiled rotten cats. Visit her online at amyclipston.com Facebook: AmyClipstonBooks Twitter: @AmyClipston


Vannetta Chapman is author of the best-selling novel A Simple Amish Christmas. She has published over one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, receiving over two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. In 2012 she was awarded a Carol Award for Falling to Pieces. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather’s birthplace of Albion, Pennsylvania.  Visit Vannetta's website: www.vannettachapman.com  Twitter: @VannettaChapman  Facebook: VannettaChapmanBooks

Review copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.