The Lesson by Suzanne Woods Fisher (Review)

The Lesson by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Paperback: 304 pages

Publisher: Revell (January 1, 2013)

ISBN-13: 978-0800719890

From the Back Cover

Sometimes love shows up when you least expect it.
Nineteen-year-old Mary Kate Lapp yearns for adventure, but all she seems to find is trouble. Her dreams of travel have taken a backseat to her assignment to teach school this year. And nothing ever seems to happen in her sleepy Amish community.

But when a sudden and unexplained death conveniently coincides with the arrival of a mysterious young man, M.K. is frustrated that no one takes it seriously. She's determined to take matters into her own hands and get to the bottom of it. Will she find more than she bargained for?

Centered on one of bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher's most loved characters, this is the Stoney Ridge story you have been waiting for. With a surprise at every turn, a gentle romance, and a shocking answer to an old family mystery, The Lesson is the dramatic conclusion to the Stoney Ridge Seasons series.

My Review:

I loved this book. It is the third in the Stoney Ridge series but can stand alone. I was hoping MK would get her own book because from the beginning her character was interesting. As a child she was precocious which is not valued in the Amish community. Now she is grown and her curiosity gets her in more trouble. The book starts with a local farmer being killed and a new man moving to town with his sister. MK is convinced he is involved in the death. Her instincts often lead her wrong and Chris is out to prove his innocence. There is a subplot of her family mystery surrounding her Mother's death. MK also ends up teaching school which does not go good for the most part until she learns some life lessons. The title of the book is perfect as more than one character ends up learning a lesson. Highly Recommended. :)

About the Author

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of The Choice, The Waiting, The Search, The Keeper, and The Haven, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. She is also the coauthor of a new Amish children's series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Suzanne is a Christy Award finalist and a Carol Award finalist. She is the host of internet radio show Amish Wisdom and a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California. For more information, please visit www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and connect with her on Twitter @suzannewfisher.

Available now wherever Revell/Baker books are sold.

Thank you Donna at Revell for my review copy.

Doctor to the Rescue by Cheryl Wyatt (Review)

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Doctor To The Rescue Love Inspired (December 18, 2012) by Cheryl Wyatt

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Born Valentine’s Day on a Navy base, Cheryl Wyatt writes military romance. Her Steeple Hill debuts earned RT Top Picks plus #1 and #4 on eHarlequin's Top 10 Most-Blogged-About-Books, lists including NYT Bestsellers. Cheryl loves interacting with her readers and can be found almost daily on Facebook.

Word from the Author:
I do regular giveaways including a Kindle for every 250 people who join (aka "Like) my Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/CherylWyattAuthor and I'd LOVE for word to spread about that. We have a lot of fun there as I ask for frequent reader input on current books, with helpers being mentioned in the acknowledgements and fun stuff like that.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Combat doctor Ian Shupe returns home from overseas with his most important mission: to raise his little girl. But Ian's a single dad, and working at Eagle Point's trauma center means having to find child care. When bighearted, struggling lodge owner Bri Landis offers babysitting in exchange for construction work, Ian accepts. He vows to keep his emotional distance from Bri, yet can't deny that his daughter is blossoming under her tender care. But is he ready to believe that his heart's deepest prayer may finally be answered? If you would like to read the first chapter of Doctor To The Rescue, go HERE.


My Review:
I loved this book. This is one of my favorite authors and I have read all of her published works. The writing keeps getting better and better. The plot and characters are interesting and unique. I really felt for Ian and Bri. I wanted to leap into the book to help them. lol It kept my attention from beginning to end. The end is satisfying. Overall it is a sweet Christian romance book. My Aunt loved it too. We can't wait for her next book every time.  Recommended. :)

Vanished by Irene Hannon (Review)

Vanished by Irene Hannon

Paperback: 336 pages

Publisher: Revell (January 1, 2013)

ISBN-13: 978-0800721237

About the book:

Reporter Moira Harrison is lost. In the dark. In a thunderstorm. When a confusing detour places her on a rural, wooded road, she's startled by the sudden appearance of a lone figure caught in the beam of her headlights. Though Moira jams on her brakes, the car careens across the wet pavement--and the solid thump against the side of the vehicle tells her she hit the person before she crashes into a tree on the far side of the road.

A dazed Moira is relieved when a man opens her door, tells her he saw everything, and promises to call 911. Then everything fades to black. When she comes to an hour later, she is alone. No man. No 911. No injured person lying on the side of the road. But she can't forget the look of terror she saw on the person's face in the instant before her headlights swung away. The person she hit had been in trouble. She's sure of it. But she can't get anyone to believe her story--except a handsome former police detective, now a private eye, who agrees to take on the case.

From the very first page, readers will be hooked into this fast-paced story full of shocking secrets from fan-favorite Irene Hannon. Vanished is the exciting first book in the Private Justice series: Three justice seekers who got burned playing by the rules now have a second chance to make things right.


My Review:
This was a great read! I love this genre and this author does a good job with it. The genre is Christian romantic suspense fiction. The characters and plot were interesting and held my attention throughout the book. I liked the interaction between Cal and Moira. There were several twists. The bad guy definitely took me by surprise. It was hard to believe it was him. This is the first book in the Private Justice series featuring Cal and his two business partners in the private eye firm. I can't wait to read the next book. Recommended. :)







About the author:

Irene Hannon is the author of more than 35 novels, including the bestselling Heroes of Quantico and Guardians of Justice series. Her books have been honored with two coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, a Carol Award, a HOLT Medallion, a Daphne du Maurier Award, and two Reviewers' Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine. Booklist also included one of her novels in its "Top 10 Inspirational Fiction" list for 2011. She lives in Missouri.

For more information about her and her books, Irene invites you to visit her website at www.irenehannon.com.

Thank you Donna from Revell for my review copy.


Available now wherever Revell/Baker books are sold.

Flight of the Earls by Michael Reynolds

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Flight of the Earls B&H Books (January 1, 2013) by Michael Reynolds

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Michael K. Reynolds is the writer and producer of Emmy and Telly Award-winning film campaigns and has more than two decades of experience in fiction, journalism, copywriting, and documentary production. He owns Global Studio, a marketing agency, and is also an active leader in church and business, speaking in both ministry and corporate settings. Michael lives with his wife and three children in Reno, Nevada.


ABOUT THE BOOK

It’s 1846 in Ireland. When her family’s small farm is struck by famine, Clare Hanley and her younger brother, Seamus, set out across the ocean to the Promised Land of America. Five years prior, Clare’s older sister Margaret and her Uncle Tomas emigrated in similar fashion and were not to be heard from again. But Clare must face her fears as she lands in the coming-of-age city of New York. There she discovers love, adventure, tragedy, and a terrible secret which threatens to destroy her family and all she believes. Flight of the Earls is the first book in a historical novel trilogy based on Irish immigration in the 1840s.


If you'd like to read the first chapter of Flight of the Earls, go HERE

NYE 2012 2nd Update

So here’s the update mini questionnaire:

1. Have you napped yet? Or are you still going strong?
I took a short nap earlier this morning but I am not a late night person so I will be going to bed soon. lol
2. Do you have a favorite book of 2012? If so, what is it?
I have several favorites and I don't think I can pick just one this time so I am going to link to my list of books read this year. My favorites are in bold.
http://abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2012/12/books-read-2012.html
3. Any reading goals for 2013?
I want to read at least 150 books. I want to read more nonfiction than I did this year. I want to read at least one long classic book and I started David Copperfield by Charles Dickens this year and would like to finish it.

4. Is anyone listening to any audiobooks?
Not tonight
5. What book are you most excited about in 2013?
The next book in the Maisie Dobbs series by Jacqueline Winspear

NYE 2012 Read a thon My Intro. Post

This read a thon is to celebrate bringing in another year. It is hosted by http://www.thepickygirl.com/
I have been off work since last week so this is perfect for me because I am always at home on New Years Eve. lol


1. What are you reading today?
At Home

2. Are you a comfy reader, or do you get dressed, wear shoes and socks, and sit in a straight back chair?
Comfy reader I have been in my pjs and bed all day. The cats have helped too, they think they are my reading buddies. lol :)

3. Food. What will you be eating/imbibing today?
Pistachio Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream, Reeses Cups, a grilled chicken salad, little cutie oranges

4. Have you finished a book yet?
Yes, An Amish Holiday by Cynthia Keller

5. What book do you want to be reading to close out 2012?
Flight of the Earls by Michael Reynolds

Books Read 2012

My total books read in 2012 is around 166. I say around because I think I forgot to record some of the ebooks I read on my phone. lol It was not a great reading year but not the worst either. My favorites will be in bold.

January
1. A Texan's Promise by Shelley Shepard Gray
2. An Amish Gathering by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, and Barbara Cameron
3. Flabbergasted by Ray Blackston (audio reread)
4. The Keeper by Suzanne Woods Fisher
5. The Girl With a Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
6. The Two Mrs. Abbotts by D.E. Stevenson
7. An Amish Wedding by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, and Kelly Long
8. Millie's Fling by Jill Marshall
9. Nobody's Baby but Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
10. Small Space Organzing by Kathryn Bechen
11. South Beach Wake Up Call by Arthur Agatston, MD
12. Rally Round Green by Judy Christie
13. The Survivor by Shelley Shepard Gray
14. When the Smoke Clears by Lynnette Eason
February
15. Primal Blueprint by Mark Sisson
16. Code Blue by Richard Mabry
17. One for the Money by Janet Evanovich
18. Along Wooded Paths by Tricia Goyer
19. The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson
20. Medical Error by Richard Mabry
21. The Redemption of Sarah Cain by Beverly Lewis
22. Diagnosis Death by Richard Mabry
23. Home Front by Kristen Hannah
24. Dangerous Imposter by Virginia Smith
25. Plain Jayne by Hillary Manton Lodge
26. Simply Sara by Hillary Manton Lodge
27. The Negotiator by Dee Henderson (reread)
28. The Litigators by John Grisham (audio)
29. Downtown Green by Judy Christie
30. The Garden Intrigue by Lauren Willig
31. Sweet Baklava by Debby Mayne
March
32. Cinnamon Roll Murder by Joanne Fluke
33. Love Finds You In Sugarcreek, Ohio by Serena Miller
34. Blue Moon Promise by Colleen Coble
35. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson (audio)
36. Welcome to Fred by Brad Whittington
37. Missing by Shelley Shepard Gray
38. A Grown Up Kind of Pretty by Joshilyn Jackson
39. Love Finds You In Charm, Ohio by Annalisa Daughetry
40. Always the Baker Never the Bride by Sandra Bricker
41. Always the Wedding Planner Never the Bride by Sandra Bricker
42. Always the Designer Never the Bride by Sandra Bricker
43. Winter Garden by Kristen Hannah (Audio)
44. Critical Care by Candace Calvert
45. Diaster Status by Candace Calvert
46. Code Triage by Candace Calvert
47. Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen
48. I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith
April
49. Love on a Dime by Cara Lynn James
50. Cooking the Books by Bonnie Calhoun
51. Perfect on Paper by Maria Murname
52. It's a Waverly Life by Maria Murname
53. Attachments by Rainbow Rowell
54. Delievered with Love by Sherry Kyle
55. Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens (audio)
56. True Devotion by Dee Henderson (reread)
57. Night Road by Kristen Hannah (audio)
58. Her Restless Heart by Barbara Cameron
59. Weddings and Wasabi by Camy Tang
60. Love by the Book by Cara Lynn James
61. Calico Joe by Joyhn Grisham
62. Traveler's Rest by Ann Tatlock
63. The Girl She Used to Be by David Cristofano (reread)
May
64. Delivery by Diana Prusik
65. My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade
66. The Mother Road by Jennifer Allee
67. Rumor Has It by Tami Hoag (audio)
68. The Surgeon's Miracle by Caroline Anderson
69. The Doctor's Devotion by Cheryl Wyatt
70. Chameleon by Jillian Kent
71. Emergency Wife Lost and Found by Carol Marinelli
72. Divergent by Veronica Roth
73. Knight on the Children's Ward by Carol Marinelli
74. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett (Reread)
75. Insurgent by Veronica Roth
June
76. The Ride of Her Life by Lorna Seilstad
77. Kissing Adrian by Siri Mitchell
78. 13 Rue Therese by Elena Shaprio
79. Dead Running by Cami Checkletts
80. Life From Scratch by Melissa Ford
81. More by Heidi Marshall
82. Short Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer
83. 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
84. The Inconvient Marriage of Charlotte Beck by Kathleen Y'Barbo
85. The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson
86. Sea Change by Karen White
87. Five Miles South of Pecuilar by Angela Hunt
88. The Direction's Cut by Janice Thompson
89. The Search by Shelley Shepard Gray
July
90. The Lawman's Legacy by Shirlee McCoy
91. The Rookie's Assigment by Valerie Hanson
92. The Detective's Secret Daughter by Rachelle McCalla
93. The Widow's Protector by Stephanie Newton
94. The Black Sheep's Redemption by Lynette Eason
95. The Deptuy's Duty by Terri Reed
96. Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear (audio)
97. Amy Inspired by Bethany Pierce
98. Lion of Babylon by Davis Bunn
99. Fire and Ice by Kristen Hannah (audio)
100. Birds of a Feather by Jacqueline Winspear
101. Lethal Legacy by Irene Hannon
102. Pardonable Lies by Jacqueline Winspear
103. Messenger of Truth by Jacqueline Winspear
104. Perfectly Ridiculous by Kristen Billerbeck
105. It Starts With Food by Dallas and Melissa Hartwig
106. An Incomplete Revenge by Jacqueline Winspear
107. Among the Mad by Jacqueline Winspear
108. The Mapping of Love and Death by Jacqueline Winspear
August
109. A Lesson in Secrets by Jacqueline Winspear
110. Elegy for Eddie by Jacqueline Winspear
111. the Mountains Bow Down by Sibella Giorello
112. Accused by Janice Cantore
113. the Stars Shine Bright by Sibella Giorello
114. The Haven by Suzanne Woods Fisher
115. Dying to Read by Lorena McCourtney
116. The Help by Kathryn Stockett (audio)
117. Found by Shelley Shepard Gray
118. The Beach Trees by Karen White
119. Death of a Couch Potato's Wife by Christy Barritt
September
120. Hiding in Plain Sight by Amy Wallace
121. The Reunion by Dan Walsh
122. The Yard by Alex Grecian
123. In the Woods by Tana French
124. On Folly Beach by Karen White
125. A Heartbeat Away by Harry Kraus
126. With Every Letter by Sarah Sundin
127. Twang by Julie Cannon
October
128. Full Disclosure by Dee Henderson
129. When a Heart Stops by Lynette Eason
130. Life With Lily by Mary Ann Kinsinger and Suzanne Woods Fisher
131. The Trouble with Cowboys by Denise Hunter
132. Sandwhich With a Side of Romance by Krista Phillips
133. Organized Crime by Christy Barritt
134. Confessions of a Murder Suspect by James Patterson
135. The Recipe Club by Andrea Israel and Nancy Garfinkel
136. Woman in White by Wilkie Collins (audio)
137. Flight of Fancy by Laurie Alice Eakes
November
138. The Christmas Star by Ace Collins
139. Placebo by Steven James
140. A Wild Goose Chase Christmas by Jennifer Allee
141. Miss Peregine's Home for Pecuilar Children by Ransom Riggs
142. A Snowglobe Christmas by Linda Goodnight and Lissa Manley
143. The Exceptions by David Cristofano
144. The Widow of Larkspar Inn by Lawana Blackwell (reread)
145. Saving Hope by Margaret Daley
146. Under the Mistletoe by Irene Brand and Anita Higman
147. Grace by Shelley Shepard Gray
December
148. Shattered Silence by Margaret Daley
149. One Imperfect Christmas by Myra Johnson
150. A Time to Heal by Barbara Cameron
151. A Time for Love by Barbara Cameron
152. A Time for Peace by Barbara Cameron
153. Christmas Countdown by Vicki Hinze
154. A Promise to Protect by Liz Johnson
155. Doctor to the Rescue by Cheryl Wyatt
156. Still Life in Shadows by Alice Wisler
157. Kill Me If You Can by Nicole Young (reread)
158. Kiss Me If You Dare by Nicole Young
159. Vanished by Irene Hannon
160. Christmas in Apple Ridge by Cindy Woodsmall
161. The Lesson by Suzanne Woods Fisher
162. The Likeness by Tana French
163. Southern Fried Sushi by Jennifer Rogers Spinola
164. Like Sweet Potato Pie by Jennifer Rogers Spinola
165. Til Grits Do Us Part by Jennifer Rogers Spinola
166. An Amish Holiday by Cynthia Kellar