Thursday, December 20, 2018

Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours Presents: To Fetch A Thief bh Teresa Inge, Heather Weidner, Jayne Ormerod, & Rosemary Shomaker


To Fetch A Thief
by Teresa Inge, Heather Weidner, Jayne Ormerod, and Rosemary Shomaker

Four novellas, each featuring a dog or two and loads of fun! I can’t choose a favorite. Each story is unique and wonderful.
~The Book Decoder
Four very different tales, each employing our furry friends, and in each case not only does the human not sleuth alone, but the pet sleuths prove themselves instrumental. Settle in for excitement, enjoyment, and intrigue, as those with tails do indeed “fetch” the wrongdoers to justice.
~Mallory Heart’s Cozies
I am not sure which one of the four stories is my favourite, because let me say that all of them were interesting in their own way, and it was lovely to read a book where the main character was not a human but the lovely friend that was always on their side, the dog.
~Varietats
4 stars – WOW! Four Fun Stories in One Book (Number 3 is my fave!)
~Here’s How It Happened

About the Book


 

To Fetch A Thief
Cozy Mystery Anthology
Light, humorous, dog-themed mysteries.
Bay Breeze Publishing, LLC (November 8, 2018)
Paperback: 278 pages
ISBN-10: 1732790701
ISBN-13: 978-1732790704
Digital ASIN: B07K97ZYY6
 


To Fetch a Thief, the first Mutt Mysteries collection, features four novellas that have gone to the dogs. In this howlingly good read, canine companions help their owners solve crimes and right wrongs. These sleuths may be furry and low to the ground, but their keen senses are on high alert when it comes to sniffing out clues and digging up the truth. Make no bones about it, these pup heroes will steal your heart as they conquer ruff villains.

About the Authors






Teresa Inge grew up reading Nancy Drew mysteries. Today, she doesn’t carry a rod like her idol, but she hotrods. She is president of Sister’s in Crime Mystery by the Sea Chapter and author of short mysteries in Virginia is for Mysteries and 50 Shades of Cabernet.

Website: www.teresainge.com
Connect with Teresa on Facebook, and Twitter









Heather Weidner, a member of SinC – Central Virginia and Guppies, is the author of the Delanie Fitzgerald Mysteries, Secret Lives and Private Eyes and The Tulip Shirt Murders. Her short stories appear in the Virginia is for Mysteries series and 50 Shades of Cabernet. Heather lives in Virginia with her husband and a pair of Jack Russell terriers, Disney and Riley. She’s been a mystery fan since Scooby-Doo and Nancy Drew. Some of her life experience comes from being a technical writer, editor, college professor, software tester, IT manager, and cop’s kid. She blogs at Pens, Paws, and Claws.


Website and Blog: http://www.heatherweidner.com
Pens, Paws, and Claws Website and Blog: http://penspawsandclaws.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeatherWeidner1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeatherWeidnerAuthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heather_mystery_writer/







Jayne Ormerod grew up in a small Ohio town then went on to a small-town Ohio college. Upon earning her degree in accountancy, she became a CIA (that’s not a sexy spy thing, but a Certified Internal Auditor.) She married a naval officer and off they sailed to see the world. After nineteen moves, they, along with their two rescue dogs Tiller and Scout, have settled into a cozy cottage by the sea. Jayne is the author of the Blonds at the Beach Mysteries, The Blond Leading the Blond, and Blond Luck. She has contributed seven short mysteries to various anthologies to include joining with the other To Fetch a Thief authors in Virginia is for Mysteries, Volumes I and II, and 50 Shades of Cabernet.

Website: www.JayneOrmerod.com
Blog: www.JayneOrmerod.blogspot.com







Rosemary Shomaker writes about the unexpected in everyday life. She’s the woman you don’t notice in the grocery store or at church but whom you do notice at estate sales and wandering vacant lots. In all these places she’s collecting story ideas. Rosemary writes women’s fiction, paranormal, and mystery short stories, and she’s taking her first steps toward longer fiction, so stay tuned. She’s an urban planner by education, a government policy analyst by trade, and a fiction writer at heart. Rosemary credits Sisters in Crime with developing her craft and applauds the organization’s mission of promoting the ongoing advancement, recognition, and professional development of women crime writers.

GoodReads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8121853.Rosemary_Shomaker


More Links:
Website: http://muttmysteries.blogspot.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MuttMysteries
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MuttMysteries1
Purchase Links – Amazon   Kobo   B&N




TOUR PARTICIPANTS
December 10 – Reading Is My SuperPower – GUEST POST
December 10 – Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
December 10 – A Blue Million Books – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
December 11 – Cozy Up With Kathy – CHARACTER GUEST POST
December 11 – Handcrafted Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
December 12 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW
December 12 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
December 13 – The Book Decoder – REVIEW
December 13 – A Wytch’s Book Review Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
December 14 – Mallory Heart’s Cozies – REVIEW
December 15 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – CHARACTER GUEST POST
December 15 – Varietats – REVIEW
December 16 – T’s Stuff – SPOTLIGHT
December 16 – Lori’s Reading Corner – GUEST POST
December 17 – Here’s How It Happened – REVIEW
December 17 – The Book’s the Thing – GUEST POST
December 18 – Rosepoint Publishing – SPOTLIGHT
December 18 – Mysteries with Character – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
December 19 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT
December 19 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW
December 20 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT, RECIPE – DOG TREAT
December 20 – Cassidy’s Bookshelves – GUEST POST
December 20 – Maureen’s Musings – REVIEW
December 20 – I’m All About Books – SPOTLIGHT
December 21 – Socrates’ Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
December 21 – Sneaky the Library Cat’s Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
December 21 – MJB Reviewers – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

My Review





A really cute and sweet read, or I should say four short stories, which unfortunately include a body, but for me happily include dogs, all different breeds
These dogs being dogs, help lead us to crimes, and in the end, help lead us to who committed the murder, all the while protecting us.
As a dog owner, I need to be careful when taking my pup for a walk, you never know, as these owners found out. Whether they are walking, playing or just meandering around their own yards, these canine fellows are for justice.
What is really nice, you can sit down and read just one, but I always find myself going on to the next, and pretty soon they are all gone!

I received this book through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.





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Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Kappy King and the Pie Kaper (An Amish Mystery #3) by Amy Lillard






This is the third book in this series of unconventional detectives, one Amish and the other was Amish but jumped the fence. Of course, as in the other stories there is another murder, and they can’t seem to control themselves!
Now if you haven’t read the other two, there is information about the other stories so you won’t be lost, but one you have read this one, you will be wanting to read the other two.
There are other old friends here two, and it is always hard to say goodbye, but I am hoping there will be more in this series.
We also get to learn a bit more about the Amish here and their different buggies, an area of Pennsylvania that has three different top ones.
You will love the sweet interaction of Edie and her brother Jimmy, and she seems to take care of him with a heart of gold, don’t be surprised if there are pigs in the next book!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.

Amazon




About The Author







I'm a wife, mother, and bona fide Southern belle. Published author, expert corn bread maker, and Squirrel Princess.

I live in Tulsa, though I was born in Mississippi. I moved to the Sooner State when I was seventeen and met my soul mate and best friend not long after. I've retained a little of my Mississippi accent though most people think I'm from Texas. (?) Rob and I have been married for over twenty years and have a son--a mom proclaimed prodigy, of course!

I love homemade tacos, nail polish, and romance novels--not necessarily in that order. I'm a big fan of country music, a staunch proponent of saving the Oxford comma, and I'm shamefully obsessed with all things Harry Potter.

I believe that God is love. I guess that's why I adore romances.

I have always been intrigued with the Amish culture, their gentle ways and slower-paced lifestyle. (And I love, love, love the fact that they stay married for their lifetime.) But until recently I never thought to blend this interest with my penchant for romance. Okay, okay, I'm a bit old-fashioned and even enjoy the gender roles that are present in this culture. I love to cook and take care of my family. Yes, that's me June Cleaver with a laptop.


Website


My Review



This is the third book in this series of unconventional detectives, one Amish and the other was Amish but jumped the fence. Of course, as in the other stories there is another murder, and they can’t seem to control themselves!
Now if you haven’t read the other two, there is information about the other stories so you won’t be lost, but one you have read this one, you will be wanting to read the other two.
There are other old friends here two, and it is always hard to say goodbye, but I am hoping there will be more in this series.
We also get to learn a bit more about the Amish here and their different buggies, an area of Pennsylvania that has three different top ones.
You will love the sweet interaction of Edie and her brother Jimmy, and she seems to take care of him with a heart of gold, don’t be surprised if there are pigs in the next book!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.

12 Days of Clean Romance – Rachael Anderson







My Brother’s Bride by Rachael Anderson
Abigail Nash leads a lonely existence. Her mother died giving birth to her, her father’s business dealings took him away more often than not, and her ailing great-aunt, unable to provide much in the way of companionship, was a lack-luster guardian at best. So when her dear friends offered to launch her into London society, it appeared Abby’s life was taking a turn for the better, with suitors and social engagements aplenty. When she marries a proclaimed darling of the ton, it seems she will at last settle into the life of her dreams.
But appearances aren’t always what they seem, and dreams often become disappointments.
Just months into her marriage, Abby finds herself widowed, penniless, increasing, and determined to never hope again. But when her late husband’s brother, the Earl of Brigston, attempts to thaw the numbness surrounding her heart, Abby must decide if she has it in her to risk another chance at happiness, knowing the odds are not in her favor.













I haven’t read a book by Rachael Anderson that I didn’t absolutely love and this awesome book didn’t fail to meet that grade. ~Vicki
This forbidden Regency romance was excellent! Once I started, it was hard—almost impossible—to put down. ~Charissa
This is the first full-length novel I’ve read by Rachael Anderson, but it definitely won’t be the last. I really enjoyed the story–the writing was really good with no annoying parts or awkwardness, the plot was interesting, the characters were endearing (I loved the banter between Brigtson and Abby!), and this book was just really good. Highly enjoyable. Great choice for those who like clean, well-written Regency romances. ~AE2
This is a wonderful story for anyone who enjoys a clever and heart-warming historical tale that will leave them with a smile on their face. ~Phyllis















Author Rachael Anderson
A USA Today bestselling author, Rachael Anderson is the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can’t sing, doesn’t dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.































Giveaway Details
$25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in PayPal Cash
Ends 1/10/19
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner may be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, BookBub, Instagram, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader & Clean Wholesome Romance and is sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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Celebrate Lit Presents: I Know The Plans by Melissa Wardell

I know the plans FB Banner_edited-1

About the Book



I Know the Plans



Book: I Know the Plans
Author: Melissa Wardwell
Genre: Romance

Release Date: October, 2018

All the plans Tiffany and Brad made for their lives as individuals were thrown to the wind the moment they met. Now, after almost a decade of marriage, they spend more time apart than together. Though plans remain unfulfilled, their hearts seek to remain steadfast and connected.
After Brad returns from his latest tour in Afghanistan, it is evident that the man Tiffany married is no longer the same. As Brad struggles with reacquainting himself with his life, Tiffany questions how it could be part of God’s plan. Have the sins of their past finally come back to haunt them? No matter how much support they have in their family and friends, the choice is still theirs. Will they continue to trust God with their lives or will they choose their own course?

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Melissa Wardwell


Melissa Wardwell resides in the quant town of Owosso, Michigan with her husband and their three teen aged children. She began her writing journey in August of 2014 with her debut novel “What God Brings Together”. She decided to give writing a try after she shared a story that nagged at her with a friend. Unsure in her own abilities to craft a story she plunged ahead anyway. After reading the first draft of that first book, she then understood that God had a much bigger plan. “God does not give his children a desire just so that it can go to waste.” Since then, she has added three more novels and taken part in two anthologies. Melissa also has a review blog and is a contributing blogger for Heart”wings” Blog.
Being a mother and wife herself, Melissa understands the importance of taking care of yourself from time to time. So, all her stories revolve around women who are mothers: single mothers, widowed mothers, young mothers, married mothers, and even women who have a mother’s heart but no children of their own.
To see the full list of her work, visit www.melissawardwell.com


Guest Post from Melissa

Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV) “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
This verse has been my “Go To” verse since the day I married. It is a constant reminder that no matter what struggles I endure, God has a plan. I may not be able to see through the fog, I may not like or understand the journey, but it is all part of a plan. All I can do is trust God’s design for my life and be willing to move when He tells me to.
God used the writing process of “I Know the Plans” to remind me that He has a plan for me and book and I need to just trust the process. This book has taken me over a year to complete. If it wasn’t one thing to keep me from committing to it, then it was another. I don’t begrudge the events that kept me away, but as soon as I would begin to grumble to God about not having the energy or the brain power to write, I would get this preverbal reminder that I was not the one in control. If I am going to write faith lessons in fiction, I need to trust the Master Author.
In “I Know the Plans”, Sergeant Bradley Jones and his wife, Tiffany, are hit with one whopper of a plot twist that leaves them wondering if they can get through some major medical issues, PTSD, and infertility in one piece. Their family and friends do their best to support the couple but sometimes, trusting God’s plan is all they can do. Something we all try to learn to do in our own lives.
Due to the military thread in this book, I asked my veteran friends what charity they hold in high esteem. Almost every single one of them suggested “Wounded Warrior Project” and offered rave reviews of their humanitarian efforts in the military community. So, a portion of my royalties from this book will be going to “Wounded Warrior Project” in honor of their service and the service of thousands of others. 

There is another group of people I wanted to honor. Those who fight with infertility. I know many who have fought the battle to have children of their own. Some eventually find success, while other have not. Some have even taken the route of adoption and have saved the lives of young ones who needed all the love in the world. Then there are some that just choose to embrace the fact that children of their own was not going to happen and have given all their love to others. All of these groups of people fight a battle that is riddled with pain, confusion, endless medical procedures, and thousands of dollars. There isn’t one group or anther that could support these people as much as our love, prayers, and thoughtful kindness can. So, I encourage you to embrace those around you and shower them with love. Sometimes what they need is just a friend that will listen and not try to mix the problem. Just as you have received the Father’s love, now you can give it away.
Finally, I want to thank the CelebrateLit blog team for signing up for this tour. I am honored that they choose to read this story and offer their honest opinions on this book. As always, I pray it ministers to the readers as much as it ministered to the author. “You all are amazing!”
Blessings,
Melissa Wardwell

Blog Stops

Connect in Fiction, December 14
Inklings and notions, December 14
Godly Book Reviews, December 15
Blogging With Carol, December 15
Mary Hake, December 16
Carpe Diem, December 17
Maureen’s Musings, December 18
All-of-a-kind Mom, December 18
Texas Book-aholic, December 19
Christian Bookaholic, December 20
cultivating us, December 20
Bibliophile Reviews, December 22
Simple Harvest Reads, December 24 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng)
Janices book reviews, December 25
The Becca Files, December 26
Bigreadersite, December 26

Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Melissa is giving away a grand prize that includes an “I know the plans” coffee mug and print copies of books 1, 2, & 3 from the Promises From Above Series!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d76f/i-know-the-plans-celebration-tour-giveaway


My Review

A love that has endured long absences, and now with her husband home from Afghanistan, she is having a hard time with his absence again, he is now home but with a brain injury.
Will he be able to find his way back, or will Tiffany have to adapt to a new husband? Or worse case they will each have to go their own ways.
All is possible with faith in God, and these two need Him in their lives, and just when you think things will change life continues to throw curve balls.
You will never see what happens here in the end, but with Faith all is possible.

I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.

The Amish Sweet Shop by Emma Miller, Laura Bradford, Mary Ellis






It’s almost Valentine’s Day, the busiest time of the year at Beechy’s Sweets, where the Amish gifts of love and faith are even sweeter than the home-made candy.

THE SWEETEST COURTSHIP National Bestselling Author Emma Miller
At age thirty-six, Jacob Beechy is a rarity—a master candy maker, and a bachelor. His mother, however, still hopes for grandchildren. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, she convinces Jacob he will need extra help in the shop and interviews a string of applicants—for his
future wife . . .

THE SWEETEST TRUTH  National Bestselling Author Laura Bradford
Sadie Fischer has accepted that she will never marry. Her scars from a barn fire are a daily reminder of why. So when she receives mysterious gifts leading up to Valentine’s Day, including chocolate from Beechy’s, she’s bewildered—yet curious. Sadie may not think she’s pretty, but there’s a young man who sees only sweetness when he looks at her . . .

NOTHING TASTES SO SWEET Award Winning Author Mary Ellis
Pregnant and suddenly widowed, Hannah must give up the dreams she once had. But when she learns that her longtime English employer plans to sell his hardware store, she’s determined to buy it. She doesn’t realize that will mean following a clue from Beechy’s to clear a man’s name—and finding a partnership in work, faith, and love.


Amazon



About The Authors




Emma Miller is a wife, mother and a grandmother who lives a quiet life in Delaware. She's the author of the Hannah's Daughter's series and is at work on her next Amish romance novel.
















While spending a rainy afternoon at a friend's house nearly forty years ago, Laura Bradford fell in love with writing over a stack of blank paper, a box of crayons, and a freshly sharpened number two pencil.

Those early attempts at the craft had her writing and illustrating stories for young children. Wise beyond her years, Laura saved her first writing attempt in a hand decorated shoe box (complete with sparkly stickers) and moved on to her next idea. Her second book—O’Casey’s Wish—was so utterly brilliant, she sent it off to a well-known New York publishing house at the tender age of ten, confident she was on the verge of becoming the next Don Freeman (Corduroy) or Shel Silverstein (Giving Tree).

Months later, she received her first form letter rejection.

While she wasn’t of the mindset to save that first crushing blow for posterity, Laura did save the original copy of this particular literary masterpiece in the event the letter was a mistake.

Desperate to prove her flexibility as a writer, Laura soon found herself dabbling in jokes (for her Girl Scout troop’s newsletter), stories of angst (a somewhat autobiographical look at her teenage years), movie reviews (for the Xavier University Newswire), and countless news and feature articles (for newspapers in CT, SC, TN, and MO).

It wasn’t until Laura was home raising children of her own though, that she was finally able to dust off that rainy day dream and bring it back to its original form—writing fiction. Today, she is a bestselling mystery author with Berkley Prime Crime (Penguin Publishing), and an award winning romance author with Harlequin American. She lives in New York with her family.

Oh, and if you meet Laura at a book event in the future, ask her about O’Casey’s Wish. It tends to travel with her everywhere she goes.


Website








Mary Ellis has written twenty-five novels including Amish fiction, historical romance, and suspense. First in the Secrets of the South series, Midnight on the Mississippi, was a finalist for the RT Magazine’s Reviewer’s Choice Award and a finalist for the Daphne du Maurier Award for Mysteries. Second in the series, What Happened on Beale Street, won the Judge a Book by its Cover for Inspirational Romance. Last in the series, Sunset in Old Savannah has been nonimated for the Daphne du Maurier Award for Inspirational Mysteries for 2017 and the Bookseller’s Best Award for 2017. In April, Severn House will release book one of Marked for Retribution Mysteries called Hiding in Plain Sight in August.  She is also working on a novella for Kensington called Nothing Tastes so Sweet for the Amish Candy Shop Anthology. It will release in January of 2019. www.maryellis.net or www.facebook.com/Mary-Ellis/Author

My Review





Once I began reading these three novella’s I was gone and page-turning, the stories are written by three different authors, but in some way, include an Amish candy store, take place in a walking distance from each other.
Each story is different, but with the theme of forgiveness, loss of loved ones, and coming to terms with yourself.
They kept my attention, and as I finished each story I was willing to keep on reading and being in their lives, they are all that enjoyable, and quickly became friends.
You won’t go wrong with this one, there is something for everyone!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give positive review.

Courting Her Prodigal Heart (Prodigal Daughters #3) by Mary Davis






A mother-to-Be's Amish homecoming...

Pregnant and alone, Dori Bontrager is sure her Amish kin won't welcome her – or the child she's carrying – into the community. And she's determined that her return won't be permanent. As soon as she finds work, she'll leave again. But with her childhood friend Eli Hochstetler insisting she and her baby belong here, will Dori's path lead back to the Englisher world... or into Eli's arms?


Amazon

About The Author 




Mary Davis is an award-winning author of over a dozen novels in both historical and contemporary themes, four novellas, two compilations, and one short story. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, is the past president of her local ACFW chapter, and is active in two critique groups. She won ACFW’s Carol Book of the Year award in 2008 for her historical novella, “Love Notes”. Titanic: Voyage of Intent, came out in April 2012, and a Christmas novella released in the fall of 2012 from Barbour called "A Carpenter Christmas" in A Cascade Christmas.Her latest releases include Her Honorable Enemy, "Marty's Ride" in The Farmer's Daughter Romance Collection, and "The Captain's Wife" in The Beaches and Brides Romance Collection. Her upcoming releases include Romancing the SchoolTeacher (March 2015), Winning Olivia's Heart (June 2015), and "Cinda's Surprise" in The Mail-Order Marriage Romance Collection. Please visit her website athttp://marydavisbooks.com.

My Review




I enjoyed this read, but that being said I questioned some of the things that this book told us, the electricity in the house? Getting past that and the rampant use of computers the story itself was good.
The young woman who returns to her roots when life has thrown her a hard curve ball, the people who welcome her back and those that don’t.
A young Amish man who fights his past and current attraction to this wayward girl, and his journey to make a living.
A different story, but one that held my attention even when I questioned things.

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Love Inspired, and was not required to give a positive review.  

Where the Heart Takes You (Amish New World #1) by Virginia Wise






In this sweeping new historical series by Virginia Wise, a young woman finds a new life in America’s first Amish settlement—and discovers that love requires a special sort of courage . . .

Pennsylvania, 1737. Greta Scholtz braved a perilous journey—and the loss of her beloved father—to find religious freedom in America. With two orphan children she's taken under her wing, she's trying hard to survive this rugged new world. So she won't let settlement elders pressure her into marrying reserved widower Jacob Miller. She and Jacob simply can’t agree on anything—even if the unexpected feeling between them is proving an irresistible force . . .

After losing his wife and baby, grief-stricken Jacob keeps everyone at arm’s length. Duty is the only reason he began helping the headstrong Greta make a life for herself and her charges. Yet he’s grown to admire her, especially her strength in the face of obstacles—including him and his wounded ways. But wrenching misunderstandings and a jealous rival could separate them forever. To find harmony—and perhaps even a future together—Greta and Jacob must take a leap of faith and risk opening their hearts.


Amazon

About The Author



After Virginia’s oldest son left for college and her youngest son began high school, she finally had time to pursue her dream of writing novels. Virginia dusted off the keyboard she once used as a magazine editor and journalist, to create a world that combines her love of romance, history, and Plain living.
Her Amish New World series takes readers on a journey into the 18th century Pennsylvania wilderness and the pioneering days of the first American Amish. Each carefully researched novel brings a bygone era to life and connects readers to this forgotten time by weaving familiar Amish romances into an historic frontier setting.
Virginia Wise's favorite pastimes include wandering Lancaster County’s Amish country and exploring history museums that inspire her stories and help her connect readers with the past. When she’s not writing, Virginia enjoys painting and taking long walks in the woods.



My Review





The author has set this book in the 1730’s Pennsylvania and a founding settlement Amish Community, and we experience it first hand through the eyes of a recent [Charming Nancy] survivor, Greta Scholtz. Life is very basic, and all are trying to survive and have put their faith in God.
We also meet Jacob Miller, a grieving widower, who is not interested in another woman.
I loved this book, and the words flew of the pages, and when it ended I felt a loss. Never thought about how they cooked bread, a communal oven, wow! What we take for granted!
There are a few chuckles here, especially playing the pig pen, and then there are several scary times, but in all I have a good visit here, and hope for more!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington Books, and was not required to give a positive review.

Monday, December 17, 2018

12 Days of Clean Romance – Mylissa Demeyere








The Songs That Brought Me Back by Mylissa Demeyere

Have you ever made a mistake? One so monumental you lost everything? I did, and I hate myself for it! All I want to do is close my eyes, and let the darkness consume me. Make it all go away. The end.
Ainsley is drowning in the depth of her despair. One wrong decision left her alone, with only regret as her constant companion. To escape it all, she makes another choice. One she hopes will end everything. Instead, she’s thrown into a whole new world filled with opportunities she doesn’t believe she deserves.
Ethan gives the appearance of breezing through life. But underneath his bright facade, he’s scarred by loss. When fate leads him into Ainsley’s world at the exact moment she needs someone the most, he can’t ignore the chance to right the wrongs of his past.
Ainsley and Ethan will struggle to help each other heal and start anew.
They’ll learn that the secret to conquering their pain lies within their power, if only they can do it together.
Always together.
Sometimes the ending is really the beginning.






ETHAN
“FILL THESE OUT, PLEASE.” The nurse at the ER admin desk
shoved a clipboard holding a stack of insurance forms into
my hands. “Once we get your partner stabilized, I’ll go find
out about sending you in to see her.” She gave me a curt nod
and disappeared behind the desk.
What had I been thinking? I hadn’t been thinking. Not
much beyond getting my neighbor here in time. I had been
living next door to Ainsley for the last six months, ever since
the construction on my house was completed. And I had
noticed her from day one. Who wouldn’t, with her striking
blue eyes, long blonde hair, and a body every man dreams of?
But there was more. She had this frailty about her, if you
looked close enough. And it drew me in, right from the start.
But she never let me get further than a few pleasantries. Still,
it didn’t stop me from trying. And I had tried to be her
friend.
When I found her earlier today… I shuddered as the
memory washed over me.
I clutched the letter in my hand, secretly happy I had an excuse to
ring Ainsley’s doorbell. The mailman had messed up and I
couldn’t let the opportunity slide, noting her car in the driveway.
Walking up to the door, I rolled my shoulders and took a deep
breath, aiming for cool and suave, not flustered and eager like she
had me feeling each time I caught a glimpse of her.
I rang the bell and turned to soak up the bright rays of sun,
feeling my stomach knot as the anticipation rose. A few seconds
passed, but no one came to open the door.
I turned to ring the bell again, sure she was home, when I
stopped dead in my tracks, my hand still suspended in the air. My
heart started pounding in my chest as the ground beneath me felt
like it was moving.
“Ainsley! Ainsley!” I pounded on the door, her lifeless body
sprawled on the floor in the hallway just visible through the
sidelights. My palms felt moist as I fought against the rising
panic.
“Ainsley!!” My voice was hoarse as I belted out her name over
and over.
Instinct took over. I ran to the back door and found it
unlocked. I hadn’t ever let myself in, but now wasn’t the time to
worry about that.
“Ainsley!” I fell on my knees next to her, taking in the full
scene. Her chest was barely moving, her lips a faint shade of blue.
An empty pill bottle lay on the floor beside her. I picked it up,
already sure of what was going on but needing to confirm it.
Time seemed to stand still as I pieced it all together, but the loud,
ringing sound in my ears forced me to move and get help.
“Ainsley, what have you done?” I cried as I slipped my phone
out of my back pocket and called 911. I hoped I wasn’t too late,
that we still had time.
“What happened?” One of the paramedics loaded her on a
gurney while the other got to work checking her vitals. I rehashed
all I knew, which wasn’t very much.
They loaded her in the ambulance, and after getting the right
info about where they were taking her, I sped over to the hospital
in record time.
“What’s your relationship to the patient?” The ER clerk typed
in Ainsley’s name without making eye contact.
“I don’t see how that’s important now,” I growled.
“Only the next of kin can see the patient.” She looked up for
the first time and took in my panicked state.
“I’m her…boyfriend.” Where did that come from? I didn’t even
know her that well, but I couldn’t take it back now.
“I see.” The woman stared up at me over her wide-rimmed
glasses, pausing as she studied me. Did she pick up on my
hesitation? Did she detect the lie?
“Please take a seat. I’ll have her paperwork ready in just
a sec.”
I released the breath I held and dropped down in the vinyl
seat, overcome by the events of the past hour.
I’d been waiting for over two hours, and I was frantic. I
didn’t do so well in a hospital setting.
“Mr. Van Der Beek?” A doctor dressed in light blue scrubs
walked into the waiting area. I stood up.
“Yes?” My heart beat double time, waiting for him to give
me news on Ainsley.
“We were able to stabilize your girlfriend.” The word
made me wince. The doctor luckily mistook it for the info he
was delivering, and his expression softened, his eyes full of
sympathy. “Ainsley experienced respiratory depression, and
we needed to intubate her to ensure she was getting enough
oxygen.”
I swallowed the bile rising in my throat and nodded my
understanding.
“We’ll keep her in the ICU until she gains consciousness.”
“But she’s going to be okay?” I pleaded.
“We’ll know for sure tomorrow. I think you got to her in
time.” He patted me on the shoulder and turned to leave but
reconsidered.
“Mr. Van Der Beek.” He stared into my eyes.
“Yes?” I felt the weight of the day settle on my shoulders.
“Your girlfriend is very sick. Even if she makes a full
physical recovery, you have a long road ahead of you.”
I nodded, my eyes stinging. “Thank you, Doctor.” I sank
onto one of the chairs lining the side of the waiting area. If
anyone knew how long that road was, it was me.

















A heartfelt romance with a powerful message about the sanctity of human life. If you’ve ever simply needed a friend, The Songs That Brought Me Back will resonate–and leave you thankful for the people in your life. -Taylor Dean, author of I’m With You and Chasing Fireflies.
Another remarkable read by Mylissa Demeyere. Ethan and Ainsley had me laughing and crying as they face their own demons and fall in love while doing it. This book adds even more depth as it confronts suicide head on. Suicide has become an epidemic that some are afraid to address; Demeyere brings it to light from both the victims and the survivors giving us insight on the struggles of so many. It does not disappoint and I, again, am excited to see what comes next from this talented writer. – Amazon Reviewer
A beautiful sequel to The Songs of You and Me that cleverly illustrates that there are always two sides to every story and that it is never too late for love to overcome any challenge. – Amazon Reviewer
“This poignant redemption story about second chances and forgiveness yanked my emotions all over the place. I cried, I yearned, I hoped. A beautiful story about what true love is and does.” – Charissa Stastny, author of Between Hope and the Highway and The Ruled Out Romance Series
















Author Mylissa Demeyere
Mylissa Demeyere was born in Belgium, and resides in the beautiful city of Ghent. She lives in a somewhat organized home with her four beautiful children and the love of her life. If she isn’t working, she’s writing, running, reading, or enjoying time with her kids, who are growing up way too fast.
The Songs That Brought Me Back is her second novel in The Songs Series, with a third book releasing in the middle of 2019.

























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Ends 1/10/19
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