Through the Valley (The Amish of Shepherd's Hill) by Patricia Johns

 

Miri Schrock never expected to inherit anything after months of caring for Old Tom Yoder, so upon his passing, she's stunned to learn he's left her everything. But Tom's family is equally shocked, and Miri is not sure she can rightfully accept an inheritance that clearly belongs to Tom's grandsons.

Moses Yoder thought he knew his grandfather, but his decision to leave the Lancaster County family farm to Miri has Moses questioning everything. Now he's caught between his family's demands that Miri surrender what's rightfully theirs and his own growing romantic attraction toward her. As Moses and Miri are drawn together, they must navigate family tensions, yet discovering the truth behind the inheritance may change everything they thought they knew about love, family, and God's plan for their future.

Amazon 

 

About The Author

 Patricia Johns is a New York Times and #1 Publishers Weekly bestselling Amish fiction author, writing from Alberta, Canada. She relishes electricity and modern conveniences in her real life, but she loves to imagine what life would be like living without everything we so easily rely upon. If you were to peek in at her, you'd find her tapping away on her computer writing her newest book, or arranging her dollhouse furniture which has become a big passion of hers. You can keep up with her on social media, or sign up for her newsletter for a chance to win signed books and knitted surprises made with love by the author herself. 

 

My Review

 

I have been looking forward to this book, and it sure did not disappoint.
I loved being back with Tabitha, the Amish vet, and Jonas, but this relationship can go nowhere, because of her divorce. As this book starts Jonas has gone looking for a bride, no!
There is a big theme of forgiveness here, both for Tabitha and the Yoder's, but can they?
This is also Mimi's and Moses story, with Mimi wanting to be out doing men's work, and not being a typical Amish woman, and yes, Mimi and Tabitha are related!
This story has so many twists and turns, and just when you think questions are answered, no, and we are in for big surprises.
I loved the epilogue, only thing wrong was I hate for this series to end!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.  

The Heiress and the Woodsman by Christine Hill Suntz

 

Canada, 1837. Charlotte is determined to hold onto her family's crumbling estate—the last vestige of their former place in Toronto society before her mother's death and her father's financial ruin. But when her missing brother Simon is suspected of aiding a political rebellion, Charlotte heads north to find him before his impulsive decisions ruin what's left of their family's standing and break her ailing father's heart.

Joshua has worked tirelessly to carve a home from the wilderness for the younger brother he was forced to leave behind, only to learn his first harvest is nearly worthless and his brother has been sold into an indenture Joshua can't afford to redeem. When a stranger offers him work tracking down a settler in the bush, he's desperate enough to agree.

Nothing has prepared Charlotte for the challenges of surviving the wilderness. When Joshua comes to her aid, she offers to pay him for guidance through the bush. Though he knows a spoiled city girl will slow him down, he can't refuse the money. As Charlotte and Joshua face the dangers of travel through rough terrain, admiration and friendship grow, even as class divides and hidden truths complicate their bond. But when they are caught in the crossfire of rebellion, they must decide if the futures they've fought for are truly their hearts' desire—or if something unexpected awaits.

Amazon 

 

About The Author

 

Christine Hill Suntz knew she wanted to write novels the day she finished Anne of Green Gables, and she's been lost in her imagination ever since. Her love of language led her to study French and German and pursue a graduate degree in Comparative Literature before finding a home teaching high school French. Her work has won numerous prizes, including the 2022 ACFW Genesis competition.

Christine lives in Ontario on a hobby farm with her family, a flock of chickens, one attack rooster, and a herd of entitled goats. When she's not writing or teaching, she enjoys trying out historical recipes on her (mostly) willing family. 

 

My Review

 

I enjoyed this read, taking place in Ontario, Canada in the 1830's, a time of unrest and the wanting of what the US had, independence.
A young woman who's desire is to save her families estate, and it's an uphill battle, with debts they have fallen from grace with the establishment. Now she needs to find her brother to help save her home!
What a journey Charlotte is about to embark on, and the people we meet on the way! With Joshua's help will she find her brother in time? Also will Joshua be able to rescue his own brother?
This is a Christian read, and the author does a beautiful job of weaving this story, and made me want to continue on in their lives.
I would like to know what happened and where is Simon?
I will be looking for more by this author!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Tyndale House, and was not required to give a positive review.

Autumn at the Cat Cafe by Kathleen Fuller

 

Via Dalton has sworn off men to focus on the two things she loves most: her quirky cat café, Pawsitive Vibes, and the charming town of Pecan Corner, Ohio. But her peaceful world is shaken when Earl Brewster, the owner of the beloved Second Chapter Books next door, passes away. Via is determined to buy the shop and preserve Earl's legacy, but her plans hit a snag in the form of a tall, handsome, and completely unexpected heir.

Leo Brewster's life is thriving in LA, and the last thing he needs is an inheritance in the middle-of-nowhere, Ohio. But the alternative--letting his estranged mother inherit--has him packing his bags to receive the inheritance, quickly sell it off to the highest bidder, and hightail it back to LA. What he didn't count on was the list of stipulations in the will that has him staying in the small town for a month. Oh, and the determined, sunny café owner next door who refuses to let him destroy the town's heart without a fight.

Desperate to convince Leo the bookstore is vital to her community, Via challenges Leo to complete her Autumn Bucket List. As they navigate corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and fall festivals, Leo begins to see the magic in Pecan Corner--and in Via. Despite her vow to stay single and his plan to leave, the attraction between them simmers like hot cider.

Can a season of small-town charm convince a city boy to stay, or will Via lose both the bookstore and her heart?

Amazon 

 

About The Author

 

Best-selling author of Amish fiction. Also a wife, mother, crafter, coffee addict, football fan, and chocolate aficionado.

 

My Review

This is a story that had quite a few chuckles, but also deals with a lot of human emotions. There are cats and some you may want to take home, but there is healing in their purring!
We are offered some drama, and some sad happens, but also some joy and possible new relationships.
Leo and Via find each other in a rather unusual way, Uncle Earl, and he did it unkowingly!
I will say that Leo's growing up broke my heart, but despite his parents he seemed to be a great young man.
Past hurts seem to affect these young people, but lost journals change everything.
I did love the epilogue!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.  

The Christmas Book Flood: A Holiday Friends-to-Lovers Romance Set in WWII Iceland by Roseanna M. White

 

Iceland. December 1944. Tatiana Eliasdottir is looking forward to welcoming her niece Elea for Christmas. She's determined to give the little girl a joyful holiday and take her mind off troubles at home. Soon, however, the publishing house where Tatiana works is flooded with orders thanks to the first issue of a seasonal book catalog. With the war causing so many shortages, Icelanders are eager to give their loved ones something that isn't rationed, and books are the perfect solution to their dilemma.

Anders Johannsson is an editor who shares Tatiana's love for stories. While he wishes to know her better, he's never dared pursue more than friendship. They are first and foremost colleagues. But when Tatiana's attempts to cheer Elea fail, Tatiana recruits him to help, a plea he can't refuse. He is, after all, not only an editor but a beloved children's book author and devoted uncle to his adoring nieces and nephews.

As the two creatively bring Icelandic Christmas traditions to life for Elea and frantically work to meet the demands of the publisher's holiday rush, Tatiana finds herself increasingly drawn to kind, thoughtful Anders. But if a love is to grow between them, she will need to reveal her closely held secret: she is the mysterious author of a popular new novel . . . and Anders is her editor.

Amazon 

 

About The Author

 Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

 

My Review

This is a really sweet Christmas read. The year is 1944 and WWII, the setting is Iceland an area occupied by the US.
The read is heartwarming, with a young girl Elea, 7 years, having to spend time with her Aunt, and us.
This is a sweet love story, with a little girl being a catalyst to their seeing what was right in front of them.
I loved reading about the customs here, such a fun putting your shoes on the window sill, and receiving gifts from the Yule Lads. There is also the tradition of giving books, thus the Book Flood!
This is beautifully written quick read!
I received this book through Net Galley and Tyndale House Publishers, and was not required to give a positive review.
 

 

 

 

Embroidering the Truth (Gift Shop Mysteries, #3) by Elizabeth Penney

 Sarah Morgan’s latest mystery arrives at Heavenly Treasures along with her old friend Renee Torres, who brings a stunning quilt that belonged to her recently deceased great-aunt. Together, they realize that this Baltimore album quilt includes pieces from a famous nineteenth-century artist named Emily Deveau—meaning the value of the piece just skyrocketed! What was such a precious item doing in Renee’s family home?

News of the quilt spreads quickly throughout Port Huron. Soon Sarah finds herself not only researching its history, but also helping Renee protect it from those who are desperate to get their hands on it. Sarah discovers a tale of deception and betrayal that takes her all the way back to the 1893 World’s Fair. It’s a race against time—and a mysterious adversary—to find the answers Sarah and her friend seek.

Amazon 

 

About The Author

 

Elizabeth Penney is the author of the Apron Shop Series and the Cambridge Bookshop Series, both from St. Martin's Press. She is also the author of women's fiction and mysteries for Annie's Fiction and Guideposts.

Now living in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, she pens novels and tries to grow things. Elements that often appear in her novels include vintage everything, past/present mysteries, historic houses, and the arts. Oh, and usually a very cool cat.

Visit her website at www.elizabethpenneyauthor.com to learn more.

 

My Review

 

I really enjoyed this read, and how they go about getting the answers.
Have some old quilts in my home, and some new ones I've made, so this one really piqued my interest.
This is the third book in this series, and the first that I have read, it can be read alone!
The story revolves around an old quilt with beautiful appliques, and then the mystery begins.
The story along with some danger, does revolve around this quilt, but highlights some of the past centuries taking women for granted, and some men who claim their work as their own.
A very enlightening read, filled with love and being there for one another, but their is also some danger!
I'll be looking for more by this author!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Guideposts, and was not required to give a positive review.

Celebrate Lit Presents: Freed by the Frontier Authors: Sherry Shindelar, Denise Farnsworth, Susan F. Craft

 

About the Book

Book: Freed by the Frontier

Authors: Sherry Shindelar, Denise Farnsworth, Susan F. Craft

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: June 30, 2026

Three remarkable women find themselves caught between two worlds on the American frontier. A captive of the Comanche must choose between escaping to white society or her growing feelings for a rising war chief in 1850s Texas. A Georgia judge’s daughter flees an unwanted betrothal during the War of 1812, only to be captured by Creek warriors but protected by a mysterious brave. And in 1754, an English lady traveling the Great Wagon Road to become a music teacher discovers her carefully planned future may not survive her attraction to a protective frontiersman.

From quaint civilized towns to treacherous mountain passes and wilderness villages, three couples navigate cultural divisions, overcome past wounds, and face deadly dangers to discover that love knows no boundaries. But as war clouds gather and ancient tribal alliances shift, will their newfound relationships survive the coming storm? Or will the clash of worlds tear them apart?

Three unforgettable romances prove that God’s greatest blessings often come disguised as our greatest challenges, and that true love can bridge any divide.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Authors

Originally from Tennessee, Sherry loves to take her readers into the past. A romantic at heart, she is an avid student of the Civil War and the Old West. When she is not busy writing, she is an English professor working to pass on her love of writing to her students. Sherry is an award-winning writer: 2025 Maggie winner, 2023 Genesis finalist, Maggie finalist, and Crown finalist. She currently resides in Minnesota with her husband of forty-one years. She has three grown children and three grandchildren. Connect with Sherry at sherryshindelar.com.

 

 

 

North Georgia native Denise Farnsworth, formerly Denise Weimer, has authored over twenty traditionally published novels and novellas—historical and contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and time slip. As a freelance editor and Acquisitions & Editorial Liaison for Wild Heart Books, she’s helped other authors reach their publishing dreams. A wife and mother of two adult daughters, Denise always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses.

 

 

Nationally acclaimed writer of inspirational historical romance, Susan F. Craft retired after a 45-year career in communications. A widow who was married 48 years to her high school sweetheart, she has two adult children, one granddaughter, and a granddog. A history nerd, she enjoys painting, singing, and sitting on her porch watching chipmunks dine from her bird feeder. She recently learned how to play the ukulele. Soli Deo Gloria

 

 

 

More from the Authors

Imagine a time when the U.S. not far from the coast was unsettled wilderness. Where brave settlers faced the challenges of isolation and nature as they established a toehold of civilization. Where multiple nations clashed in battle as they vied for control of land and waterways.

This setting seeded with inherent danger and wild beauty calls to those of us who write frontier historical romances from the 1700s and 1800s. Three of us from Wild Heart Books—Sherry Shindelar, Denise Farnsworth, and Susan Craft—came together to pen a trio of novellas, Freed by the Frontier. Each of our stories connects to one of our previous series, but each novella can be read independently. We invite you to journey with us back to rugged mountains, wagon roads, and frontier settlements.

 

Wichita Path Sacrifice by Sherry Shindelar

The frontier has always captured my imagination. It is a place of hope and hardship, new beginnings and trials, dreams and risk, and in my stories, a place where love is forged. My novella is the prequel to Texas Forsaken, Book One in my Lone Star Redemption series. Wichita Path Sacrifice tells the love story of captive Maggie Logan (Eyes-Like-Sky) and Dancing Eagle, a renowned Comanche warrior. The story is set in Comancheria in the 1850’s when the Comanches ruled the southern Plains and settlers entered the Texas frontier at their own risk. Years ago, the real-life story of Cynthia Ann Parker broke my heart. Cynthia was captured by Comanches at age nine, and lived with them for twenty-four years, married, and had children. When she was eventually recaptured by cavalry and Texas Rangers, she wanted nothing to do with the settlers’ world. Her heart belonged to the Comanche and her husband and children who were lost to her. Cynthia’s story had a sad ending that haunted me. I wanted to write a captive story with a happier ending, and that desire led to Texas Forsaken. The prequel, Wichita Path Sacrifice, inspired by the real-life stories of Cynthia Ann Parker and her cousin Rachel Plummer, is an enemy-to-lovers story of love blossoming in the midst of trials, when it seems all hope is gone. It’s a story of choices between paths. Love requires sacrifice. Eyes-Like-Sky and Dancing Eagle must decide how much they’re willing to let go of and risk if they are to claim the dreams of their heart.

 

 

Ofuskee Trail Surrender by Denise Farnsworth

Keturah Caldwell disappeared from A Counterfeit Betrothal, the first book of my Scouts of the Georgia Frontier series. Pledged to wed the hero of that novel, the daughter of a Georgia judge  was abducted by thieves and sold to a war party of Creek braves. One of them, known as Wildcat, quietly protects her on the journey to his village in present-day Alabama. Keturah soon learns she has more in common with the adopted son of the micco than she would ever have guessed. When his cruel stepbrother turns his sights on Keturah and her younger sister, Keturah is forced to trust Wildcat in a marriage of convenience, though she vows to convince him to help them escape. They grow from enemies to lovers amid the War of 1812, as she learns that sometimes, greater blessings can come from abiding than from escaping.

Keturah also meets another captive, Susannah Moore, heroine of A Contrary Betrothal (formerly released as Bent Tree Bride), coming August 18 of this year.

 

Wagon Road Serenade by Susan F. Craft

An enemies-to-lovers historical romance, this novella is set in1754 on the Great Wagon Road spanning from Philadelphia, PA, to Augusta, GA. I wrote this novella as a complement to my three-novel Great Wagon Road series.

Elizabeth Stanton, her reputation marred from an injustice in London, seeks a second chance as a music teacher for a women’s academy in the Blue Ridge Mountains. She joins a wagon train, but scarred from her past, she vows never to rely on a man again. James Morgan, a widowed trapper, hears a vile rumor about Elizabeth and regrets agreeing to drive one of the academy’s wagons. To Elizabeth, James is another charming scoundrel. To James, Elizabeth is a tainted woman to be avoided. Both resist a growing attraction. James admires her willingness to help others. Her soft soprano voice fills the nights with a melancholy sweetness. Had he received false information and misjudged? Elizabeth tries to remain indifferent, but when he saves her and an orphan girl after Indians kidnap them, her heart softens.

Will his gentle treatment erase her misgivings? Can she trust him? Will their hearts reject discord and blend into a serenade of love?

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 11

Artistic Nobody, July 12 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 13

Texas Book-aholic, July 14

Jeanette’s Thoughts, July 15

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 16

Tell Tale Book Reviews, July 16

Lyssa Loves Books, July 17

lakesidelivingsite, July 17

Guild Master, July 18 (Author Interview)

Books You Can Feel Good About, July 19

Cover Lover Book Review, July 20

Simple Harvest Reads, July 21 (Guest Review from Donna)

Holly’s Book Corner, July 22

Fiction Book Lover, July 23 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, July 24

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, the Wild Heart Authors aare giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://gleam.io/7zZDM/freed-by-the-frontier-celebration-tour-giveaway

To Fly on Broken Wings by Fayla Ott

 

Mississippi Delta, 1941

Lila Rose never expected life to offer her more than the quiet rhythm of cotton fields and small-town whispers. Raised in poverty and caring for an alcoholic father, she's learned not to hope for much.

Then she meets Graham, a young pilot from one of Mississippi's wealthiest families. Their unlikely love changes everything.

But when war tears them apart and Graham is reported killed in action, Lila believes the future she'd dreamed of has died with him. Determined to move forward, she remarries and begins building a new life.

Until Graham comes home.

Now the man she buried in her heart is standing before her, and the life she's fought to rebuild hangs in the balance. Faced with an impossible choice between the love she lost and the promises she's made, Lila must discover whether faith can guide her when every path leads to heartbreak.

Amazon 

 

About The Author

 

Fayla Ott enjoys writing stories about American history, especially stories set in the south.

Fayla's novels have received glowing reviews from readers. Her book Afflicted(2018), set during the Salem witch trials of 1692, received high praise from Publisher's Weekly, and it also won the Redemptive Fiction Award.

Fayla Ott lives in East Tennessee. She has four sons, a daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren who call her "Marmee". When she's not writing, she teaches college English full time. She enjoys being involved in her local church, where she sings in the choir and teaches a Bible Study. Her hobbies include reading (of course!), photography, cooking, hiking, visiting museums, traveling, playing guitar and keyboard, gardening, and crafting. Please visit Fayla at faylaott.com, or on one of her social media platforms.

Facebook: Fayla Ott, Author; Instagram: @faylaottauthor; Goodreads: Fayla Ott

 

My Review

 

This is a WWII story, a story begins with the opinion in the US is to stay neutral, but as we know things happen and we are in the fight.
This is a boy meets girl story, with a happy ending? Not with a war going on, life is in turmoil.
Now the boy, young man has a passion for flying, and you can guess with a war on whom becomes a great demand. Off goes Graham, not long after they are married. Life continues, and we are there as she is left with his family.
Life doesn't always turn out like we want and this read sure has a lot of twist and turns, some really sad moments, and some very heart warming.
This is a beautifully written Christian read, I became so involved in the lives of these characters, impossible decisions, and yet?
A don't miss read, full of life's choices.
I received this book through Net Galley and Heritage House Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review.