The Journey Home by Hope Kesler

Birdie Miller had left the Amish faith to join the English world. When she received a phone call that her mother has been in an accident and may not live she returns to her Amish family to help take care of her mother. Things at home aren't easy for Birdie though as she struggles in her relationship with her father. Birdie is everything an Amish girl shouldn't be: headstrong, determined, independent, opinionated. All these things make her relationship with her father difficult. 

Caleb Troyer is leaving his Amish family in Ontario to move to Ohio and start a new life as a blacksmith. He is leaving his home because he is attracted to someone who loves another. Caleb meets Birdie and isn't sure about her. She comes across as someone who, as an Amish woman, is too strong in her opinions. Caleb soon learns that Birdie isn't as tough as she seems and has struggles of her own. 

I liked the story line of this book. I am really enjoying all of the Amish fiction lately that focuses on not-so-perfect Amish families. Let's face it. The Amish all have problems like everyone else. It is refreshing to read about their problems and how they handle them. Birdie had problems that I think everyone can relate to. I liked Caleb's character as I think he was instantly likable. I also liked Esther, Birdie's best friend. I would like to see a story written about her. 

I would have liked the book to have been longer. I was enjoying getting to know Birdie and Caleb and wished their story could have been longer and more detailed. It would have been nice to have seen their friendship develop more and to have read more about their courtship.

This book is easy to read and can easily be read over a long afternoon or over a weekend

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Almost Always

I really enjoyed this quick and easy read. I was pleasantly surprised (and a little shocked) that this was the author's first work. The book had a good, solid story and well developed characters. I liked the flow of the book as it moved smoothly from chapter to chapter keeping my interest the entire way from beginning to end. In fact, I stayed up late to finish the book. I had to know what happened to everyone. 

Even though the story is somewhat predictable and I guessed what was going to happen before it did, this was still a fun book to read. I'm pretty sure I would read more from this author. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a quick, easy, light read

Married for Christmas

Daniel wants to be the pastor at his childhood church. They want someone who is married. Jessica wants a husband and family. It only makes sense for the two of them to get married so they can both get what they want. There is only one problem and that is Daniel is a widower and has said he won't fall in love again. Their marriage will not be one based on love. Jessica thinks she can handle this so agrees. After getting married though Jessica wonders if she can live in a loveless marriage. Can they truly live as husband and wife if there is no love?

This was a fast-paced, predictable read. I liked the story line, even though you can probably guess what will happen between the two. The story is a sweet romance and is easy to get into and stay interested in from beginning to end. This was an easy read as it only took hours to finish. There are several grammatical/spelling errors but they are not too distracting. However, these did bring down the rating I gave the book.

The author starts out with a note that this is not a spiritual book but rather a book about spiritual people. I found this note to be accurate as there are a few tastefully done love scenes. 

Overall I really enjoyed reading this book. It is a quick, easy weekend read.

Kristi's Book Review: A Mother's Secret by Amy Clipston

Kristi's Book Review: A Mother's Secret by Amy Clipston: There are so many words I could use to describe this book. Amazing, fantastic, terrific, must-read, and a keeper are just a few. Amy Clipst...

A Mother's Secret by Amy Clipston

There are so many words I could use to describe this book. Amazing, fantastic, terrific, must-read, and a keeper are just a few. Amy Clipston has written a wonderful story about letting go of the past and forgiving yourself for past mistakes.

Carolyn Lapp made a mistake in her youth that she now believes will prevent her from finding true happiness. That mistake resulted in her son Ben. She believes she will not be able to marry for love as her parents did but will have to marry to give Ben a father. She meets Joshua Glick at an auction when her son is accused of hurting his horse. That injury results in Ben working at Josh's horse farm to pay off the vet bill. Joshua and Carolyn soon find themselves attracted to each other but in the way to finding true happiness stands Carolyn's secret and Joshua's mother Barbie. Can the two overcome Carolyn's past and Barbie's desire to run Josh's life? 

This book was so easy to get into and stay interested in. The characters are so genuine it is easy to get into their story and hope for the best for them. The pace of the book is just right. I couldn't put this book down as I just had to know what would happen to Carolyn and Josh. 

I like that Amy writes stories about Amish people who have problems just like anyone else. These people aren't perfect and they have struggles just like non Amish. I think it's important for those of us who are intrigued by their lives to understand they are not perfect but flawed just like us. The difference is in how they deal with their flaws compared to us. Amy does a fantastic job of highlighting this. Another aspect of the book I enjoyed was the characters are in their thirties and still trying to discover who they are. 

I teared up reading a section of this book when Ben defends his mother to Josh. I don't often tear up when reading but I just couldn't stop myself. Amy has such a connection to her characters that it comes across on the page and draws you in. 

I give this book two thumb up. It is definitely one of the best Amish fiction books I've read and one of the best books I've read this year. Bravo, Amy. Well done!!

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