Smitten (A Book Review)

Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (December 20, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1401684947
• ISBN-13: 978-1401684945

I must admit I am becoming a fan of short stories. I really enjoy when I get several short stories in one book and with "Smitten" we get four short stories by four different authors, but the great thing is that the stories are interwoven together. Each story begins where the other ends off, and allows us to view things thru the eyes of the woman that the particular story is about. The story takes place in Smitten, Vermont. When the towns biggest employer ( a lumber mill) plans on shutting down, the townspeople wonder  how they will ever make it. Well four friends decide that they are going to put the tiny town of Smitten on the map! Because of the town's name they think they can bill it as a romantic destination, a town for lovers. Can it work? Will the town of Smitten be saved? The four friends Natalie Mansfield,Julia Bourne,Shelby Evans,and Reece Mackenzie not only try and save the town but each of the women soon have men smitten with them. 

This was a great little read, the characters each were well drawn and easy to connect with. While the girls work together for a common goal, each were different, with their own issues. I always enjoy watching characters grow and change for the better and we got that with each of the stories in this book. I always enjoy a faith based theme in romance and this book has that, although it doesn't come off as preachy. A quick read, that had me smiling on several occasions. Because this book is written by four different authors it allowed me to sample the work of a few authors I hadn't read before, but will certainly be watching for more from. 

Four great little romances with an inspirational feel, not to mention a pretty cover, who could ask for anything more?

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson's Booksneeze program in exchange for an honest review.

Book Description from Amazon.com:

Publication Date: December 20, 2011

Four friends devise a plan to turn Smitten, Vermont, into the country's premier romantic getaway-and each finds her own true love along the way.

With Smitten Lumber closing, residents wonder if their town can stay afloat. Then four friends and local business owners-Natalie, Julia, Shelby, and Reese--decide the town is worth saving. How will they do it? They'll turn Smitten into a honeymoon destination!

As Natalie, Julia, Shelby, and Reese work to save the town, each discovers romance in her own life. Meanwhile, the faith of a little child reminds the whole town what it means to have real faith in the God who is the always and forever Love.

Discover a novel written by four of Christian fiction's most popular romance novelists- friends in real life who've drawn an amazing story of four friends! Includes a Reading Group Guide as well as "Conversation over Coffee with the Authors".

An Amish Wedding ~ review

"An Amish Wedding" is a collection of three short stories written by three very popular Amish writers, Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, and Kelly Long. Most of the books that I have read that contained stories from three different writers usually don't connect but with this one the authors weave their stories together.

"A Perfect Secret' by Kelly Long is the first story and the main characters are 19 year old Rose Bender and 23 year old Luke Lantz. Luke and Rose have been friends for years so when he proposes marriage in a calm manner, she is a bit disappointed after all she hoped for a bit of romance, but Luke's idea that their marriage be based on friendship and beneficial to both families makes sense so she accepts. While she believes she knows everything their is to know about Luke she soon learns differently.

"A Perfect Match" by Kathleen Fuller is the story of Naomi King and Zeke. Naomi has always been a successful matchmaker for her friends and family. Even at the age of twenty-five she hadn't ever felt pressure from her friends or family to marry, after all her life was full and satisfying. When her friend Margaret asks for help in finding a beau, she decides to try and make a match between Margaret and Zeke Lapp who has come to town for his cousin Chester's wedding. Of course things really never go as planned, will she be able to pair Margaret and Zeke together or does God have other ideas?

"A Perfect Plan" by Beth Wiseman is the story of Pricilla King and Chester Lapp. As their wedding day approaches things seem to keep going wrong,is it a sign from God that they should call the wedding off?

I always enjoy reading short stories and this book was no different. The one thing that I really liked was the fact that the characters intertwined in the stories, allowing the plot to connect even though each story was written by a different author. I think fans of Amish fiction will certainly enjoy this book, and for someone that has never read any of the Amish authors featured it is certainly a nice way to sample their work. Another great thing about reading a book like this is that it is easy to pick up and put down,although I found myself reading it in a few sittings. For me my favorite story had to be " A Perfect Secret" by Kelly Long, but overall each story was great!

This book was provided by Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review.

Lonestar Angel by Colleen Coble ~ review

For me this was a book that took me just a bit to get into, but really once I got a feel for the characters and their backgrounds it really took off for me. It was a book filled with mystery,suspense, romance and intrigue with a nice christian theme woven in. Imagine if you will your a young married couple when your child is kidnapped and later the police determine the child is dead. That's just what happened to Eden and Clay Larson, and their marriage didn't hold up.So Eden decides to move on with her life. Fast forward five years and she is about to be married again when Clay shows up, and informs her that he never signed the divorce papers he was served with. More than that he never gave up hope that the child that was kidnapped, a daughter named Brianna would someday be reunited with them.

What an interesting story line. It was easy to feel empathy for Eden. She lost a child and left Texas and moved to Indiana to get a fresh start. When Clay shows up and tells her he believes their daughter might be alive she does the only thing she can do and heads back to Texas to look for her daughter. What will she find in Texas. Read the book and find out. While this book is part of a series, I easily read it as a stand alone work once I got a feel for the characters. A new to me author whose work I plan on reading more of, because I do enjoy well written mystery, intrigue and suspense woven together with a christian theme.

Book provided by Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review.

His Steadfast Love by Golden Keyes Parsons

This is the second book that I have read by Golden Parsons and I really think I liked the first book titled "Where Hearts Are Free"much better than this one. I normally am a huge fan of historicals especially ones that take place around the Civil War but for me this book really didn't seem to be very thouroughly researched. Other than that it was an okay story. Again I loved the civil war time period, and the fact that the plot moved along quickly was another plus. Even though that the main character (Amanda ) made a promise to her mother on her deathbed she still found herself falling in love with Captain Kent Littlefield, a union soldier, even though her brother Daniel was with the Confederates. I couldn't help but wonder how things would work out. I also find it quite refreshing that a writer can pull us into a story, and also give us a nice positive christian message as well.

If you enjoy historical fiction, and don't mind a bit of innaccuracies in the details then I think your going to enjoy this one. I easily give it four stars and will certainly watch for more from this author.

Waking Hours by Lis Wiehl with Pete Nelson ---review

Book review for "Waking Hours":

I haven't ever heard of Lis Wiehl but when I saw this book on Booksneeze I decided to give her writing a try. I thought the cover was quite eye catching and hoped the book inside was just as good. Well I think I am hooked on her writing. This book really captured my attention. I loved the fast paced style of writing.The murder of a teen girl sends shock waves thru the community of East Salem, New York. Whats worse is it looks like a ritual killing and the only suspect is another teen. But are things really what they seem?

This book really had me on the edge of my seat. There were plenty of twists and turns and it wasn't easy to figure out who the killer was. I am not a huge fan of paranormal but the paranormal/supernatural flavor of this story wasn't bad at all, and I am thinking I am going to give paranormal christian fiction a look. The ending wrapped up the story pretty well, but did leave a couple of loose ends, which has me hooked wanting the next book in the series.

If your new to Lis Wiehl's writing like I was then I suggest picking up this book. Its the first book in the East Salem series and its a great way to get a feel for this author's writing. I for one will be watching for the next book in this series.

*Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

The Wonder Of Your love by Beth Wiseman ~ review

"The Wonder Of Your Love" is the latest Amish book in Beth Wiseman's A Land Of Canaan Series. This is the story of Katie Ann Stoltzfus and Eli Detweiler. I found it quite interesting from the opening pages. Katie is an older single Amish mother, but there is a twist to her story. Her husband Ivan left her to live with an Englisher lady, and then was later killed in a car accident. He died without knowing that Katie was going to have his child. The opening pages of the story has the Englisher Lucy Turner coming to Colorado to see Katie because she has something important to tell her. Just what could Lucy need to tell Katie? Eli Detweiler is a widower of seventeen years. His children are all grown now and he is looking forward to doing a bit of traveling. When he goes to Canaan, Colorado to attend a wedding his family decides to try and pair him up with Katie, but her heart has been broken and she isn't sure she is ready for love. Will Katie and Eli find a second chance at happiness?

I have really enjoyed reading Amish novels, and while some are a bit predictable this one really stood out. The plot was different, Katie is older and is attempting to raise a son on her own. Her husband leaving her for an Englisher was also another twist. A fast moving story that I couldn't put down. I enjoyed the characters and the setting, as well as the positive christian theme woven thru the story. I will anxiously be watching for more from this author.

A complimentary copy of this book was sent by Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review.

Wrapped in Rain by Charles Martin ~ review

I have never heard of Charles Martin the writer before, I actually have a cousin named Charles Martin but thats another story for another day.

The writer Charles Martin really knows how to spin a story. While the book started out slow for me once it picked up momentium it became a book I couldn't put down.

Tucker Mason and his brother Mutt were raised by their housekeeper, Miss Ella Rain who was a nice christian lady. She showed them love and protected them from their abusive,alcholic father. Tucker grows up to become a famous photographer but his brother Mutt didn't fare so well, and wound up in a mental hospital because he suffers from schizophrenia as well as other issues. As the boys grew up their past pains from their father haunted them, but they learn that to find peace within themselves they must find forgiveness for their father.

I really liked the southern feel of this story. Miss Ella Rain certainly loved the two boys as her own and really took care of them, she continued to affect them long after she passed away. I thought the story of Katie and Jase was interesting as well.

Overall it took me several pages to become invested in the story but I am glad that I stuck it out because it became a story that I hated to see end.

This book was provided by Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review.

Treasuring Emma by Kathleen Fuller

In Kathleen Fuller's newest book "Treasuring Emma,"the plot revolves around Emma Shetler. She is a twenty five year old Amish woman who seems to always be in the role of caregiver. She took care of her mam until she passed away from cancer, and is still taking care of her grandmother and the farm. Her sister Claire isn't much help, her family is struggling financially and she is trying to figure out a way to make money for the family. Emma also guards her heart, because it was broken when her beau Adam left the faith, but now he has returned, why has he come back? Not only that there is another man who has come to town, his name is Mark King and he has a few secrets. Just who is he and whats he all about?


I thought this was an interesting story, the plot moved along at a good pace. There was a bit of romance mystery and intrigue along with family drama that kept my attention. I thought it was interesting to learn about Adam's time while he was outside the faith. The money issues Claire and her family were dealing with was a twist that I hadn't read about in any of the other Amish stories I had read.


I really think this is a great Amish read, and its quite helpful that the author includes a glossary for Amish words used in the story. There are discussion questions included that would make this book a perfect selection for a reading group. Fans of Amish fiction will certainly want to read this one!

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson's Booksneeze program for an honest review.

A Reluctant Queen by Joan Wolf

"A Reluctant Queen," is the fictionalized book about Queen Esther from the Bible. Because I had never read Biblical fiction I wasn't sure how well I would enjoy this story but decided to try it anyway.

For a fictionalized historical love story it wasn't bad, but for me I think I was expecting it to be a bit more Biblically accurate. Other than that it was a pretty interesting story. The author really pulls you into the timeperiod of the story, I liked the descriptions of the area and clothing worn at that time as well as learning some of the customs, and how it might have been for a young girl to have lived during that time period.

If your looking for a historical romance that is loosely based on the Bible then you should certainly pick up this book. I for one really enjoyed it and look forward to reading my next Biblical fiction story.

Book provided by Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review.

Beyond All Measure by Dorothy Love ~ review

Since I started reviewing books for Booksneeze I have found myself reading books that I normally wouldn't have chosen otherwise, but most of the time I am pleasantly surprised by liking them. With "Beyond All Measure," its no different. Its a historical fiction set during 1871. I like the fact that the setting of the book was in the south shortly after the civil war, I have always enjoyed fiction and nonfiction alike set during this period and this book was excellent. The writer draws you into the story allowing you to feel as if your transported back in time. Her writing flows smoothly and the way she weaves a nice spiritual message into the story made it even better.




Ada Wentworth feels as if she has been deserted by everyone including God. She has lost everything she holds dear and finds that she must find a way to support herself. She decides she will leave Boston to go to Hickory Ridge Tn, to take a job as a ladies companion for Miss Lillian hoping to be able to return to Boston someday to open a millinery shop. When she is picked up at the train station by Miss Lillian's nephew Wyatt whom she feels drawn to.




Will Ada decide that she wants to stay in Hickory Mills, and how will the relationship between Ada and Wyatt turn out, since his dream is to go back to Texas?




If you enjoy a nice inspirational read that is set right after the civil war, that touches on the subject of racial issues, but also gives the reader romance and inspiration as well, then you won't be disappointed in this book.

I was provided a copy of this book by Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review.

The Final Summit by Andy Andrews

"The Final Summit" by Andy Andrews it the continuation of the story of David Ponder. In this story David is 74 and he misses his beloved wife who died unexpectedly. Most days he wishes he could just go to heaven and be with her again.Turns out David was a time traveler, someone chosen to travel back thru time and the wisdom he gleaned is what made him the successful man that he became. When he gets a summons from the archangel Gabriel, to sit in on what could be the final summit, a summit that will determine the fate of humanity! Before reading this story I hadn't read anything by Andy Andrews. I learned that there was a previous book in this series titled "The Time Traveler". Although I hadn't read it I had no problems reading this book, the author gives us enough information so that I didn't feel lost. Anyone looking for an interesting story, with historical aspects woven in will certainly enjoy this one. I really enjoyed this authors writing style and purchased more of his work! Highly recommended! I was provided a copy of this book by Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review. If you want to learn more about the book here is the product description: David Ponder is back. This time the fate of mankind is in his hands. This is mankind's last chance. Centuries of greed, pride, and hate have sent humanity hurtling toward disaster, and far from its original purpose. There is only one solution that can reset the compass and right the ship, and it consists of only two words. With time running out, it is up to David Ponder and a cast of history's best and brightest minds to uncover this solution before it is too late. The catch? They Are allowed only five tries to discover the answer. Readers first encountered David Ponder in The Traveler's Gift. Now, in The Final Summit, Andrews combines riveting narrative with astounding history in order to show us the one thing we must do when we don't know what to do. Many years have passed since David Ponder discovered the Seven Decisions during a divine journey through time. Now 74 years old, Ponder-has lost the one thing that mattered to him most: his wife, Ellen. Despite his personal and professional success, he now sits alone at the top of his 55-story high-rise contemplating the unthinkable, just as he did 28 years ago. However,just as things are looking their darkest, Ponder is informed through divinechannels that he is needed now more than ever. Together, with the help of hundreds of his fellow Travelers, from Winston Churchill to George Washington Carver to Joan of Arc, he must work to discover the one solution that will save humanity. Time is running out, and the final summit of Travelers must work quickly to avoid dire consequences. The Final Summit explores the historically proven principles that have guided our greatest leaders for centuries, and how we might restore these principles in our own lives...before it's too late.

Plain Proposal by Beth Wiseman

Miriam Raber is an eighteen year old amish girl who's lifelong dream is to become an Amish wife and mother, unfortunately for her though she has set her sites on Saul Fisher, an Amish man with a few secrets. The biggest issue he is facing is the fact that his dream is to become a professional chef, something that he could never pursue as an amish man, so he knows he will have to leave the faith if he is going to achieve his dream. How can a relationship between the two ever work, when they have such different ideas about the future? Will Miriam be able to change Saul's mind, or will she follow him right out of her Amish community?

As if this storyline isn't intriguing enough the author throws in the story of Shelby, an eighteen year old English cousin ( her dad left the amish faith) who after the divorce of her parents starts acting out and hanging around the wrong crowd, so her parents decide to send her to stay with the Rabers for the summer. Shelby arrives feeling as if she is being punished, and has lost all faith in God, can staying with the Rabers help her find her way back to God?

This book was filled with several plot twists, just when you thought someone was going to do something they did something totally different. It was so nice to see how Shelby grew throughout the story. I was honestly surprised at the choices that Miriam and Shelby made, although for Shelby if was nice to see her finally find a place where she felt like she belonged.

It is so refreshing to read interesting romance/fiction that is clean, enjoyable and also doesn't mind mentioning God as well. I really enjoyed this well written story and while it is part of the Daughters of the Promise series it can easily be read as a stand alone story. Fans of Amish fiction or romance will love this story!

Plain Proposal by Beth Wiseman is another fantastic Amish read provided to me by Booksneeze to review in exchange for my honest opinion and thetas just what you have gotten!

Seek Me With All Your Heart by Beth Wiseman

Seek Me With All Your Heart is the first book in what promises to be an exciting new Amish series title A Land of Canaan.
What made this story unique for me was the fact that it is set in Colorado. Several amish families are headed west hoping for a new start. Some are moving because they are looking for cheap land, while others are leaving hurtful pasts behind hoping for a fresh start.

The main story revolves around Emily Detweiler and David Stoltzfus. The two have issues from their past, each thinking that they are unworthy, but as their characters blossom and develop throughout the story, they realize God has a plan for them.

This book was a quick easy read filled with plenty of secondary characters to keep you entertained. Fans of Amish fiction will definitely be drawn to this story, but I think that anyone looking for a good clean read with an uplifting message would enjoy it as well.

I was provided a copy of this book by Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review.

Curiosities Of The Civil War

What a fantastic book for anyone who is looking to find out little known facts of the civil war. I am a history buff, and while some of the things I read in this book I actually knew about, there was far more that I had never heard of. The great thing about this book is the ability to be able to pick it up and flip to a page and read something random and then put it down.

This book is broken down into nine sections and has a total of 44 chapters that are filled with little known historical facts. The book is wrapped up with a conclusion at the end.

I think this book would be perfect for anyone looking to learn more than just the obvious facts about the civil war. Whether your a history buff or just like to read interesting tidbits of information about the Civil War then I recommend you read this book.

I was provided a copy of this book from Thomas Neslon in exchange for an honest review.