The Hope Jar (The Prayer Jars #1) by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Title: The Hope Jar (The Prayer Jars #2)

Author: Wanda E. Brunstetter

Pages: 320

Year: 2018

Genre: Amish Fiction

Publisher: Shiloh Run Press

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     What happens when making an elderly Amish couple very happy means going along with a lie that get bigger by the day?

     Michelle Taylor is not who her new family in Lancaster County believes her to be. The Lapps were looking for their long-lost granddaughter when they met Michelle and she assumed the identity of Sara Murray. Once homeless and hopeless, Michelle has come to love her new Amish friends and even considers the idea of romance among them.

     Finding an old blue jar in the barn that is filled with slips of paper containing thoughts, quotes, and prayer by an unknown author becomes a boost to Michelle’s budding faith— but also convicting. How can she tell the truth without hurting the ones she has truly come to love?

My review:

     This is a wonderful Amish story.

     There is a large cast of characters. They are very well developed and I enjoyed getting to know them. It was great reading about the peaceful way of life on the Amish farm. A few of the characters made some very poor choices and I liked seeing the journey they each had to make to rectify their mistakes. It’s quite a process to face up to how we hurt others and learn to ask for forgiveness.

     I’m giving this great book a rating of 5 stars. I do recommend it and am looking forward to reading the other books in this series.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

My Heart Belongs in Galveston, Texas: Madeline's Search by Kathleen Y'Barbo

Title: My Heart Belongs in Galveston, Texas: Madeline’s Search

Author: Kathleen Y’Barbo

Pages: 256

Year: 2018

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Barbour Books

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     Where is Mrs. Smith’s granddaughter? Who is the mysterious Mrs. Smith?

     Pinkerton agent Jonah Cahill is hired by the mysterious widow to find her lost granddaughter, rumored to be living in Galveston, Texas. Though Jonah prefers to travel alone, Mrs. Smith insists that she and her companion accompany him. Madeline Latour, investigative reporter, has been acting as Mrs. Smith’s assistant for several months, and Madeline will not allow anyone—even a Pinkerton agent—to ruin the story of a lifetime. The pair forges an uneasy truce as the investigation grows dangerous.

     Is there a bigger story beyond a missing girl to be revealed?

My review:

     This a great historical romance novel!

     I love both of the main characters. Jonah and Madeline are both very well developed. I enjoyed seeing how they interacted with each other. It was fun finding out about their past relationship.

     I was definitely caught up in the plot for this book. There was a wonderful mystery is trying to find Mrs. Smith’s granddaughter. There were a number of surprising twists that were discovered. When we got to the final uncovering I had a few points that caught me totally by surprise.

     I’m giving this great story a rating of 5 stars. I definitely recommend it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*