A Hidden Hope by Suzanne Woods Fisher

A Hidden Hope by Suzanne Woods Fisher - 310 Pages

 

Supervising two newly minted medical residents might be the toughest challenge Ruth "Dok" Stoltzfus has ever faced. Wren Baker, sharp and ambitious, graduated at the top of medical school with a hidden agenda in tow. Charlie King, at the bottom of the class, is determined to succeed--though Dok isn't convinced he's got what it takes. Then there's traveling nurse Evie Miller, whose quiet love for Charlie doesn't go unnoticed, especially by Wren.

Boarding at Windmill Farm, the trio struggles to balance modern medicine with Plain living. Between medical emergencies, cultural misunderstandings, and brewing romantic tensions, Dok finds herself juggling far more than she bargained for. Soon the stage is set in the small Amish community of Stoney Ridge for plenty of professional and personal complications.

The Timepiece by Beverly Lewis

 

The Timepiece by Beverly Lewis - 336 pages

As the only daughter, Sylvia Miller of The Tinderbox has always held a special place in her Old Order family, one Adeline Pelham jeopardizes when she shows up at the Millers' Hickory Hollow farm. It isn't that Adeline means to be a threat, but her very existence is a reminder of the painful secret that has so recently upended the Miller household. And with Sylvia and her mother still struggling to come to terms with that news, this is a challenging time to welcome an Englisher--especially this Englisher--into their midst.

Despite the Millers' unexpected hospitality, Adeline is well aware that she's treading on Sylvia's turf, and she feels guilty about doing so when Sylvia is grappling with issues of her own. Not only is Sylvia trying to rebuild her trust in her father, but she's uncertain what to make of her once-promising engagement to Titus Kauffman, who hasn't pursued her since she confronted him. Adeline wishes she could help Sylvia, but she's not sure that either she or Sylvia is ready for that level of closeness in their relationship.

Can God make something good come out of the mistakes of the past? Or does Adeline's
arrival mark one too many surprises for the Millers and their Amish community?

I am normally a horror/thriller reader but I challenged myself to read different genres, so this is what I chose for Inspirational.  To be honest, I really did enjoy it, and when I need a nice, calming palate cleanser after reading a few startling horror books I'll probably pick up more of her books.

An Evil Heart by Linda Castillo

 

An Evil Heart by Linda Castillo-307 pages

Kate Burkholder Series #15

On a crisp autumn day in Painters Mill, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder responds to a call only to discover an Amish man who has been violently killed with a crossbow, his body abandoned on a dirt road. Aden Karn was just twenty years old, well liked, and from an upstanding Amish family. Who would commit such a heinous crime against a young man whose life was just beginning?

But as she looks into Karn’s past, Kate begins to hear whispers about a dark side. What if Aden Karn wasn’t the wholesome young man everyone admired?  

I love this series.  Great character development.  A good read you can't put down.

The Walnut Creek Wish by Wanda E. Brunstetter

 The Walnut Creek Wish by Wanda E. Brunstetter - 518 pages

Welcome to Walnut Creek, Ohio, where Orley and Lois Troyer own an antique store they call “Memory Keepers.” Though knowledgeable in antiques and their repair, their real talent is in mentoring folks who are hurting and don’t even know it. Enter Jeff, a restaurateur, and Rhonda, a hotel manager, who recently moved to Amish country for the slow pace, but the change of scenery puts even more stress on their already strained marriage. Will an antique sled be the last straw, or will it lead to unexpected revelations and the fulfillment of dreams?

The Blended Quilt by Wanda Brunstetter & Jean Brunstetter

The Blended Quilt by Wanda Brunstetter and Jean Brunstetter 279 pages Thanks to an inheritance from an aunt, Sadie Kuhns is creating a unique quilt by blending a traditional Amish pattern with a Hawaiian pattern as a tribute to her time spent in the islands, and she is working on a self-published book. But her sisters complain she is ignoring family responsibilities. Her boyfriend Wyman Kauffman is considering breaking up with her because she's too focused on promoting her book than preparing for their marriage. Will Sadie find a way to blend the conflicting fragments of her life, or will her aunt's last gift tear her world apart? I liked this book for most of it, but the ending seemed rushed. It was almost like they got tired of writing and hurried to finish the last chapter. The ending was not what I expected, but it also could have used a little more detail and explanation. I love reading about the Amish and found it interesting, but didn't like the ending.

The Beginning by Beverly Lewis

 The Beginning by Beverly Lewis - 344 pages

Susie Mast's Amish life in Lancaster County has been shaped by events beyond her control, with the tragic deaths of her Dat and close-in-age brother casting long shadows. Now twenty-two, Susie remains unmarried despite her longtime affection for friend Obie Yoder. 

Unfortunately, her concerns are soon multiplied due to her mother's worsening health and her younger sister's urgent desire for answers about her adoption. Once again, Susie faces the possibility of loss. Will long-held family secrets and missed opportunities dim Susie's hopes for the future? Or is what seems like the end only the beginning?

Once again, Beverly Lewis has come through with a thoughtful, yet realistic book about life. Her ability to speak to her readers about life, and keeping their faith, that God has a plan and if we follow His lead, he will be faithful to us, astounds me everytime I open one of her books.    

Amish Christmas Hideaway by Lenora Worth

 Amish Christmas Hideaway by Lenora Worth - 219 pages

She’s hiding from killers…can she find a haven in Amish country?

A festive evening quickly becomes a holiday nightmare when Alisha Braxton witnesses a double murder. And the killer’s cold eyes promise that she’s next. There’s only one person Alisha trusts with her life — private investigator Nathan Craig, the man she once loved. But hiding in Amish country, can they outwit a murderer who’s determined she won’t survive Christmas?

Amish Generations by Kathleen Fuller

 

Amish Generations  by Kathleen Fuller 352 pages

Great book with 4 different Amish stories that don't tie together, but were all interesting.  I had a hard time switching from one story to another, but in the end a very enjoyable book about the Amish traditions.

The Timepiece by Beverly Lewis

The Timepiece by Beverly Lewis - 326 pages


As the only daughter, Sylvia Miller of The Tinderbox has always held a special place in her Old Order family, one Adeline Pelham jeopardizes when she shows up at the Millers' Hickory Hollow farm. It isn't that Adeline means to be a threat, but her very existence is a reminder of the painful secret that has so recently upended the Miller household. And with Sylvia and her mother still struggling to come to terms with that news, this is a challenging time to welcome an Englisher--especially this Englisher--into their midst.

Despite the Millers' unexpected hospitality, Adeline is well aware that she's treading on Sylvia's turf, and she feels guilty about doing so when Sylvia is grappling with issues of her own. Not only is Sylvia trying to rebuild her trust in her father, but she's uncertain what to make of her once-promising engagement to Titus Kauffman, who hasn't pursued her since she confronted him. Adeline wishes she could help Sylvia, but she's not sure that either she or Sylvia is ready for that level of closeness in their relationship.

Can God make something good come out of the mistakes of the past? Or does Adeline's 
arrival mark one too many surprises for the Millers and their Amish community?

Arms of Mercy by Ruth Reid

Arms of Mercy by Ruth Reid - 479 pages

On the eve of a new year, Catherine Glick is expecting her bu of five years to propose. Instead, the unexpected arrival of an old boyfriend, Elijah, sends her life spiraling out of control. When a rash decision damages her current relationship, Catherine leaves for Florida to work in her cousin's bakery - anything to flee the source of her shame.

Elijah Graber knows he hurt Catherine when he left their Amish district six years ago. He's determined to explain his actions, even if it means following her to Florida. Perhaps their two-day bus trip together will provide enough time for him to make his case and win her back.

Entertaining and well written.

The Forgiving Jar by Wanda Brunstetter

The Forgiving Jar by Wanda Brunstetter - 523 pages

Sara Murray had never met her mother’s parents and was surprised to learn after her death that they were Amish living in Pennsylvania. When she is finally able to make the trip to meet them, she is shocked to learn someone else has been living with them and pretending to be Sara. Sara can’t understand how quickly her grandparents are willing to forgive the impostor.

This book moved a little TOO slow for me.

Plain Confession by Emma Miller

Plain Confession by Emma Miller - 391 pages

Rachel didn’t know Daniel Fisher well, but it still comes as a shock when her fiancé, a state trooper, tells her that the young Amish man’s death may not have been a hunting accident. The police believe he was murdered and they need Rachel’s help telling the family. But when she does, they don’t seem upset or even surprised. Even more unsettling, Daniel’s brother-in-law confesses—while his mother begs Rachel to prove his innocence. But why would he give a false confession? Who is he trying to protect? 

Very Interesting....the story moved along well.

Summer of Secrets by Charlotte Hubbard

Summer of Secrets by Charlotte Hubbard - 469 pages

Summer has come to Willow Ridge, but Rachel Lantz is looking forward to a whole new season in her life--marriage to strapping carpenter Micah Brenneman, her childhood sweetheart. When a strange Englischer arrives in the café claiming to be the long-lost sister of Rachel and her twin Rhoda, Rachel feels the sturdy foundation of her future crumbling--including Micah's steadfast love. As the days heat up and tempers flare, Rachel and Micah will learn that even when God's plan isn't clear, it will always lead them back to each other. . . 

Upon a Spring Breeze by Kelly Irvin

Upon a Spring Breeze by Kelly Irvin - 495 pages

Bess Weaver, twenty and expecting her first child, is in the kitchen making stew for her beloved mann, Caleb, one minute, and the next she’s burying him after a tragic accident. Facing life as a young widow, Bess finds comfort only in tending the garden at an Englisch-owned bed and breakfast—even as she doubts that new growth could ever come after such a long winter.

Aidan tries to repress his guilt over his best friend Caleb’s death.

Enjoyable.  I like happy endings.

What the Bishop Saw by Vannetta Chapman

What the Bishop Saw by Vannetta Chapman - 511 pages

A fire blazes out of control in the San Luis Valley of Colorado, leaving an elderly Amish bachelor dead. Bishop Henry Lapp rushes to the scene, and he learns the fire was no accident. Someone intended to kill Vernon Frey. But who would want to kill Vernon? Well, practically everyone—Amish and Englisch alike.

When the police point the finger at a suspect Henry knows is innocent, the bishop must decide whether or not to use his mysterious, God-given gift—one he's tried desperately to ignore all these years—to try and set the record straight. His close friend and neighbor, Emma, encourages Henry to follow God's leading.

Love the Amish stories especially with mystery and intrigue and this fits nicely into those categories.

Phoebe's Gift by Jerry S. Eicher

Phoebe's Gift by Jerry S. Eicher - 521 pages

Amish woman Phoebe Lapp learns of an unusual request from her recently deceased grandma that will change her life forever if she chooses to accept it.

I enjoyed this story of an Amish Farm with horses to help emotionally abused English children.

Mary's Home by Jerry S. Eicher

Mary's Home by Jerry S. Eicher

Mary Yoder's life couldn't get much better. She's engaged to be married, spring is in the air, and love is in her heart as she looks forward to the fall wedding she's always dreamed of.

Six months later on a crisp November morning, Mary awakens in a lovely little valley near the Adirondack Mountains on what was to be her wedding day, heartbroken and alone.

Her sister, Betsy, tries to protect Mary from the romantic overtures of Stephen Overholt, a longtime Amish bachelor. Betsy is considering jumping the fence for the Englisha world and encourages Mary to follow.

A little slow but I found it relaxing.

The Blessing by Wanda Brunstetter

The Blessing by Wanda Brunstetter - 463 pages

Nice Amish book about a woman who teaches cooking classes while getting to know her students and the students getting to know each other....fulfilling needs in their lives.

When Mercy Rains by Kim Vogel Sawyer

When Mercy Rains by  Kim Vogel Sawyer - 569 pages


Suzanne Zimmerman was only seventeen and pregnant when her shamed mother quietly sent her away from their Old Order Mennonite community in Kansas. With her old home, family, and first love firmly behind her, Suzanne moved to Indiana, became a nurse, and raised a daughter, Alexa, on her own.
 
Now, nearly twenty years later, an unexpected letter arrives from Kansas. Her brother asks her to bring her nursing abilities home and care for their ailing mother. His request requires that Suzanne face a family that may not have forgiven her and a strict faith community. It also means seeing Paul Aldrich, her first love, again.    

I enjoyed this story but then I like some of the Amish stories.  

The Imposter by Suzanne Woods Fisher

The Imposter by Suzanne Woods Fisher - 399 pages

This was a good Amish story about a young woman who becomes pregnant and then finds out the man she wanted to marry is planning to marry someone else.

She moves to her neighbor's to help out and is trying to find her way through life.