The Apple Creek Announcement by Wanda E. Brunstetter

 The Apple Creek Announcement by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Welcome to Apple Creek, Ohio, where piano teacher and artist, Andrea Wagner, has a fascination with painting the rural Amish landscapes around her home. She has made it to her thirties feeling like she has had a charmed life and finally has fallen in love with Brandon Prentice, a local veterinarian.

But then she discovers she was adopted and all she thought she knew about herself has crumbled. Andrea becomes so fixated on finding her birth mother that she pushes Brandon away, so she writes to the "Dear Caroline" column in the n
ewspaper for romance advice. 

What will Andrea lose before she finds herself again?

The Elephant's Girl. By Celesta Rimington

The Elephant's Girl by Celesta Rimington 324 pages A magical adventure about a girl with a mysterious connection with the elephant who saved her life, for fans of Katherine Applegate and Jennifer Holm.An elephant never forgets, but Lexington Willow can't remember what happened before a tornado swept her away when she was a toddler. All she knows is that it landed her near an enclosure in a Nebraska zoo; and there an elephant named Nyah protected her from the storm. With no trace of her birth family, Lex grew up at the zoo with Nyah and her elephant family; her foster father, Roger; her best friend, Fisher; and the wind whispering in her ear.Now that she's twelve, Lex is finally old enough to help with the elephants. But during their first training session, Nyah sends her a telepathic image of the woods outside the zoo. Despite the wind's protests, Lex decides to investigate Nyah's message and gets wrapped up in an adventure involving ghosts, lost treasure, and a puzzle that might be the key to finding her family. As she hunts for answers, Lex must summon the courage to leave the secure borders of her zoo to discover who she really is--and why the tornado brought her here all those years ago. I love elephants and I love Zoos so this book was just right for me. The fantasy part of the story was a little bit out of my genre, but made the story very interesting. I would recommend this to girls or boys who enjoy animals and adventure.

My Sister's Voice by Mary Carter

My Sister's Voice by Mary Carter 318 pages At twenty-eight, Lacey Gears is exactly where she wants to be. An up-and-coming, proudly Deaf artist in Philadelphia, she's in a relationship with a wonderful man and rarely thinks about her difficult childhood in a home for disabled orphans. That is, until Lacey receives a letter that begins, "You have a sister. A twin to be exact. . ." Learning that her identical, hearing twin, Monica, experienced the normal childhood she was denied resurrects all of Lacey's grief, and she angrily sets out to find Monica and her biological parents. But the truth about Monica's life, their brief shared past, and the reason for the twins' separation is far from simple. And for every one of Lacey's questions that's answered, others are raised, more baffling and profound. I am a Sign Language Interpreter for the Deaf and I know a lot about the deaf culture. This book opened my eyes even more to the deaf culture and their feelings about being deaf. This was definitely a book with an unusual ending. The middle was a little slow and predictable for me, but most of it was very interesting.

 

No Journey Too Far by Carrie Turansky-351 pages

This is the sequel to No Ocean Too Wide.  We follow the four McAlister children from their adoptions into families in Canada after being sent there as part of the British Home Children Indentured program in the early 1900's.  In this sequel they are all grown except Grace who is seventeen.  She knows nothing of her family back in England until she finds her trunk in the attic that she brought with her when she was seven. So begins her quest to find her real family.

Through lots of twists and turns we finally have a happy ending.  You are pulling for this family all the way through.  I enjoyed seeing how they all endured their hardships and the way those same hardships molded them into the adults they became.  

 

The Wish by Nicholas Sparks-387 pages

Typical Nicholas Sparks.  Well written but predictable.  Some happy moments but a lot of sad ones.  Back and forth between the past and present.  I really cannot say much more without giving it all away.  Those of you that are Sparks fans will enjoy it very much.

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin, 260 p.

"A. J. Fikry’s life is not at all what he expected it to be. His wife has died, his bookstore is experiencing the worst sales in its history, and now his prized possession, a rare collection of Poe poems, has been stolen. Slowly but surely, he is isolating himself from all the people of Alice Island—from Lambiase, the well-intentioned police officer who’s always felt kindly toward Fikry; from Ismay, his sister-in-law who is hell-bent on saving him from his dreary self; from Amelia, the lovely and idealistic (if eccentric) Knightley Press sales rep who keeps on taking the ferry over to Alice Island, refusing to be deterred by A.J.’s bad attitude. Even the books in his store have stopped holding pleasure for him. These days, A.J. can only see them as a sign of a world that is changing too rapidly.

And then a mysterious package appears at the bookstore. It’s a small package, but large in weight. It’s that unexpected arrival that gives A. J. Fikry the opportunity to make his life over, the ability to see everything anew. It doesn’t take long for the locals to notice the change overcoming A.J.; or for that determined sales rep, Amelia, to see her curmudgeonly client in a new light; or for the wisdom of all those books to become again the lifeblood of A.J.’s world; or for everything to twist again into a version of his life that he didn’t see coming. As surprising as it is moving, The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry is an unforgettable tale of transformation and second chances, an irresistible affirmation of why we read, and why we love."--Goodreads blurb

This little story was just the heart-warming thing I needed during the holiday season, and in one of my favorite settings--amongst books! Grumpy Fikry doesn't need anybody or anything. He is his own man after tragedy, but life has other plans. Of all the relationships in this book to love, I have a special place for the one between Fikrey and the Sheriff. I love a good friendship! The fast story was well worth the read. 
 

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.    

Unyielding Hope by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan

Unyielding Hope by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan - 331 pages

As a young girl, Lillian Walsh lost both her parents and a younger sister. Now in her twenties, after enduring the death of her adoptive mother, Lillian must find her place in the world. Just as her adoptive father is leaving for an extended trip to his native Wales, a lawyer appears at the door to inform Lillian that she has inherited a small estate from her birth parents--and that the sister she had long believed dead is likely alive.

When she discovers that her sister, Grace, is living in a city not far away, Lillian rushes to a reunion, fearful that the years of separation will make it hard to reconnect.

When the two sisters meet, Grace is not at all what Lillian expected to find. Though her circumstances have been difficult, Grace has big dreams. Can Lillian set aside her own plans to join her sister in an adventure that will surely change them both?

Piece of My Heart by Mary Higgins Clark

Piece of My Heart by Mary Higgins Clark-319 pages

In the 7th installment in the Under Suspicion series, Laurie and her fiancee Alex find themselves searching for Alex's nephew after being abducted from the beach.  The wedding is put on hold as the search takes on a sinister twist.  Will he be found alive?  An excellent installment in the series.  I enjoyed it very much.  Mary Higgins Clark has left the series in very capable hands.  I do hope that Alafair Burke carries on.  We will miss you, Mary Higgins Clark.

 
When Christmas Comes by Katherine Spencer-337 pages

Liza Merritt is grateful for the many blessings in her life when she returns to Angel Island with her family to celebrate Thanksgiving. Most of all, she's looking forward to a reunion with her dear friend, Claire. But when Liza and her family arrive, she instantly notices that the Inn has fallen in to disrepair. It's a hard truth to face, but big decisions must be made. When Liza's husband has to return to Arizona, her and the children stay behind to come to a decision about whether to sell her precious Inn or not.

In Cape Light village, Emily faces an unexpected challenge. It's one that will test her moral courage and her bond with her adopted daughter, Jane.  Who is this mysterious woman who has come to work at the Inn on Angel Island?  And, when she tries to run away, not once but twice, who is the dashing man who comes to love her and bring her back?

I have followed this series, Angel Island as well as the Cape Light series from the very beginning.  I loved Thomas Kinkade's artwork..the painter of light.  So, I guess in my mind the characters that Katherine Spencer brings to life makes his quaint villages come to life in my mind.  I always look forward to the next installment.

Ginny Moon by Benjamin Ludwig

Ginny Moon by Benjamin Ludwig
503 pages

"Ginny Moon is exceptional. Everyone knows it--her friends at school, teammates on the basketball team, and especially her new adoptive parents. They all love her, even if they don't quite understand her. They want her to feel like she belongs.

"What they don't know is that Ginny has no intention of belonging. She's found her birth-mother on Facebook, and is determined to get back to her--even if it means going back to a place that was extremely dangerous. Because Ginny left something behind and she's desperate to get it back, to make things right.

"But no one listens. No one understands. So Ginny takes matters into her own hands...

"Benjamin Ludwig's whip-smart, unforgettable novel is an illuminating look at one girl's journey to find her way home and one of the freshest debuts in years."  --from the publisher

Ginny is fourteen and has autism, and the book is told from her perspective.  The author and his wife adopted a teenage girl with autism, and he uses that experience to create an incredible voice to tell this story. I loved it! Ludwig sucked me in from the first chapter and I couldn't put it down.

The Doll Funeral by Kate Hamer

The Doll Funeral by Kate Hamer - 320 pages

13 year old Ruby has long felt unloved and unwelcome in her home.  Her only solace is her "friend" Shadow and the time she spends out in the forest.  Ruby's world is turned upside down by a revelation and she soon discovers the truth behind her family and that what she sees isn't always there for everyone else.  She finds out that true family isn't necessarily blood, rather it's the people who see you for who you truly are and still love you for it. 

Hamer's books are very lyrical and the countryside is almost another character.  This book is a meditation on the nature of family and what it really means to belong with a side chaser of the supernatural. 

Birthright by Nora Roberts

Birthright by Nora Roberts - 465 pages

Callie Dunbrook has just gotten the job of her life -- a dig near Antietam Creek that appears to be a neolithic village.  But things start happening as soon as she takes the job.  First her ex-husband shows up as the other lead team member.  Then a woman appears claiming Callie is her child who was kidnapped as a baby.  Then the murders and assaults start . . . .

This is a typical Nora Roberts romantic suspense novel.  It was fun to read with a little mystery.  An enjoyable read.

Mermaid Moon by Colleen Coble

Mermaid Moon  by Colleen Coble  pages 337


Mallory’s mother died fifteen years ago. But her father’s last words on the phone were unmistakable: “Find . . . mother.” Shame and confusion have kept Mallory Davis from her home for the last fifteen years, but when her dad mysteriously dies on his mail boat route, she doesn’t have any choice but to go back to Mermaid Point. Mallory believes her father was murdered and childhood sweetheart Kevin O’Connor, game warden in Downeast Maine, confirms her suspicions.

Kisses from Katie: A Story of Relentless Love and Redemption by Katie Davis with Beth Clark

Kisses from Katie: A Story of Relentless Love and Redemption by Katie Davis with Beth Clark-280 pages

My mom read this book and recommended it (and actually left her copy for me to read last time she visited). I wanted to read it for last month's memoirs and biographies challenge, but didn't get around to it, so I decided to read it this month. I really liked reading this book and didn't want to put it down. It has really changed my outlook on life and what it means to do missions work and to truly do what God has called us to do. Katie Davis leaves everything behind in the U.S. and moves to Uganda shortly after graduating high school. She ends up adopting several young Ugandan girls and sponsoring hundreds to go to school and get proper health care and such. She creates a non-profit organization called Amazima (which means truth in Luganda) Ministries to help sponsor even more kids to get an education and live "better" lives. Throughout her time in Uganda she her faith is tested and stretched and God blesses her immensely and touched many Ugandan lives through her. Overall, I could not put this book down and recommend it to anyone interested in missions work of any kind, here and/or abroad. It has really opened my eyes and changed my outlook on what living in "third world" countries is really like and what God has called us to do.

Born in Death by J.D. Robb

Born in Death by J.D. Robb - 354 pages
#23 in the series

A couple were both murdered in their separate homes.  It appears that the murders were work-related as they were both employed by the same company. Eve Dallas has her hands full trying to solve their murders when her pregnant best friends begs her to find a missing friend . . .

This is another entry in the Eve Dallas series of futuristic mysteries by Nora Roberts under her pen name J.D. Robb.  It is a typical book in the series.  It wasn't too difficult to figure out the villains or the motives.  Still, it was a quick, fun read.

Bo at Iditarod Creek by Kirkpatrick Hill

Bo at Iditarod Creek by Kirkpatrick Hill - 282 pages

Bo, Graf and her papas have moved to a new mining camp at Iditarod Creek.  It's a very different kind of camp.  It's very  modern with electricity and running water.  And it has a dredge that runs continuously that mines the gold.  It's also a town with very few other children.  In fact, there are only two other boys that live in town itself.  But that doesn't stop Bo from growing to love her new town and life.

This book is another year in the life of Bo.  The story seems a little more modern as it is set in a larger town with more amenities.  It also is much more set in a time period.  The Great Depression is alluded to a couple of times.  I really enjoyed spending another year with Bo and her new brother Graf.  I like how Graf's character is slowly starting to open up and reveal more of his characteristics.  I really hope the author continues to write stories of Bo and her family.

Bo at Ballard Creek by Fitzpatrick Hill

Bo at Ballard Creek by Fitzpatrick Hill - 279 pages

Bo has an unusual family life.  She is the adopted daughter of two former coal miners that work as a blacksmith and cook in an Eskimo village in Alaska in 1930.  This book tells the story of about one year when they live in Ballard Creek.
I'm glad I picked up this book.  It's been on my list for a while to read.  It's a sweet story of a young girl.  She's very much loved by both of her "papas" and the whole town.  The story has kind of a timeless quality to it like the Little House on the Prairie books.  It's a little difficult to tell exactly when it is set.  I finally figured it out from one throwaway sentence about a calendar that came in the mail.

The Family that Nobody Wanted by Helen Doss

The Family that Nobody Wanted by Helen Doss -- 274 pages

Helen and Carl Doss could not have children, and since Carl was in seminary and they were literally pinching pennies, there was little chance that they would ever be able to adopt children.
But Helen's dream finally came true when they brought home pudgy little Donald. Pennies were even scarcer then, but slowly the family grew....and grew....and GREW!

My family read this out loud in the evenings and really enjoyed it. It is humorous, inspiring, and beautiful as Carl and Helen rely on God for provision and strength. I can hardly imagine!

The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher by Dana Alison Levy

The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher by Dana Alison Levy - 260 pages

This book tells the story of a family over the course of one school year.  It is a pretty normal family with four boys and two dads.  The boys are sports fanatics that are trying new things, dealing with changing friendships, and experiencing new schools.
I really enjoyed this book.  It was great to see a book dealing with gay fathers that never made it an issue.  The only time it was even mentioned was at a family night at a new school.  It mainly focused on the stories of the boys dealing with changing relationships and interests.  It kind of reminded me of the Casson family books by Hilary McKay in that regards.  I'm hoping that the author writes another story about the Fletcher family.
Two interesting notes about the book.  First make sure to read the Acknowledgements at the end of the book.  They are absolutely hilarious -- with footnotes.  Also, the author is the niece of prolific children's author Elizabeth Levy.  It's obvious she got her aunt's talent for writing humorous stories for children.