The Sugarcreek Surprise by Wanda E. Brunstetter

 The Sugarcreek Surprise by Wanda E. Brunstetter - 499 pages

Welcome to Sugarcreek, Ohio, where the Amish schoolteacher has a determined admirer.

Tragically losing her parents as a child, Lisa Miller has grown up being afraid of loving and losing. She dedicates herself to teaching at an Amish schoolhouse and helping the grandparents who raised her, all the while avoiding the advances of newcomer Paul Herchberger. 

Paul enjoys antiques and meets Orley Troyer while looking for unique old milk bottles at yard sales. Orley and his wife offer prayers and advice as Paul tries to reach Lisa’s closed heart. But when secrets are revealed, will Lisa use them as an excuse to close herself off again?

Stars of Fortune by Nora Roberts

Stars of Fortune by Nora Roberts - 336 pages

Sasha Riggs finds herself on the island of Corfu.  There she meets five others she has been dreaming of for the past year.  Together they are meant to the find the fallen Stars of Fortune.  But will they be able to trust each other enough to become unified and find the stars?


I listened to this book, the first book in a trilogy by Nora Roberts, on audio.  I enjoyed the audio version of the book.  The narrator did a good job of keeping the various accents distinct even when in rapid dialogue between the many characters.  I already have the next book on audio on hold.

Daring to Hope: Finding God's Goodness in the Broken and the Beautiful by Katie Davis Majors

Daring to Hope: Finding God's Goodness in the Broken and the Beautiful by Katie Davis Majors-209 pages

I really enjoyed Katie's first book, Kisses from Katie, so I was looking forward to reading this. This one is just as good and did not disappoint. Katie chronicles the recent things God has taught her and done in her life since her last book was published. She has gotten married and added a biological son to the family. She has truly shown God's love to so many in Uganda through their suffering and, sometimes, through their healing. Her story is an inspiration and encouragement.

Crystal Cove by Lisa Kleypas

Crystal Cove by Lisa Kleypas - 320 pages
A Friday Harbor novel

Justine has never felt the stirrings of love.  She's dreamed of it her whole life and wishes for it daily.  So she finally turns to her pagan background to cast a spell to find love and discovers that she has been cursed to never fall in love.  Justine is determined to break the curse and it turns out her true love might already be on the island . . . mysterious, game designer Jason Black.

This is the final of the Friday Harbor books.  I did not care for it as much as the others.  The characters were interesting, but the timeline seemed very forced.  It also seemed quite a departure from the other books in that it unexpectedly went into bondage without any warning.  I did like that it included book club questions in the back of the book again.

Obsidian Prey by Jayne Castle

Obsidian Prey by Jayne Castle - 370 pages

Three months ago, Lyra Dore's heart was broken when her boyfriend turns out to be from Amber Inc and steals her amber mine.  Now Cruz Sweetwater is back wanting to rekindle the relationship.  But Lyra has her doubts.  Someone is trying to frame her for theft and murder and she believes Cruz might be using her as bait to draw out the real villain.

I really enjoyed this audiobook.  The narration was excellent as was the story.

Because You're Mine by Lisa Kleypas

Because You're Mine by Lisa Kleypas - 376 pages

Maddy Matthews is determined to escape having to marry the old, lecherous Lord Clifton.  So she runs away from boarding school and gets a job at the Capital Theater -- all so she can be seduced by actor Logan Scott, thereby making it impossible for her to marry.  She would rather be ruined and shamed for the rest of her life than marry someone she loathes.  The only problem with her plan is that Logan Scott doesn't seem interested in seducing her.  In fact, he keeps trying to protect her from himself.
This book takes several secondary characters in Somewhere I'll Find You and ties them together into a story with a new character.  It all comes together pretty well.