His Risk by Shelley Shepard Gray

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the LitFuse Publications book blogger campaign. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have 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.” 

ABOUT THE BOOK:

An undercover English DEA agent will do anything to protect the Amish girl he loves.

Calvin Fisher left the Amish community at fourteen and never looked back. Only his brother's illness can bring him back to Hart County. Now, as Calvin works to make amends, he meets Alice, a local nursery school teacher, and falls hard for her. But he has a secret that could threaten the happiness he's finally found.

Alice shouldn't like-or want-Calvin. He's English, has a questionable past, and an even more questionable job. Still, she can't help being intrigued. Though Calvin assures Alice that he's worthy of her, she's torn between surrendering to her growing feelings and steering clear of him.

When a sudden surge of criminal activity alarms the community and even targets Alice, Calvin fears that his double life has put everyone he loves at risk. As for Alice, she can't help but wonder if the brave and honorable man she's lost her heart to is far more dangerous than she could ever imagine.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Shelley Shepard Gray is a "New York Times" and "USA Today" bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail.

Find out more about Shelley at http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com.

Dynamic Uno here:  His Risk is book #4 in The Amish of Hart County and it is amazing!  One of the main characters, Calvin, appeared earlier in the series and I'd been wondering what had happened to him and now I know.

Calvin's double-life and its complications had me on the edge of my seat and holding my breath in several spots.  One of my friends had to ask me if I was breathing when I curled myself up into a ball gnawing on my knuckles, anxiously reading to find out what was going to happen to the characters in their situation.

I really admired Alice's boldness with her words and her actions.  Even when she was afraid she still stood her ground and said what she needed to say.  I also appreciated how she accepted Calvin as a friend, even though he was an Englisher and no longer Amish.  Her sweet spirit and caring attitude towards her students/scholars made her an endearing character.

Despite the fact that there was heart-break, the touches of friendship and romance sprinkled throughout the story made His Risk one of my all-time favorites.  Even if you haven't read any of the other books in the series, definitely pick this one up! 

Let me know what you think and Happy Reading!




Enter to win a copy of His Risk. Five winners will be chosen! Click the image below to enter to win. The winners will be announced March 28 on the Litfuse blog!

The Gift by Shelley Shepard Gray

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the LitFuse Publications book blogger campaign. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have 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.” 



About the book:

The Gift: The Amish of Hart County(Avon Inspire, November 2017)

A special Christmas story about love and blessings in the next book in the Amish of Hart County series

The Schwartz family is happy to be spending Christmas on their new farm in Hart County. But when Susanna Schwartz hears gunshots that causes her buggy to overturn, and then her little sister falls through a wooden bridge into the icy creek, it becomes clear from these dangerous "accidents" that someone wants them gone.

Neil Vance has been heartbroken ever since his parents lost their family farm. He knows it's not the Schwartz family's fault, but he can't help but be resentful. Until he meets Susanna. She is kind-hearted and bold, and Neil can't stop thinking about her pretty green eyes.

Neil thinks the accidents are just that, but Susanna's father is convinced the Vance family is responsible. Susanna refuses to believe Neil would do anything to harm her. She's fallen in love with him and knows he is a good man. But her family is ready to pack up and move, and time is running out to uncover the truth before someone gets hurt . . . or worse.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

About the author:

Shelley Shepard Gray is a "New York Times" and "USA Today" bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail.

Find out more about Shelley at http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com.

Dynamic Uno here: The more I get to know the characters in Hart County, the more I want to get to know them.  The Gift is book three in the series of The Amish of Hart County and the suspense of who was causing the accidents is what grabbed me from the start.  After all, in a "sleepy little Amish town" everyone knows everyone else.  Why would someone try to deliberately hurt their neighbors?  

As I continued to read and get wrapped up in the plot, I enjoyed getting to know the characters even more.  It seemed like Amanda had never met a stranger (much like my sister) and Suzanne was a bit more reserved and quiet (like I am).  Reading about their family dynamics and seeing how close-knit their relationships were, made me long for the same with my own relationships.

The themes of forgiveness and trust are prevalent throughout the novel.  Once forgiveness had been granted, it paved the way for Suzanne to trust Neil more resulting in a beautiful friendship between the two characters.  And really, isn't it that way in life?  God forgave us (for our sins) and as long as we trust Him, we have a beautiful relationship too?

I enjoyed reading The Gift.  Between the "who done it" suspense and the relationships of the characters, I had to keep reading to find out what happened next!

Even if you're not a fan of Amish fiction, but enjoy a mystery with a touch of romance, you'll enjoy this book.  It is book #3 in a series, but can stand alone if you haven't read Her Secret or His Guilt.  Give it a try today--you'll love it!

Let me know what you think and Happy Reading!

Her Secret by Shelley Shepard Gray

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the LitFuse Publications book blogger campaign. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have 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.” 

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Her Secret (Avon Inspire, March 2017)

A suspenseful tale of a young Amish woman who is forced to move to a new town to escape a threatening stalker

After a stalker went too far, Hannah Hilty and her family had no choice but to leave the bustling Amish community where she grew up. Now she’s getting a fresh start in Hart County, Kentucky…if only she wasn’t too scared to take it. Hannah has become afraid to trust anyone—even Isaac, the friendly Amish man who lives next door. She wonders if she’ll ever return to the trusting, easy-going woman she once was.

For Isaac Troyer, the beautiful girl he teasingly called “The Recluse” confuses him like no other. When he learns of her past, he knows he’s misjudged her. However, he also understands the importance of being grateful for God’s gifts, and wonders if they will ever have anything in common. But as Hannah and Isaac slowly grow closer, they realize that there’s always more to someone than meets the eye.

Just as Hannah is finally settling into her new life, and perhaps finding a new love, more secrets are revealed and tragedy strikes. Now Hannah must decide if she should run again or dare to fight for the future she has found in Hart County.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Shelley Shepard Gray is the "New York Times" and "USA Today" bestselling author of the Seasons of Sugarcreek series, the Sisters of the Heart series, and the Families of Honor series. She lives with her family in southern Ohio, where she writes full time. Before her work in the inspirational market, Gray wrote several novels as Shelley Galloway. During this time her books appeared on the Waldenbooks bestseller list, and she won "RT Book Reviews'" prestigious Reviewers' Choice Award.

Dynamic Uno Here:  If you've been following my blog for any length of time you know that I love to read Amish fiction and that Shelley Shepard Gray is one of my favorite authors in that genre.  When the Litfuse Publicity Group posted Her Secret as an option for review, I hesitated because I wasn't sure how the suspense would play into the Amish culture.  As usual, my curiosity won out and I requested to review the book.  

The suspense did not disappoint and actually made the Amish characters more realistic because they were dealing with some heavy issues throughout the story.  

Seeing the Amish in this new perspective, made me realize that they are flesh and bone just as I am, and they have less than perfect lives as well. The suspense of someone stalking an Amish person led to a creepy factor for me.  I can only imagine the turmoil Hannah and her family went through to where they even felt they had to move to another state.  I hope no one ever really has to go through that horrible experience in their lives.

Overall, if you're looking for an Amish story with a twist of suspense, then you'll definitely want to start with this first book in The Amish of Hart County series.

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As an avid "quotation collector," I found many gems that spoke to me and tie in to my word of the year--perspective:

"Life was full of ups and downs....It was uneven and unexpected.  It was full of quiet moments..."

What a beautiful picture of the messiness of life.  There are many days that I feel the ups and downs, but it is the quiet moments that I get to think about the many blessings God has given me.

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"It made me not worry about things that don't matter."

How amazing is this quotation?  For someone to realize that you don't have to constantly worry about all of the stupid little things in life.  That in the larger scheme of things, they really don't matter.

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"Even in the midst of darkness, there is always something to be thankful for."

Amen.  While I struggle daily to remember this and have to constantly remind myself that I am blessed and that there are others who have it worse than I do, it was neat to see that even the characters in the book had to remind themselves as well.  It's a struggle we all deal with on a daily basis.

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"Faith is believing when you don't have proof.  Faith is understanding that you can't control everything and that is just as well."

Can you even think of a better word picture than this one?  As a control freak, I have to be constantly reminded that I am not in control.  That God is the one in charge and He can handle things MUCH better than I ever could.  It was refreshing to see that even the Amish have their moments where they have to be reminded to trust in God too.


I hope you enjoy reading Her Secret as much as I did.  Let me know what you think and Happy Reading!

A Daughter's Dream by Shelley Shepard Gray

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the LitFuse Publications book blogger campaign. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have 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.” 

About the book: 

A Daughter's Dream (Avon Inspire, May 2016)

A young teacher and farmer discover they have much in common, especially when it comes to healing old wounds from the past . . . and finding love in one another.

Rebecca Kinsinger has always dreamed of being a teacher. But when she's given the opportunity she's been waiting for at Charm Amish School, she's dismayed to discover that teaching is hard work---work she's afraid she's not very good at.

That is, until Lilly Yoder joins the class. A thirteen-year old who's just lost her parents, Lilly is in need of someone like Rebecca. For the first time since starting her new job, Rebecca feels a sense of purpose. But when she meets Lilly's uncle, Jacob, his good looks and sweet, easy-going temperament are hard to ignore. How can she even entertain romantic thoughts of Jacob when his niece is her student?

Suddenly becoming Lily's sole caregiver, Jacob Yoder never thought he'd be a single parent---or a farmer. Having been living in Florida as a carpenter, Jacob feels more at home wielding a hammer than a backhoe. The only bright spot in his life is Rebecca Kinsinger. As Lily and Rebecca develop a bond, Jacob's fondness for the pretty teacher grows, too.

But when a fateful accident brings them together, Rebecca and Jacob must choose between duty and desire. Will they follow the path before them? Or set out to find true happiness . . . and true love?

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/20vVAye

About the author:

Shelley Shepard Gray is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Dynamic Uno here:  I'm enjoying learning more about the Kinsinger siblings and the small Amish town of Charm, Ohio.

Rebecca so wanted to be a teacher, but when she actually had to cover for her friend she realized that teaching was not really her passion.  (I can completely relate, only it took me about 17 years to actually leave the profession.)

When Rebecca and Jacob meet, I could tell that they were a match made in heaven.  They were both honest with themselves and each other and decided to take a chance on a relationship, starting with a courtship. (Their brave honesty encourages me to be the same way within my relationships with others.)

I also thought it was cute that Lilly's relationship with Peter somewhat mimicked Rebecca's relationship with Jacob--especially since Lilly and Jacob were having to start their lives over in Charm and both met helpmates in Rebecca and Peter.

Overall, book #2 was a quick and cute read.  I wish there had been more about the courtship between Rebecca and Jacob, but honestly, the story line between them didn't really need it.  (I just wanted to live vicariously through them.)

If you're looking for a cute romance with a lot of heart, then this is the book for you!

Let me know what you think and Happy Reading!

Enter here: https://promosimple.com/ps/9a9

3

Mars...with Venus Rising by Hope Toler Dougherty

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the LitFuse Publications book blogger campaign. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have 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.” 

About the Book: 

Mars . . . with Venus Rising (Pelican Book Group, August 2015)

A meddling horse, paper bag floors and a flying saucer on the town square. The little town of Mars has it all---including a brand new resident who might spell heartache for one of its own.

Twenty-something Penn Davenport yearns for an exciting life in the big city and wants to shed the label of orphan that she's worn for years. To achieve that dream, she must pass the CPA exam then move away from the two aunts who reared her after her parents died in a plane crash.

When John Townsend---full of life and the joy of living---moves to town, he rattles Penn's view of herself, her life, and her dreams . . . which isn't such a bad thing until she falls for him and discovers he's a pilot.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1VE0NoV

About the Author:

Hope Toler Dougherty holds a Master's degree in English and taught at East Carolina University as well as York Technical College. A member of ACFW, RWA and SinC, she writes for Almost an Author. Before writing novels, she published non-fiction articles on topics ranging from gardening with children to writing apprehension. She cheers for the Pittsburgh Steelers, ACC basketball, and Army West Point Football. Hope and her husband, Kevin, live in North Carolina and chat with their two daughters and twin sons through ooVoo.

Goodreads / Pinterest / Facebook / Twitter / Google+ / LinkedIn

Dynamic Uno here:

I'm not even sure giddy begins to describe how I feel about this book. The relationship between Penn and her aunts reminds me of my own relationship with my aunt-although neither of us bake. They are able to talk to each other about anything and are always there for one another when life gets too ugly and overwhelming. I enjoyed meeting the character of John. We learned a little bit about his past, but what struck me the most was how thoughtful and caring he was with everyone he came in contact with during the story. Kind, compassionate, and very thoughtful was how he appeared to me, which made me wonder a bit longingly, where my own "John" might be in the world. (After all, this character was a pilot, why couldn't mine be one too? Maybe he just hasn't landed in Tampa yet...) Longing aside, I truly enjoyed how we were able to watch the characters grow in their faith-especially during times of need. It made me realize that I'm not the only one who has struggles and that if I just relied on God more and trusted Him more, that I would probably be more bold and struggle less. I hope that this book evolves into a series, because I'd like to read more about the lovingly meddlesome aunts, Abbey, David, and even some of the other characters. After all, there were some potential love-connections throughout the story. (Hint...hint...) If you enjoy a great story with a light touch of romance, then this is the story for you!

Let me know what you think and Happy Reading!

The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the LitFuse Publications book blogger campaign. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have 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.”  

ABOUT THE BOOK:

The Wedding Chapel (Zondervan, November 2015)

For sixty years, a wedding chapel sat silent, waiting for love. But times have changed and the hour has come when it just might be too late.

Retired hall-of-fame football coach Jimmy “Coach” Westbrook never imagined anything would come of his labor of love—the wedding chapel he built for Collette Greer, the woman he fell for back in ‘49. But now an offer has come to turn the chapel into what it was meant to be—a place for love—and Jimmy sees no reason to hang onto his dream any longer.

Photographer Taylor Branson is trying to make a life for herself in New York. Leaving her hometown of Heart’s Bend, Tennessee, she put a lot of things behind her, including her family’s abysmal marriage rate. But love surprises her when she falls head-over-heels for Jack Forester, a top ad man. Their whirlwind romance results in an elopement, and a mountain of doubt. Jack, while genuine in his love for Taylor, can never seem to overcome his own demons to find the words of his heart.

When Taylor takes an assignment in Heart’s Bend, the job does more than send her back to her hometown, but into a world of family secrets buried beneath the sands of time.

When Taylor’s journey intersects with Coach’s, they rediscover the heartbeat of their dreams and that the love they long to hold is right in front of them. And worth every waiting moment.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Rachel Hauck is an award-winning, best selling author of critically acclaimed novels such as “The Wedding Dress,” “Love Starts with Elle,” and “Once Upon A Prince.” She also penned the Songbird Novels with multi-platinum recording artist, Sara Evans. Booklist named their novel, “Softly and Tenderly,” one of 2011 Top Ten Inspirationals. She serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy, and conference speaker. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pets.

Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter / Instagram

Dynamic Uno here: Oh. My. Goodness.  I'm a huge fan of Rachel Hauck's books, but none have ever grabbed me quite like this one- The Wedding Chapel.   

I enjoyed that the story was told through each character's point of view-both as teenagers and then again as adults.  Through the flash backs, I was able to get the backstory of the characters which put everything that was currently happening in their lives in perspective.  

I also loved how the chapel itself became a living/breathing character.  I could completely picture it in my head and was actually a bit sad that the romantic gesture had been left empty and unused for so long.

The characters broke my heart because of all of the hard-ships they suffered so young.  It really brought into focus the stark realities of war and broken families, and how they affect children of all ages.  The story also showed how prayer and forgiveness can help heal wounds and bring people together.

If you want to read a wonderful novel that has romance and a great story, then pick up The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck!

Let me know what you think and Happy Reading!

The Proposal at Siesta Key (Amish Brides of Pinecraft #2) by Shelley Shepard Gray

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Litfuse Publicity Group book blogger campaign. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have 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.”  

About the Book:

The Proposal at Siesta Key (Avon Inspire, May 2015)

A young Amish woman, yearning for freedom, crosses paths with a handsome Mennonite celebrity in a deeply moving tale of friendship and self-discovery—the second installment in the unforgettable New York Times bestselling author’s new Amish Brides of Pinecraft series.

Penny Troyer rarely disobeys her parents. In the years since her sister’s tragic death, they’ve wanted nothing more than to keep her safe…even if it means never leaving the house.

But tonight, she’s bending the rules because Michael Knoxx, the most famous member of The Knoxx Family Singers, a traveling Mennonite Evangelical family —is scheduled to speak. Penny has heard of Michael—how he lost part of his leg in a terrible accident and uses the experience to inspire others—and knows she must meet him. So, for the first time ever, Penny stands up to her parents and goes out on her own.

Though he speaks about living life to the fullest, Michael knows he needs to take his own advice. Life on the road is grueling and Michael wants to slow down, to rest…to perhaps meet someone who sees him as a man, not just a celebrity. So when a twist of fate allows him the chance to stay a little longer in Pinecraft, Michael knows God is showing him a new path, especially when he discovers how much he and Penny Troyer have in common.

But new friendships can’t stop time. Soon, Michael’s time in Pinecraft will be over and he’ll be back on the road. Her time with Michael has brought her happiness, but will she be able to follow her heart? Or will she be faced with the one thing she’s sure she’ll never have the courage to do?

Learn more and purchase a copy.

About the author: 

Shelley Shepard Gray is a two-time New York Times bestseller, a two-time USA Today bestseller, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time Holt Medallion winner. She lives in Southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail.


Find Shelley online: website, Twitter, Facebook

Dynamic Uno here:  If you've kept up with my blog and social media posts within the last year or so, you will know that I have a soft spot for the Pinecraft area of Sarasota.  When I learned that book #2 in the Amish Brides of Pinecraft series was coming out, I knew I had to read more about this lovely area and people, even if the characters were fictionalized.

Michael Knoxx is touring the country with his family to discuss how God used a horrible situation in his life (losing a leg from a fall in a ravine) for the good. After having a sister who was brutally murdered, Penny Troyer has since lived a very sheltered life, until she decides she can't stand it any more.   Both are living out the Amish proverb "Growing old is easy--the hard part is growing up," by deciding to change their lives in an amazing way with God's help.  The actual proposal Michael had for Penny was to embrace each hour/day and to cherish each moment as they move forward in their lives.

I think we can all apply this proposal to our lives.  I know that I tend to wish for the work day to end or the weekend to come, so I can go home and relax rather than enjoy the little moments of peace throughout the day.  I need to learn to enjoy each of the little moments as they come rather than wishing my life away.

I enjoyed the strong friendship that developed between Michael and Penny from their basic day-to-day interactions.  Their raw emotions being shared and honestly painful stories brought both of the characters closer as trust began to form in their bond.  I also liked how each character began to notice the little details about one another as they forged their friendship and it began to blossom into a mutual attraction.  This gives me hope that I may find someone with whom I can be completely honest with and share my innermost concerns and feelings.

While The Proposal of Siesta Key dealt with some heavy topics, all were treated with dignity and respect and were not over-dramatized.  Michael's mission and Penny's new found freedom were the main parts of the story, as was their friendship.  All in all it was a light-hearted read that made me want to visit Pinecraft again, just so that I might have the chance to run into a few of the "characters."

If you enjoy Amish romance, or even if you want to explore life in a new order village, this series is for you!  

Let me know what you think and Happy Reading!