Book Reviews

Christmas at Rose Hill Farm: An Amish Love Story
by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Rating: 5/5
Revell – Fiction/Amish

Bess Riehl should be excited to be getting married to Amos Lapp. He is everything that a good Amish man should be and he loves her. As she prepares for her Christmas wedding at her home, Rose Hill Farm, she never imagined her groom would be Amos; her first love would always be Billy Lapp, Amos’ cousin and best friend. After Billy abruptly left home and broke her heart, Amos was the one to help console her and patiently waited to court her. Although life is not what she originally imagined, she is happy with Amos and feels she has forgiven Billy wherever he is. However, Billy has become the rose rustler, one who researches and identifies unknown roses, and Bess needs his help. She and her father have taken over the rose business and happen to find a rose bud that was hidden and is unidentifiable. Penn State sends its rose rustler to investigate and Billy suspects that the rose is an old rose that hasn’t been seen in hundreds of years, but he must wait until it blooms to be sure. As Billy travels back and forth, he can’t help the old feelings for Bess, but she is engaged to a good man. Will Bess reveal what she thinks she knows about that particular rose or will she keep it to herself to keep Billy coming back? If Bess is ready to say “I do” to Amos, why does she still feel a connection with Billy when he lets his guard down? Can Billy find peace for the reasons that he left in the first place? Can God show him the way back home and does that include Bess? Will this Christmas be full of miracles and redemption?

I do not think I’ve ever read anything from Suzanne Woods Fisher, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Love triangles seem to be so common, but the author was still able to spin some fresh material that was heartwarming and heartbreaking. I’ve never read an Amish romance that had a family like Billy Lapp’s family, but the reader definitely sympathizes with Billy and his struggles. The author was not afraid to portray some darker sides and struggles of humanity no matter their background. I love how she continued to weave faith into this story about miracles and Christmas. I couldn’t put the book down and want to read more from the author about this charming community.

Being a biology major, I was also fascinated with the research about roses that went into the story. I had no idea about the huge rose community that existed. I always enjoyed botany in college, but the story made me love roses even more and want to search out the rarer breeds. I was also impressed with the greenhouse technology, but also confused since I didn’t think the Amish used any machines; I guess I’ll have to research that information more.

I recommend this book to anyone who likes Christian romance from an Amish perspective.

I received this book for free from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for a review.

Surprised by Love
by Julie Lessman
Rating: 5/5
The Heart of San Francisco Book #3
Revell – Fiction/Historical Romance

Megan McClare is back in San Francisco after spending her senior year in Paris and has emerged as a young woman who feels less like the shy and awkward child she was. Ever since she was little, she has turned to her best friend, Abraham “Bram” Hughes, for his brotherly support and counsel when she was unrelentingly teased by her nemesis and childhood crush, Devin Caldwell.

Meg is excited to start an internship in the district attorney’s office for the summer in an effort to decide if she wants to pursue law (like most of the men in her family) or medicine (which she got a taste of from her mentor in Paris). Whichever profession she chooses, she wants to defend and help the unfortunate women enslaved in brothels. When Devin shows up as another intern at the D.A.’s office, Bram advises Meg to forgive Devin and give him a second chance. However, Bram realizes that he is attracted to Meg but unable to act on his feelings. Ten years her senior, can Bram shut off his stronger feelings for Meg and only see her as his kid sister? Will Meg be able to trust Devin with her heart or do her feelings for Bram still have a hold on her?

Julie Lessman is such an amazing author and storyteller! I’ve read a few of her other stories and I can never put her books down. From the start, the story is captivating and written so the reader doesn’t want to stop reading. Even though I haven’t read the first two books in the series, I did not feel confused or need to somehow “catch up” because her writing and explanations are just that good. She always has some twists in the plot that keep things interesting. It is a little like a soap opera but in a good way – the drama is so heartfelt and authentic. There’s also another love story woven into the book that is just as interesting – one might say this is a story with two love triangles (not just one). I also love all of the scriptures and biblical messages of forgiveness and redemption. The characters are real with fears and faults but also have their moments encountering God’s grace and restoration.

Seriously, readers will not want to miss this one. I recommend this book for anyone who loves romance, especially historical romance. There were little bits and pieces of information that made the story so authentic — I could tell the research that went into the story to get those little details just right. I now must read the other books in this series.

I received this book for free from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for a review.

At Bluebonnet Lake
by Amanda Cabot
Rating: 5/5
Texas Crossroads Book #1
Revell – Fiction/Contemporary Romance

Kate Sherwood is on her way to making partner at a Manhattan marketing firm when her grandmother, who is like her mother, convinces her to take a month-long vacation at Rainbow’s End, a resort in the Texas Hill Country, so she can visit the place she and her late husband visited 50 years ago. Kate is surprised to see that the brochure’s pictures do not accurately describe the failing, rundown resort; however, the setting is still beautiful. Used to always being connected, Kate is also surprised that here is no cell phone reception and there is no wifi access. She enlists the help of Greg, who is making repairs but is also a longterm guest. With Greg’s help she gains dialup internet but soon learns that the slower pace and disconnectedness of Rainbow’s End is actually part of its charm. Her attraction to Greg doesn’t hurt her appreciation of the resort. Kate keeps imaging way to make the resort better and to highlight its best features.

When Kate’s boss calls her with a chance at a huge promotion if she can come up with a campaign for a new client, she works her hardest to prove she is partner-worthy. As Greg sees how all-consuming work is for Kate, he is reminded of the life that he gave up. After selling his successful software company, Greg Vange is a billionaire seeking what God has next for him. He’s hoping that Kate Sherwood is included because they were both drawn to Rainbow’s End at the same time. Can he convince Kate that work isn’t everything? Will Kate follow her heart and find what’s at the end of the rainbow?

Amanda Cabot is a fantastic writer. I immediately fell in love with all of the characters in this adorable story. I can’t seem to get enough and can’t wait for the next book in the series. Kate’s struggles are similar to so many of us who keep our phones as extensions of our hands. For her, work is everything. Greg’s struggles with his dad and feeling accepted are unfortunately common and most can relate. God’s gentle and patient redemption is beautifully woven into the story.

I recommend this book to anyone interested in a light and charming contemporary romance.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a review.