Stitches in Time
by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Book 2 in The Deacon’s Family series
Rating: 4/5

Wow. It’s been awhile since I’ve read an Amish romance and it did NOT disappoint. I am a huge fan of Suzanne Woods Fisher because her writing is always so rich and full of characters who make me laugh, cry and get frustrated with them. She writes characters that are imperfectly trying to follow God in love and life. This story caught my interest because it involved foster care and adoption which is something I plan to do in the future.

Side note: I read this book without reading any of the other books connected and found that I didn’t get lost in all the characters. She has a long character list with brief descriptions at the beginning that I skimmed but I didn’t find it necessary to refer back to while reading.

This story is mainly about two relationships: Luke and Izzy along with Sam and Mollie. Luke and Sam are brothers. Luke and Izzy are about one year into marriage. Sam is a horse trainer who has a crush on Mollie, the school teacher. After being chosen as the Deacon, Luke’s life changes drastically and he feels very unworthy. He is still determined to find forever homes for all the foster kids in Lancaster county but he is unsure how to go about. One quick phone call changes their lives forever and soon 11 foster kids find temporary housing among the Amish. Mollie takes in two sisters who are challenging – to say the least – and finds she needs Sam’s help. Izzy, a former foster child herself, is adamant about not taking in a foster child. She longs for her mother’s love while she yearns for a child of her own. The past comes to haunt all of their lives in different ways but they must learn to trust that God can make them new – can change their lives – can love them in spite of everything.

Loved reading this complex and layered story. Well written. I will have to read the first book and can’t wait to find out what happens next in the series.

Highly recommend.

My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

Unscripted
by Davis Bunn
Rating: 4/5

I don’t know about you but when I choose to read something, I do it when I have free time or need a break from studying. I had briefly read the summary before choosing to download the book and waited to read it after finishing a book in Christian fantasy – a completely different genre! I was hesitant to start reading because I was still back in fantasy land with shifters and vampires, but once I read the first few pages, I couldn’t put the book down. There was just something about the story and the writing that drew me in. The reader gets an insider’s view of what it takes to make a TV movie in Hollywood (or just outside Hollywood). Was it full of fast-paced action and excitement? No. Was there an overly emphasized and drawn out romance? No. Did it make me cry? Yes. Does it leave me feeling inspired? Absolutely.

This inspirational book is about facing the past and moving on. After freeing a falsely-accused Danny Byrd from jail, attorney Megan Pierce is determined to figure out what happened to the line producer with the honest reputation. Danny struggles with his past and wanting a future. He feels betrayed by his best friend and foster brother. He feels that his pristine reputation is now tainted. Can he face his past and find a way to let go? Can he make himself vulnerable enough to produce a TV movie on a small budget in a short timeframe? Can he stop thinking about the gorgeous lawyer who refuses to stop until she uncovers the truth?

I really enjoyed this story. It felt so authentic and real. The romance is a bit sidelined in my opinion but that doesn’t take away from the story. The relationships between characters is what really makes the story flow together. The writing and unique perspective on the film industry is what really drew me in and kept me up late into the night. I even got some new song recommendations to listen to.

Highly recommend.

My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

Astray
by JF Rogers
Book 1 of Ariboslia series
Rating: 4/5

Christian fantasy? Sign me up!

I haven’t read Pilgrim’s Progress in years but this book gave off that feeling for me and added in fantasy elements and characters. Fallon is on a quest and meets friends and adversaries along the way while exploring her faith and values.

It was a bit of a slow starter for me but I quickly got into it after a few chapters. The Christian Faith aspect is beautifully woven throughout and I enjoyed briefly getting to the know the characters. Would have loved to delve into their stories more.

This is the first book in the series and I must find out what happens next.

Highly recommend.

My thanks to the author and BookSirens for an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.