Miss Tina's Amish Book Reviews

    ABOUT The rustic beauty of a country Christmas fills the Simple Gifts crafts shop, while the Amish residents of Willow Ridge pull together in uncertain times—and in the face of an unexpected homecoming. Nora Hooley’s shop is abuzz with preparations for the holiday open house, and Rosalyn Riehl is handcrafting wreaths from evergreen boughs, pinecones, and other natural materials. The work is a welcome diversion for the only unmarried daughter of Cornelius Riehl: her gruff  dat  has been receiving envelopes marked  Past Due , leaving dutiful Rosalyn to manage the household’s inexplicably shrinking budget. Then another distraction swaggers into Simple Gifts—blue-jeaned and leather-jacketed, with a reputation that precedes him. Marcus Hooley hightailed it to Willow Ridge on a wing and a prayer—not that he’s the praying type. He rejected his Amish roots long ago. But behind the bad-boy attitude is a gifted horse trainer who’s counting on some...

ABOUT   As the most joyous of seasons comes to the Amish community of Wells Landing, Oklahoma, one young woman gets a chance to start again—and rediscover the gift of true love . . .   Families rejoicing together, caroling parties full of cheer, and church get-togethers brimming with delicious cooking and warm fellowship. Ivy Weaver would give anything to be a part of Christmas in Wells Landing. But one reckless mistake made her an outsider, and it’s all she can do now to tend to her ailing grandfather and make a living. She sure doesn’t need Zeb Brenneman returning to help after he abandoned her for no reason. He’s working hard to make amends, but Ivy isn’t sure there’s enough faith—or still-sparking love between them—to stir her forgiveness . . . Zeb knows leaving Ivy was the biggest mistake he’s ever made. Even though she won’t hear him out, he’s determined to prove he’s become the trustworthy, steadfast man she truly deserves. But bright new chances and surprising re...

About the Book Book Title: The Christmas Prayer   Author: Wanda E. Brunstetter   Genre: Historical Christmas Romance   Release date : September, 2018   Beloved, bestselling author of Amish fiction, Wanda E. Brunstetter takes readers on a journey in 1850 along the California Trail. Only the brave—or foolhardy—would attempt a cross-country journey late in the season. Three wagons meet up in Independence, Missouri, in April 1850, and their owners decide to keep forging ahead despite many setbacks and delays. December finds them in the Sierra Nevada Mountains when a sudden snowstorm traps them, obscuring the trail. Cynthia Cooper is traveling with her mother and the man she has promised to marry. But as Christmas is upon them and they are hunkered down in a small cabin, she is forced to reevaluate her reasons for planning to marry fellow-traveler Walter Prentice. When a widowed father heading to a California ranch and a gold prospector both sho...

The Hope Jar {August 2018} What happens when making an elderly Amish couple very happy means going along with a lie that gets bigger by the day? Michelle Taylor is not who her new family in Lancaster County believes her to be. The Lapps were looking for their long-lost granddaughter when they met Michelle and she assumed the identity of Sara Murray. Once homeless and hopeless, Michelle has come to love her new Amish friends and even considers the idea of romance among them. Finding an old blue jar in the barn that is filled with slips of paper containing thoughts, quotes, and prayers by an unknown author becomes a boost to Michelle’s budding faith— but also convicting. How can she tell the truth without hurting the ones she has truly come to love? My Thoughts  You may get tired of me saying this, but I just have to say it again. Just when you think Wanda has written her best, she writes another. You will find yourself wondering how in the world does she do it...

For the Amish of Pontotoc, Mississippi, faith can open minds—and hearts—to create surprising bonds for a lifetime . . .    EXCERPT  Independent-minded Leah Gingerich has always been outspoken. And even though she is now a progressive Mennonite, she’s rediscovering the joys of family traditions back in her Amish hometown. Yet she can’t help but clash with her handsome new Amish neighbor, Jamie Stoltzfus. He’s too hard-headed and old-line to see that his traumatized young nephew, Peter, needs faith and help—or that a woman who stands up to him may be what  he  needs to heal . . . After a devastating tragedy, Jamie moved to Pontotoc with his nephew for a fresh start. Holding fast to his beliefs is the only way he feels he can aid Peter—and himself. But somehow, Leah’s freethinking ways and feisty challenges are sparking a happiness he’s never felt before. Soon, Jamie can’t imagine his life without her. But are their differences ultimately too great to ove...

This is one of my favorite cookbooks to go to from Wanda Brunstetter. You can find many great recipes inside that are easily made and you can find your ingredients right from your garden. But if you think this book is full of recipes just to eat, then your in for  delightful surprise. It has some wonderful recipes to help your garden thrive as well. If you have ever visited any Amish communities, then you know how beautiful their gardens can be. I personally, have been inspired to make my garden a bit better  each year.  It takes time, planning and work. With some of these helpful hints that Wanda has gathered in this book, you will be sure to have a wonderful looking garden and flowers around your home. Here is just one of the tips that can be found. If you grow lettuce and would like a healthier, and tastier lettuce, sprinkle some blood meal in the rows where the seeds are planted. This helpful tip comes from Mary E. Miller, Middleburg, IN and be found on page 11...

The Hawaiian Discovery {June 2018} Ellen Lambright mourned when her best friend, Mandy, moved from Indiana to Hawaii. But now Ellen has received the Amish church’s permission to go to Hawaii and help Mandy through challenging times. Rob Smith works on the Williams family’s organic farm, far from his past mistakes and burning regrets. When Ellen befriends Rob, the attraction is mutual, but her commitment to the Amish faith stands between them. Could a heartfelt discovery lead to forgiveness, reunion, and love? Or is Ellen’s destiny waiting for her in Indiana? My Thought  Expect the unexpected in this wonderful written story by Wanda Brunstetter and Jean Brunstetter. I thought how in the world are they going to pull this off? Well, not only did Wanda and Jean write another fabulous story, but they sure got me on this latest release The Hawaiian Discovery. In this story you will find love, hope and forgiveness. A story can't get any better with when you place God in the...