Review ~ The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club (The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club, #1) by Wanda E. Brunstetter / AND A Personal Note

The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club by Wanda E. Brunstetter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I very much enjoyed listening to the audio of this book! Brunstetter presents a fabulous cast of characters, some that you'll be quite fond of and others...not so much. LOL
I'd say this is one of my favorite inspirational fiction stories I've listened to in a while.

View all my reviews

Note: I'm not reviewing much at all anymore in a professional reader capacity because in Nov 2024 I was diagnosed with Macular Degeneration, and reading an actual paperback book is a bit difficult for me. But I fully intend to share the good books I listen to. I'll be posting a few of those in the next few days. :-)

Anne & Rebecca Review ~ The Tinderbox by Beverly Lewis

Paperback, 320 pages

Published April 2nd 2019 by Bethany House Publishers

With her Amish parents' twentieth anniversary approaching, eighteen-year-old Sylvia Miller stumbles across a surprise--the old brass tinderbox her clockmaker father keeps in his Lancaster County shop has been left unlocked. Against her better judgment, Sylvia opens the cherished heirloom, not realizing that what she is about to discover will splinter apart her happy life.

Sylvia's bewilderment grows when her father confronts her about snooping in the box. To her amazement, the respected convert to the Old Order reacts as if he has something to hide.

Burdened by the weight of his deception, Earnest Miller decides he must reveal the details about his past to his beloved wife, Rhoda. The long-kept secret alters everything for the close-knit family, jeopardizing Earnest and Rhoda's relationship, as well as threatening Sylvia's recent engagement to the preacher's grandson.

Can the Millers find a way forward through the turmoil to a place of forgiveness and acceptance?

Rebecca’s Review

3 STARS

"No one has to know," she whispered. 

And yet they did, and they would. When Sylvia Miller unlocked her father's antique tinderbox, a plethora of memorabilia from her beloved father's English past assaulted her senses, only it was what was carefully wrapped in the bottom of the box that would create a firestorm of unpleasant repercussions. Her once tight-knit Old Order Amish family was about to be torn apart. If only she had left well enough alone. 

Earnest Miller is grief-stricken when his close neighbor and confidant passes away, but that pain doesn't come close to what his wife is going to feel when the truths that the tinderbox have hidden for two decades come to light. And they must, for someone has opened his box. Will Rhoda ever forgive him? Has his determination to protect his family, eventually going to destroy them?

Quite honestly, this story is not going to endear many readers to the harsher side of the Amish community. It was a struggle to read at times. Is there hope for forgiveness and restoration? Absolutely, but it comes with a price, along with lingering shades of hypocrisy within the Order. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

Anne's Review (with minor SPOILER ALERT)

3.5 STARS

The Tinderbox is an intricately written story encompassing the lives of several members of an Old Order Amish family in Hickory Hollow. While this story is not fast-paced, it is steady in its forward progression. I found a lot of enjoyment in the slower pace and details regarding the Miller’s, especially the dad, Earnest.

It was an intimate glimpse into a community that continues to fascinate me and at the same time repel. The characters show great love for their own until one transgresses, then even after the most beautifully heartfelt and sincere confession and repentance, still harsh discipline is meted out; a six week Bann. That broke my heart. I realize this is the Amish way but it made me appreciate being a Christian and knowing that never do I have to fear that kind of discipline from my Heavenly Father or church Elders.

My head and heart were heavily invested in this story and I’m sure that’s why I was affected as deeply as I was. Lewis knows the culture and it shows. And she has added a rather shocking twist at the end that I am eager to read about in the conclusion coming out in September 2019, The Timepiece.

I received a paperback copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a review. No compensation has been received.

WINNER!!!

CONGRATULATIONS KAREN G!!!

You won a paperback copy of A Perfect Amish Match by Vannetta Chapman!

I hope you see this post, Karen, as I've tried twice to contact you through email but it is being returned. I checked the address and it is what you left on the blog post. If I don't hear from you in 48 hours, I will choose another winner. 

We connected!!! :-)

Thanks to all who came by and left a comment. Stay tuned for more book reviews, author interviews, and giveaways. 

If you aren't following the blog, feel free to sign up in the sidebar using GFC or email. 

That way, you won't miss out!

Have a blessed week,

Review ~ A Perfect Amish Match by Vannetta Chapman + Giveaway

UPDATE: GIVEAWAY ENDED

Paperback, 224 pages

Expected publication: April 16th 2019 by Love Inspired

Every courting disaster has led him to her.

An Indiana Amish Brides story

After three failed relationships, Amish bachelor Noah Graber would rather disappoint his parents than try again. But when matchmaker Olivia Mae Miller agrees to provide courting lessons, Noah’s perfect match becomes clear—it’s Olivia Mae herself! With ailing grandparents at home, she hadn’t planned on love or marriage. Might a future with Noah be everything she’s been missing?

Pre-order:

CBD

My Review

4.5 STARS!!!

I don’t read many Love Inspired books but I am so happy I read A Perfect Amish Match. It is a delightful story of two older singles (in the Amish community anyway) who have pretty much decided that marriage must not be in their future.

Chapman’s expert writing drew me deep into the lives of Noah and Olivia Mae. I couldn’t put the book down. There is a lot of living packed into these pages. 

Beautiful prose and some seriously romantic moments definitely made my breath hitch a few times. This is one for my keeper shelf.

I received a copy from the publisher. No review was required. No compensation has been received. 

GIVEAWAY 
Open Internationally

Paperback for US residents only and an e-book for international. 

If you're a US resident and you prefer e-book, that is fine too. We'll get that all straightened out later. ;-)

Answer this question: Have you read any books by Vannetta Chapman? 

If so, please share in the comments and you'll be entered to win a copy of the book, courtesy of the author and publisher.

You MUST be a follower of the blog, preferably through GFC in the right sidebar.

You MUST leave an email address in a non-spammy format!

I'm taking a blogging break until April 2nd so that is when I will draw a winner. If I am able, I will check back in and respond to any comments but if not, know that I appreciate each one of you who follows Stuff & Nonsense. I am delighted to be able to share my love of books with you, especially when they are as good as this one!

See you April!!!

Review ~ The Courage to Love by Shelley Shepard Gray

Published October 16th 2018 by Zondervan

An Amish Homecoming story from bestselling author Shelley Shepard Grey.
After going against her better judgment, Irene Keim fell for a wayward Englisch man, sending her life into a downward spiral. But upon his death, she knows it’s time for a fresh start and new adventures.
Irene quits her job and embarks on a month-long bus trip out west and is presented with the opportunity to rent a room from one of the older couples she befriended along the way. Mary Ruth and Henry Wengerd are more than happy for the company and the help around the house.
But when Mary Ruth and Henry’s son Marcus comes around, he isn’t pleased with the woman they’ve taken in and is determined to push her out. Misunderstandings abound, but both Irene and Marcus learn that people aren’t always what they seem.

My Review
5 STARS!!!

An Amish Homecoming: Four Stories

The Courage to Love by Shelley Shepard Gray

This novella brought back fond remembrances of His Risk, the fourth book in Gray’s The Amish of Hart County series. Irene Keim was introduced in that story and in The Courage to Love we find her living with the Wengerd’s, an older Amish couple that befriended her. With Irene’s volatile family past, the Wengerd’s affection is a balm to her lonely soul and they enjoy many laughter-filled evenings playing Clue. Their home is a safe haven for Irene until their son Marcus returns from an out of town trip and discovers her living there. Marcus has some superiority issues and negative emotions from a former breakup that he hasn’t dealt with but once that is done, the game is on.

The Courage to Love is a quick and enjoyable read. My heart was stirred because of the references to West from His Risk. I won’t give a spoiler in case you haven’t read that one, but he was one of my favorite characters. I loved how Gray builds a complete story in under a hundred pages. Her talent is admirable, for sure and for certain. 

Amish fiction fans will undoubtedly be entertained for a few hours. I’m looking forward to reading the other three novellas included in this collection by authors Amy Clipston, Beth Wiseman, and Kathleen fuller. 

I was gifted a copy of the book from the author and publisher. No review was required. No compensation was received.

Review ~ His Promise by Shelley Shepard Gray

Mass Market Paperback, 352 pages

Published October 23rd 2018 by Avon Inspire 

It’s set to be a white Christmas in Hart County, and Grace King is pet-sitting in a beautiful home with only a difficult dachshund for company. Just as she starts to miss the bustle of her large Amish family, Grace runs into a familiar face. Living right next door is John Michael Miller. He’s a fireman now, but five years ago, he had courted her older sister, then broke her heart. Seeing him again stirs Grace’s anger, but also reminds her of deeper feelings she’s done her best to deny.

The infatuation John Michael once saw in Grace’s eyes is long gone, though his complicated attraction to her remains. He had walked away all those years ago when he realized he was falling in love with the wrong sister. Now, as suspicious fires are set in their community, that’s not an option. Grace dismisses his warnings, and John Michael vows to keep an eye on her. But he can’t help wondering if he’s reconnected with Grace, only to risk losing her again.

Now all John Michael wants for Christmas is to keep Grace safe, in the hopes that they can one day have a future together.

 

Purchase:

*CBD

Short Review

4 STARS!!!

Revisiting Hart County during Christmastime feels like being snugly wrapped in a favorite fluffy blanket. Gray combines the perfect touch of intrigue and romance. I enjoyed a few hours of simpler days during this time of year with the focus on family and community and charitable actions rather than the standard hustle and bustle and consumerism of the “Englisher” life.  
His Promise is a refreshing cozy mystery read. 

I received a copy from the author and publisher. No review was required.
No compensation was received.

 

Christian Fiction Giveaway for two US Followers + Amazon e-gift card for one International Follower!!!

Hey Y'all! 

I can't believe May is almost over and summer is almost upon us!!! To kick it off, Rebecca and I each have a couple of books to give away. 

You MUST be a GFC follower of Stuff & Nonsense in order to be entered for the giveaway. It's easy peasy to do. Just look over to the right sidebar and click Follow under the GFC Followers widget. 

Then leave a comment telling us what plans you have (or had) this Memorial Day weekend to remember and honor all those who have died in active military service to our great country. 

You are welcome to tell us which books you would prefer to enter the giveaway for but we make no guarantee you will win the ones you want. 

 Don't forget to leave your email address in a non-spam format -- jane at here dot com -- so we can contact you if you win. We will choose TWO winners, one for Rebecca's books and one for mine, on Thursday, May 31. Winners will be notified by email and have 48 hours to respond before a new winner(s) will be chosen. Due to postage costs, the book giveaway is only open to US residents in the lower 48 states. We are not responsible for lost or damaged goods received. Once the books are dropped at the USPS, they are out of our hands....literally. :-)

 

BUT....

I am also giving away a $5 Amazon e-gift card to one INTERNATIONAL follower. 

Just let me know what country you are in, please. :-)

Now for the books!

Rebecca's Giveaway

#1- The Accidental Guardian (High Sierra Sweethearts #1) by Mary Connealy

She's the only witness to a wagon train attack. Keeping her safe, though, means his world is about to be turned upside down.

Book Blurb: When Trace Riley finds the smoldering ruins of a small wagon train, he recognizes an attack by the same group who left him as sole survivor years ago. Living off the wilderness since then, he's finally carved out a home and started a herd--while serving as a self-appointed guardian of the trail. He'd hoped the days of driving off dangerous men were over, but the latest attack shows otherwise.

Deborah Harkness saved her younger sister and two toddlers during the attack, and now finds herself at the mercy of her rescuer. Trace becomes an accidental guardian when he offers the only shelter for miles around and agrees to take them in until they can safely continue their journey. His simple bachelor existence never anticipated kids and women in the picture and their arrival is unsettling--yet enticing.

Trace and Deborah find themselves drawing ever closer as they work together to bring justice to the trail and help the group survive the winter--but every day closer to spring means a day closer to leaving the mountains forever.  

AND....

#2- The Weaver's Daughter by Sarah E. Ladd 

Book Blurb: Kate's loyalties bind her to the past. Henry's loyalties compel him to strive for a better future. In a landscape torn between tradition and vision, can two souls find the strength to overcome their preconceptions?

Loyalty has been at the heart of the Dearborne family for as long as Kate can remember, but a war is brewing in their small village, one that has the power to rip families asunder --including her own. As misguided actions are brought to light, she learns how deep her father's pride and bitterness run, and she begins to wonder if her loyalty is well-placed.

Henry Stockton, heir to the Stockton fortune, returns home from three years at war seeking refuge from his haunting memories. Determined to bury the past, he embraces his grandfather's goals to modernize his family's wool mill, regardless of the grumblings from the local weavers. When tragedy strikes shortly after his arrival, Henry must sort truth from suspicion if he is to protect his family's livelihood and legacy.

Henry has been warned about the Dearborne family. Kate, too, has been advised to stay far away from the Stocktons, but chance meetings continue to bring her to Henry's side, blurring the jagged lines between loyalty, justice, and truth. Kate ultimately finds herself with the powerful decision that will forever affect her village's future. As unlikely adversaries, Henry and Kate must come together to find a way to create peace for their families, and their village, and their souls - even if it means risking their hearts in the process.

Anne’s Giveaway 

#1- A Quilt for Jenna (Apple Creek Dreams #1) by Patrick E. Craig 

Book Blurb: Amish + Quilts = readers delight! And in this first book in Patrick Craig's Apple Creek Dreams series, readers will follow Jerusha Springer's journey out of tragic circumstances to a new life of hope. 

 Jerusha has spent months making the most beautiful quilt anyone in Apple Creek, Ohio, has ever seen, and she knows it's going to take first prize at the Quilt Fair in Dalton. The prize will be her ticket out of the Amish way of life?away from the memories of her dead daughter and her tormented husband. But on the way to the Fair, she gets caught in the Storm of The Century and Jerusha's driver crashes their car. While the driver goes for help, Jerusha is led by someone, or something, to the side of a lost little girl. By the time the storm clears, Jerusha finds there is a greater prize to be won than money and blue ribbons. 

A beautiful story of loss and redemption. 

AND...

#2- Where Lilacs Still Bloom by Jane Kirkpatrick 

One woman, an impossible dream, and the faith it took to see it through. 

Book Blurb: German immigrant and farm wife Hulda Klager possesses only an eighth-grade education—and a burning desire to create something beautiful. What begins as a hobby to create an easy-peeling apple for her pies becomes Hulda’s driving purpose: a time-consuming interest in plant hybridization that puts her at odds with family and community, as she challenges the early twentieth-century expectations for a simple housewife. 

Through the years, seasonal floods continually threaten to erase her Woodland, Washington garden and a series of family tragedies cause even Hulda to question her focus. In a time of practicality, can one person’s simple gifts of beauty make a difference? 

 Based on the life of Hulda Klager, Where Lilacs Still Bloom is a story of triumph over an impossible dream and the power of a generous heart. 

“Beauty matters… it does. God gave us flowers for a reason. Flowers remind us to put away fear, to stop our rushing and running and worrying about this and that, and for a moment, have a piece of paradise right here on earth.” 

Here's a recap of the GIVEAWAY rules!

You MUST be a GFC follower of Stuff & Nonsense in order to be entered for the giveaway. It's easy peasy to do. Just look over to the right sidebar and click Follow under the GFC Followers widget. 

Then leave a comment telling us what plans you have (or had) this Memorial Day weekend to remember and honor all those who have died in active military service to our great country. 

You are welcome to tell us which books you would prefer to enter the giveaway for but we make no guarantee you will win the ones you want. 

 Don't forget to leave your email address in a non-spam format -- jane at here dot com -- so we can contact you if you win. We will choose TWO winners, one for Rebecca's books and one for mine, on Thursday, May 31. Winners will be notified by email and have 48 hours to respond before a new winner(s) will be chosen. Due to postage costs, the book giveaway is only open to US residents in the lower 48 states. We are not responsible for lost or damaged goods received. Once the books are dropped at the USPS, they are out of our hands....literally. :-)

 

BUT....

I am also giving away a $5 Amazon e-gift card to one INTERNATIONAL follower. 

Just let me know what country you are in, please. :-)

I think that's it, Y'all!
Have a safe and blessed weekend no matter where you are in our beautiful world!!!
May God richly bless you with his presence, mercy and grace!

Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. ~Psalm 27:3-4