Stop by to learn about the latest release from Susan Lantz Simpson, Lizzie's Heart. Read my review, and enter to win a print copy of the book. (US ONLY)
Showing posts with label #Zebra. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #Zebra. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 9, 2020
Friday, January 3, 2020
"Rosanna's Gift" by Susan Lantz Simpson ... and a GIVEAWAY!
Susan has agreed to give away a print copy of this book. (US ONLY)You can enter by using the Rafflecopter link at the end of the post. (Giveaway ends January 10, 2020. If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you.)
The story behind the story...
I have
always been interested in the Amish and their way of life. I remember going to
the local Amish farmers’ market with my mother when I was very small. I was
totally fascinated even then.
Over the
years my interest increased, and I did a lot of reading and research. When
delving into my own family history, I discovered that, way back, my ancestors
might very well have been Plain. Maybe my interest was something innate!
I’ve written
stories ever since I could hold a pencil, and I remember talking to my mother
about writing an Amish story before any such books were ever on the market.
Those ideas must have been germinating over the years.
My work in
community health sometimes involves children in foster care. Some of our local
Mennonites serve as foster families; hence, the idea of having a Plain young
woman take on the care of an infant was born.
I have read
many Amish stories but never came across any set in Southern Maryland where we
have Amish and Mennonite communities. I wanted to set my novels (six previous
books in addition to Rosanna’s Gift) here in this very different, rural
location.
My goal in
all my writing is to entertain and to encourage. I want readers to enjoy my
stories, maybe pick up some new information, and take away a message of hope
along with the knowledge of God’s love. I pray I have accomplished these goals.
My review...
I’ve read and enjoyed books by this author in the past, and
this one was no exception. The cover is welcoming, and it’s a great match for
the story.
Rosanna is a strong heroine, and I found the secondary
characters to be well-developed, as well. Emma was enjoyable. She’s Rosanna’s
best friend, and she does what everyone needs from a friend: provides honest
insight, along with some laughter. Rosanna’s family, particularly her brothers
and sisters, had realistic interactions. The author has a way with words that
makes the reader feel a true part of the story. Through her characters, she
also demonstrates that people are the same in many ways, whether Amish or Englisch.
And it was hard not to love Mollie!
The prose is beautiful, and the pace is mostly steady throughout.
There were a few lulls in the story, but things balanced out overall. Relationships
develop at a realistic pace. A key theme is trusting that God knows best, even
when His timing is different than our own.
“ The Lord Gott’s plan might be totally different from
ours, but you can be sure He has a plan for you.”
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn’t
required to leave a positive review.
About Susan...
Susan Lantz Simpson has been writing
stories and poetry ever since she penned her first poem at the age of six. She
has always loved the magic of words and how they can entertain and enlighten
others. Her love of words and books led her to earn a degree in
English/Education. She has taught students from Prekindergarten to high school
and has also worked as an editor for the federal government. She also holds a
degree in nursing and has worked in hospitals and in community health. She
writes inspirational stories of love and faith and has published a middle-grade
novel (Ginger and the Bully) in
addition to her inspirational romances. She was a finalist in the OCW Cascade
fiction contest. She lives in Maryland and is the mother of two wonderful
daughters. She is a member of ACFW and Maryland Christian Writers Group. When
she isn’t writing, she enjoys reading, walking, and doing needlework.
Where to find Susan online...
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thursday, February 7, 2019
Takeover Thursday with Molly Jebber ... and a GIVEAWAY!
Molly is here to share a bit about her latest release, Ellie's Redemption. She has offered to give away a hard copy (US ONLY) of the book. You can enter by using the Rafflecopter link at the end of the post. (Giveaway ends February 14, 2019. If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you.) Here's Laurie...
Isn’t it the best to call a friend and chat? I
treasure my friends. My favorite thing about writing is the wonderful readers
I meet through signings, my speaking engagements, and social media through
chats and sharing tidbits about each other. It’s a blessing to meet and have
friends to share with around the world. We trust our best friends. We cry,
laugh, tease, talk, and share our hearts with them. Then we have friends we may
not visit due to distance, but you can pick up right where you left off the minute
you see them. I’m sure you can relate. I’ve made friends with many of you I may
never meet, but I smile when I see your name on Facebook. I feel like we’ve met because of all the
times we’ve posted back and forth and learned so much about each other.
In Ellie, you’ll enjoy how she teases and interacts
with her friends. She’s a strong young woman with flaws, she’s made mistakes,
and she struggles to not express her opinion without a filter, but you love
her. She’s fun, has a big heart, and she’s determined to find love.
It was great fun to write about a bakery filled with
cinnamon-scented air, homemade breads, cakes, cookies, and pies. I got hungry
writing it, and I may have gained a pound or two along the way. When I’d write cinnamon roll or butterscotch
pie, I’d dream about them!
I toured an Amish home, and at the end, Leah had a
long table filled with oatmeal, snickerdoodle, sugar, and molasses cookies. I
had to take one of each. My husband and I devoured those by the end of the day.
The Amish create recipes and make the best food. I’ve provided recipes in the
back of my books for you I enjoy.
When I visit Amish communities, I never tire of the
horses pulling the buggies. I’m amazed at the detail in their quilts and
bonnets and many other dry goods. I’ve learned so much about baking, cooking,
cleaning tips, and more from them. Charm, Ohio captured my heart. I loved this
town. I had to write about it. I hope you’ll enjoy this story as it takes you
to Charm and into Ellie’s life.
Visit my website and see where I’ll be speaking. I’d
love to meet you in person or visit Facebook and keep in touch and enter
contests. Thank you, Leslie, for having me visit here today!!
Ellie’s Redemption blurb:
The comforting aroma of fresh baked-and-buttered bread. The hearty spice of cinnamon-oatmeal bars and hot coffee. In 1912 Ohio, The Amish Charm Bakers is the sweet sustaining center of a faith-abiding town built on peace, forgiveness--and ever-surprising love...
Ellie Graber couldn't be happier working at Amish Charm--and making good on a precious chance to reunite with her Amish community. Grief over her mother's death made her rebel and try the Englisher world, but now she's home to start again. And quiet, thoughtful Joel Wenger is one of the few willing to understand her as their unexpected friendship develops into something much more...
But no matter how hard Ellie tries, Joel's mother resolutely refuses to approve of her--much less accept her as a potential daughter-in-law. And as painful misunderstandings and a beautiful rival for Joel's affections threaten to separate the couple for good, can they bridge the gap between distrust and faith to secure a lifetime of love?
My review...
This is the second book in the “Amish Charm Bakery” series,
though it could be read as a standalone.
Ellie cares for Joel but she must deal with his mother, who
believes the rumors she hears through the Amish grapevine about Ellie. Will his
mother succeed in keeping the young couple apart?
It’s easy to root for and connect with Ellie. This is a
sweet romance with well-developed characters. Themes of forgiveness and faith
are evident. A yummy oatmeal cookie recipe, as well as a Dutch/German glossary,
is included. Jebber’s writing draws the reader in to her
stores, making them feel a part of the community. This is a great addition to a charming series, and I look forward to reading the next installment. Fans of Amish fiction will
want to check out this book.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn’t
required to leave a positive review.
About Molly...
Molly Jebber is an award-winning
author of Amish Historical Romance. Her latest book, ELLIE’S REDEMPTION, is the
second book in her Amish Charm Bakery Series and releases January 29, 2019. Molly’s
books have been featured in Publisher’s Weekly, USA Today’s HEA, featured in
video on Naples News and Romantic Times. Her books have received widespread
media attention throughout the US. She’s a touring speaker for Women’s
Christian Connection, other women’s organizations, and she offers presentations
on writing and the Amish. She says the most rewarding part about writing
stories is meeting wonderful readers who become friends through social media
and at her speaking events. Please visit her website: http://www.mollyjebber.com for a
full list of her books (and options stores to buy them), speaking events and
recipes.
She loves God, her family, and friends. She says yes to
swimming, the beach, golf, and time with her family and friends, and no to
coconut, onions, and skydiving!
Where you can find Molly online...
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)