About Me I am a retired librarian and I now support books and authors through my reviews.

I have always loved to read and I was able to share that love through my work as a public librarian for 22 1/2 years. I now promote literacy by reading, and then writing reviews. I love to support authors by sharing my reviews with others!

Friday, March 31, 2023

One More Time for Joy (Paradise Valley, #3) by Amy Lillard

One More Time for Joy (Paradise Valley, #3)
ABOUT THE BOOK

Joy Lehman has pressed on faithfully since losing her husband, raising their children and running a thriving bakery alone. Even caring for her oldest son, Johnny—seriously injured after a fall—has not shaken her fierce independence. Johnny will walk again, she’s sure. Until then, a meeting of the Widows’ Club at her home makes it clear that Joy must consider some costly renovations. Her brother-in-law, Uriah, is happy to provide the lumber and the labor—if Joy will accept his help.

Uriah understands family challenges—he’s a widower himself, and father to four daughters. Yet he can see that Joy’s struggle lies deeper than house repairs, in learning to accept an altered future for her son. As Uriah’s daughters begin helping in the bakery, and Joy and Uriah’s bond grows deeper, a new possibility glows bright—the unexpected happiness that lies in embracing one strong, united family, filled with support and love .
. .





MY THOUGHTS.....

Joy Lehman has known the joy of finding someone that you want to spend your entire life with, but she's also experienced the pain and grief of losing that person to death. She's managed to endure, she has a successful bakery, and she's providing for her children. There are, however, many challenges associated with keeping a household and caring for a disabled son. Would she be willing to accept help from her widowed brother-in-law? Could she give up being an independent woman?

Author Amy Lillard poignantly captures the conflicting emotions of both Joy and Uriah as they enter this new phase in their lives. They could have happiness together if she'd only bend a little! Why, even their children think it's a good idea and there are lots of fun moments as they work to get their parents together.

As I read this book, I remembered the Sammy Cahn classic song that talks about finding love the second time around. Even now, as I write this review, I find myself humming the tune and singing the words. This is a heartwarming story of mature love, second chances, and the joy that comes from allowing God's Plan to work in our lives. One More Time for Joy is delightful Amish fiction!

I received an advanced reader copy from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.


My rating: 5 of 5 stars



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amy Lillard is a 2013 Carol award-winning author who loves reading romance novels from contemporary to Amish. She was born and raised in Mississippi, but now lives in Oklahoma with her husband and their teenage son.  

Learn more about Amy at her Website     

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THE PARADISE VALLEY SERIES

One More Time for Joy



Thursday, March 30, 2023

The Traitor's Post by Donnah M. Cole

The Traitor's Post
ABOUT THE BOOK

Self doubt torments Raisa Murray on a frequent basis. Life's not easy rearing her 7-year-old daughter alone and managing a sheep farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Any hope for a better mindset and a lighter load dissipates when a former love reappears in Catawba Vale. How will she ever face him knowing the secret she has harbored?

Jase Hampton, falsely accused and wrongfully convicted of taking another's life, receives the shocking news of his exoneration along with the discovery of betrayal by a childhood friend. Determined to vindicate himself, he returns home only to discover deception comes in many forms. Hardened and embittered, will he find a way to forgive others before his life spirals out of control?



MY THOUGHTS.....

It's been said that everyone deserves a second chance. Are we willing to grant it, or do we allow old hurts to color our perception? Do we give secrets a stronghold over truth? These are some of the intriguing questions that are woven into the plot of The Traitor's Post, a powerful new story by Donnah M. Cole. Jase Hampton lost seven years of his life because of a wrongful accusation. How will he be accepted when he returns to his hometown, and how will his homecoming affect the young woman that he left behind?

Cole shares a thought-provoking look at forgiveness and redemption as she relates Jase and Raisa's poignant attempts to create a new relationship. Her story has an abundance of Bible scripture and a powerful reminder that God's grace is available to all who are willing to accept it. I couldn't stop reading this emotional Christian romance but be prepared for its surprising ending!

I received a digital copy from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.


My rating: 5 of 5 stars






ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christian romance author, Donnah M. Cole (, is known for her heartfelt stories of faith and her passion to impact lives for Christ through fiction storytelling.

She is a Christian Indie Awards 2023 Finalist for both The Popcorn Fields and The Monarch Fields.

She lives in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina with her husband and bichon. Three of her greatest gifts in life are her two children and one grandson (with another grandbaby due in July 2023).

In addition to being a pastor’s wife, she works full-time as a healthcare auditor and part-time as an author. She holds a M.A. in health education from East Carolina University and is a member of Christian Indie Publishing Association.


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