When They Met Again (Letters from Lancaster County, #2) by Leslie Gould

ABOUT THE BOOK

It's love at first sight for Adam Slaybaugh, yet while Joanna Grebel finds him attractive and is intrigued when he declares his interest, she's less certain of the potential for a romantic future together. Instead, she proposes they be "just friends," but Adam's not willing to settle for anything less than a romantic relationship. In response, he leaves Lancaster County for Florida, and soon after, Joanna begins courting Jacob Byer--someone she deems a much more suitable match.

When Adam returns to Lancaster County years later to pursue a career in his grandparents' successful home renovation business, he finds Joanna suffering from a broken heart. Misunderstandings and matchmaking schemes begin a tender journey of healing and romance--but is Adam's love enough to finally win Joanna over?

Bestselling Amish romance author Leslie Gould pens a gently humorous and rich romance threaded with heart-deep characters and the traditions of simple Amish life.

AMAZON

MY THOUGHTS.....

Love at first sight? It's exciting if both people feel the same attraction, but this wasn't the case for Adam and Joanna. He loved her instantly, she believed friendship should come first, and Adam ended up going to Florida to nurse his broken heart. Would Joanna ever know what she had thrown away?

Adam is given a second chance with Joanna when he returns home to Lancaster County to help his grandparents. Her recent pain caused by another man may prevent Joanna from seeing just how special Adam is. I enjoyed the book discussions that became such an important part of their budding relationship. Perhaps friendship is the lasting foundation for true love!

When They Met Again is a sweet romance, but there's so much more! I loved the special friendship of the three grandmothers and the bishop's wife, along with the circle letters they shared. They weren't always what older Amish women are perceived to be, and it appeared that some may have really enjoyed their Rumspringa days! Were these fun friends the encouragement Adam needed to pursue Joanna this second time?

Leslie Gould says that the classic movie When Harry Met Sally inspired this novel. Never fear, this clean romance is perfect for fans of Amish fiction!

I received a complimentary copy from the author and Bethany House. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Leslie Gould is the #1 bestselling and award-winning author of forty-eight novels, including the Amish Memories series and the Plain Patterns series. She’s sold 800,000 books over the last two decades. She holds a bachelor’s degree in history and communications and an MFA in creative writing. Leslie enjoys research trips, church history, and hiking, especially in the beautiful state of Oregon where she lives. She and her husband, Peter, have four adult children and two grandchildren.

Learn more by visiting Leslie's    Website  

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LETTERS FROM LANCASTER COUNTY

The Shop Down the Lane

When They Met Again

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The Lumber Baron's Wife by Lynn Austin

ABOUT THE BOOK

When the young wife of a powerful lumber baron vanishes into the wilds of frontier Michigan, her friend is left to unravel the truth in this captivating dual-timeline novel from bestselling author Lynn Austin.

1873

After a devastating loss, Hannah Wagner never imagined she’d leave her comfortable home for the harsh, unfamiliar wilderness near Lake Michigan. But when Henry Abernathy, a friend of her husband John, offers them a fresh start in a booming lumber town—where John’s skills as a doctor are sorely needed—Hannah reluctantly agrees.

There, she meets Kate Abernathy, Henry’s spirited, much younger wife. Kate’s sharp tongue and outsider status have made her unwelcome among the town’s elite. As she begins confiding in Hannah, it becomes clear her marriage is not what it seems—and that a secret from her past could destroy everything.

Present Day

Ashley Gilbert never planned to settle in Michigan, but when her husband lands his dream job as a conservationist, she agrees to follow. While restoring their historic home—built in the 19th century for a doctor and his wife—Ashley becomes captivated by its past and its connection to the nearby Abernathy mansion, now being transformed into a museum.

While volunteering with the restoration, Ashley stumbles upon the unsolved mystery of Kate Abernathy’s disappearance. What begins as curiosity soon becomes a quest for the truth—one that will connect her to two women whose stories and struggles echo and inspire her own.

Standalone historical fiction about marriage, grief, and the power of female friendships from the author of All My Secrets and Long Way Home A richly layered Christian women’s fiction novel with elements of mystery, perfect for fans of Martha Hall Kelly, Kristy Cambron, and Susan Meissner Includes discussion questions for book clubs

AMAZON     

MY THOUGHTS.....

I've found it hard to express my thoughts about this riveting dual-timeline novel! The history and mystery of the 1870s timeline are engaging, but Lynn Austin's ability to connect them to a present-day plotline makes it even more captivating!

First of all, there are three amazing female characters! Hannah follows her husband, Dr. John Wagner when he accepts a new job near Lake Michigan in 1871. Hannah's deep grief over the loss of their children plays a prominent role as she finds a rare friendship with the young wife of lumber baron Henry Abernathy. Hannah and Kate are as different as night and day, but their friendship becomes a balm for both of them. Until Kate goes missing and Hannah doesn't know what has happened! 

In the present-day timeline, Ashley Gilbert discovers Hannah and Kate's story when she and her husband restore Hannah and John's former home, and also become involved in a nearby museum project. Once again, the mystery of Kate Abernathy's disappearance is brought to life, and the Abernathy house becomes a very important 'character' in both timelines. Austin reveals that her inspiration came after a visit to the real-life Hackley Mansion in Muskegon, Michigan. I loved her vivid descriptions, and I long to visit the Hackley Museum one day!

History, mystery, and wonderful characters make this a story that I won't soon forget, and you can bet that The Lumber Baron's Wife will have a permanent spot in my bookcase! The emotions are painfully raw as we read about the hardships, deep friendships, and powerful message of faith.

I urge you to read The Lumber Baron's Wife if you enjoy historical Christian fiction. I also recommend it to anyone eager to read an encouraging testament of hope, faith, and friendship!

I received a copy of this book from the author and Tyndale House Publishers. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

For many years, Lynn Austin nurtured a desire to write but frequent travels and the demands of her growing family postponed her career. When her husband's work took Lynn to Bogota, Colombia, for two years, she used the B.A. she'd earned at Southern Connecticut State University to become a teacher. After returning to the U.S., the Austins moved to Anderson, Indiana, Thunder Bay, Ontario, and later to Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. Since then she has published 27 novels. Eight of her historical novels, Hidden Places, Candle in the Darkness, Fire by Night, A Proper Pursuit, and Until We Reach Home have won Christy Awards in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009 for excellence in Christian Fiction. Fire by Night was also one of only five inspirational fiction books chosen by Library Journal for their top picks of 2003, and All She Ever Wanted was chosen as one of the five inspirational top picks of 2005. Lynn's novel Hidden Places has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel, starring actress Shirley Jones. Ms Jones received a 2006 Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Aunt Batty in the film.

Learn more by visiting Lynn's Website or by following her on     Facebook     Twitter    Instagram    Pinterest

All My Secrets

Waiting For Christmas

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