Secrets of Harmony Grove by Mindy Starns Clark

Goodreads Summary:
From the bestselling author of Shadows of Lancaster County comes an exciting new romantic mystery set in Amish country.

When New York marketing executive Sienna Collins finds herself unemployed, she moves out of her pricey Manhattan apartment to sleepy Harmony Grove, Pennsylvania. She plans on running the bed-and-breakfast she had bought as an investment in Lancaster County. However, when the manager she lets go is later found murdered on the property, Sienna’s troubles take a serious turn.

A handsome local wishes to befriend her, but can she trust him? And when her ex-boyfriend shows up, wanting to reconcile, can she cope with him in the middle of this crisis? Sienna must learn to depend on the Savior she has recently taken into her heart. And she’ll need all the help she can get, because the secrets she uncovers in Harmony Grove threaten her livelihood, her safety, and ultimately her life.

My review:
This book was not one of my favorites to read. It was difficult to get into and difficult to finish, but I finally finished it. I give it a 3 star out of 5 star because it did get better 3 quarters way through, but I really didn't like it much.

Seaside Cinderella by Anna Schmidt

Goodreads Summary:

The tranquility of Nantucket Island offered poor but proud Lucie McNeil refuge, a place to dream about a better life. Her quiet existence as companion to an elderly couple was a blessing for the tragedy-haunted Irish immigrant. But all that changed when her employers' handsome, elegantly attired son stepped ashore. For she recognized him instantly as the owner of the Boston factory where a terrible fire had scarred her forever. She knew she should hate Gabriel Hunter, yet she could not. She found herself drawn to the caring soul she sensed behind the ruthless facade he showed the world. And she could not help dreaming that such different people--a poor servant girl and a wealthy merchant prince--might somehow make a life together.
My review:
I really enjoyed this book. Anna Schmidt did a fantastic job writing the story. I give this book 5 stars out of 5 stars.

Head in the Clouds by Karen Witemeyer

Adelaide Proctor is a young woman with her head in the clouds, longing for a real-life storybook hero to claim as her own. But when a husband-hunting debacle leaves her humiliated, she interviews for a staid governess position on a central Texas sheep ranch and vows to leave her romantic yearnings behind.

When Gideon Westcott left his privileged life in England to make a name for himself in America's wool industry, he never expected to become a father overnight. And five-year-old Isabella hasn't uttered a word since she lost her mother. The unconventionality of the new governess concerns Gideon--and intrigues him at the same time. But he can't afford distractions. He has a ranch to run, a shearing to oversee, and a suspicious fence-cutting to investigate.

When Isabella's uncle comes to claim the child--and her inheritance--Gideon and Adelaide must work together to protect Isabella from the man's evil schemes. And soon neither can deny their growing attraction. But after so many heartbreaks, will Adelaide be willing to get her head out of the clouds and put her heart on the line?

I absolutely loved this story. Although it took me some time to read this story, I found it quite exciting and hard to put down. It definitely grabbed my attention at the very start of the book. Without a doubt, I give this book 5 stars and say it is a must read! Witemeyer did a terrific job writing this book and I am glad I read it.

A Time to Laugh by Kelly Eileen Hake

Isaac is finally ready to marry Nessa. Isaac Freimont sees his marriage to Nessa Gailbraith, his childhood sweetheart, as a foregone conclusion. They have basically been promised to each other since&well, since always. Isaac finally feels that the time is right and puts forth his carefully planned proposal to Nessa. But much to Isaac's surprise, she refuses! Nessa has loved Isaac forever and has dreamed of the day he would ask her to be his loving wife. But when his proposal comes at last, it sounds more like a business arrangement than a declaration of undying love. How can she marry a man who must not truly love her? As hurt and confusion drive a wedge between the sweethearts, newcomers arrive in Saddleback, Montana. They catch the attentions of both Isaac and Nessa and cause a further rift between them. Will Isaac and Nessa lose all they have dreamed of or turn to God and find in Him their time to laugh and love?
I enjoyed this book. I give it 5 stars on a 5 star rating scale. I felt like I was part of the story which is what I like in a book. It was really good. Thanks Kelly for write a terrific book.

A Merry Heart by Wanda Brunstetter

Goodreads Summary
Miriam Stoltzfus is a young Pennsylvania Amish woman once filled with dreams for a future with a man. . .who jilted her. Now she is known as the old maid schoolteacher with a heart of stone. Could a forbidden romantic friendship with an English newspaper reporter stir the embers of her heart? Or, will she follow the traditional path and settle for a marriage of convenience born out of the sake of a child? Either way, she must find the key to letting go of the bitterness that binds her ability to love.

I loved this story. Wanda you've written another good Amish Story! Way to go. I give on a 5 star scale, 5 stars. I found myself not wanting to put this book down. I loved the ending and can't wait to read the next book in the series. I felt like I was in the story or watching a movie.

Baby Makes a Match by Arlene James

Goodreads summary
Stranded at a truck stop alone and in trouble, pregnant Bethany Carter desperately needs a ride to Buffalo Creek. Then along comes Chandler Chatam, a cowboy with a bad-boy smile and a heart of gold. But when they get to Chatam House, Chandler's three maiden aunts assume he's the father! Chandler's honored to care for Bethany and her unborn child. Problem is, the more time he spends with sweet Bethany, the more he wishes he truly were the father—and her husband. What's a rodeo cowboy to do but lasso the lady into his arms?
I enjoyed this book immensely, I had a hard time putting it down. I definitely recommend this book. I give this book a 5 star. This was a great story. I felt like I was part of the story or watching a movie unravel. I like that in a book.

Lady in the Mist

Goodreads summary:
By virtue of her profession as a midwife, Tabitha Eckles is the keeper of many secrets: the names of fathers of illegitimate children, the level of love and harmony within many a marriage, and now the identity of a man who may have caused his wife's death. Dominick Cherrett is a man with his own secret to keep: namely, what he, a British nobleman, is doing on American soil working as a bondsman in the home of Mayor Kendall, a Southern gentleman with his eye on a higher office.

By chance one morning before the dawn has broken, Tabitha and Dominick cross paths on a misty beachhead, leading them on a twisted path through kidnappings, death threats, public disgrace, and . . . love? Can Tabitha trust Dominick? What might he be hiding? And can either of them find true love in a world that seems set against them?

With stirring writing that puts readers directly into the story, Lady in the Mist expertly explores themes of identity, misperception, and love's discovery.


I enjoyed this book, but not as much as others. It was kind of easy to put down, easier than I would have liked. I did enjoy it and I did like it, so I give it 4 stars.