Sharon R. Paavola

Life moments and Book Reviews

The Quieting – Charming and Satisfying!

by Leave a Comment

The Quieting (Bishop's Family, #2)The Quieting by Suzanne Woods Fisher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this second book in The Bishop’s Family series by Suzanne Woods Fisher. I loved meeting the familiar characters from the first book and seeing who showed up in their lives in this one. The largest character is Mammi, David’s mother who comes to stay along with two of the cousins to help fix the Stoltzfus’ challenges. One of the cousins, Abigail discovers new things about herself and may find what she was not looking for at all! She’s helping her father with his genealogical research but has no idea what is in store for her. The usual comedic voice throughout the book by the author adds a delightful tone amidst a crisis in the local congregation. I look forward to the next installment in The Bishop’s Family!
I received a copy from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.

View all my reviews

Lori’s Heart – Moving and Intriguing!

by Leave a Comment

Lorie's HeartLorie’s Heart by Amy Lillard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What an enjoyable book! This isn’t your typical Amish story. Lorie’s father has died but when she and her stepmom go to identify his body she discovers something that sends her on a jolting journey full of secrets and surprises. Because of what she finds. Lorie has decisions to make that will effect her whole life. Digging up the past and her real heritage is more difficult than she thought and may change her mind about joining the church and marrying her lifelong friend, Jonah. The English world holds the key to opening her past and brings her a freedom she has longed for but may prove that she is in over her head. Her harsh Mamm seems determined to keep Lorie tied to her Amish family and their restaurant. Choices will not come easily for Lorie.

Amy Lillard has written an intriguing book with strong characters. I look forward to reading the sequel to Lorie’s Heart that comes out in the Spring of 2016.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley and have given my honest review.

View all my reviews

Made With Love – Delightful and Poignant!

by Leave a Comment

Made with LoveMade with Love by Tricia Goyer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Made With Love is delightful yet poignant book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Tricia Goyer and Sherry Gore’s team writing. Lovina has a dream, one that won’t leave her alone until it comes to fruition. She wants to sell pies, her pies to tourists and to her own town of Pinecraft. The high season is soon arriving and she needs a building for creating her pie shop. She even has one of the bankers ready to help her as soon as she finds a place to buy. Every day she rides her bike all over town in her search. Her desire envelopes her four sisters and her parents into her plans. Will Lovina see her dream come true? What price will she and her family pay to arrive at her goal? What will she learn about herself, God, and His plans on her way? Noah brings three Amish teens to Pinecraft to mentor them in his salvaging and building business but also to help them sort life out. Will he discover that he may have taken on too much? Will he rely on himself or God in his desire to redeem his past? These questions and more will be answered as you read Made With Love.

Disclosure: I was delighted to receive a free review copy of this book from NetGalley. I’m even more delighted to review and share it with you.I highly recommend this book.

View all my reviews

The Heart of the Amish a Must Read for Life

by Leave a Comment

“The Heart of the Amish: Life Lessons on Peacemaking and the Power of Forgiveness” The Heart of the Amish: Life Lessons on Peacemaking and the Power of Forgiveness by Suzanne Woods Fisher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Heart of the Amish: Life Lessons on Peacemaking and the Power of Forgiveness is an amazing book. The accounts that Suzanne Woods Fisher collected as illustrations will fill your soul. The depictions of forgiveness reveal the deep devotion the Amish have to God and the innateness of forgiveness in their communities. Their ability to let go of the most horrendous acts, such as the Nikel Mines school shooting of ten Amish girls in 2006 will touch you deeply. Suzanne includes several people’s stories from this event including the wife of the shooter.
The chapters are brief, pointed, and begin with Amish quotes. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! It’s amazing how healing forgiveness is in relationships and in life. Anyone struggling with pain in their heart from someone else’s actions or their own needs to read this book. The freedom to live without bitterness, grudges, or hate toward another person is clearly shown as the way to live. Sometimes the biggest offenses are the easiest ones to put down and walk away. I highly recommend reading The Heart of the Amish. You will not regret it and will learn a more peaceful way of life. Whether you have a strong belief system such as Christianity or not this is a valuable book for moving on from the past.

I received a copy of The Heart of the Amish from Revell Reads through Net Galley and have given my honest review.

View all my reviews

Cross the Atlantic with the Amish!

by 2 Comments

Anna's Crossing (An Amish Beginnings #1)Anna’s Crossing by Suzanne Woods Fisher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The fascinating story of one ship sailing to America in the late 1700’s with an Amish contingent is contained in Anna’s Crossing! Anna wants to go home before they even reach England from Rotterdam and the whole trip across the ocean is ahead of her. None of her family is with her but she brings her beloved rose plant with her hoping it will grow in the new land. How will she deal with the rough sea, the odors of the living quarters, and the ship’s carpenter for days and weeks to come? The reality of making the trip to America for freedom is a daunting, overwhelming ordeal for the Amish and Mennonites on the Charming Nancy who are relegated to the lower deck in cramped quarters for an unknown period of time. Will their supplies last, will the weak live, will the rain continue to fill their barrels? Will their faith see them through? Will Anna come to grips with her destiny in the new land away from her beloved grandparents? Suzanne Woods Fisher has written a history filled account of these strong, fictional characters that you will grow to love. Each page leaves you anticipating their future. I highly recommend this enlightening book.

I received an e-copy of this book in return for my honest review by NetGalley.

View all my reviews

An Amish Second Christmas – A Delight!

by Leave a Comment

What a precious collection of Christmas stories! Each one was unique but captivating and I thoroughly enjoyed reading them. The Amish characters drew me in learning about their Christmas celebrations. Four stories with different aspects of life that anyone can relate to and be captivated by. Since they are all short this was a quick read yet I wanted them to go on. Love, friendship, family, and faith float through all of them.

I highly recommend this delightful book, An Amish Second Christmas by four great authors!

I received this ebook from BookLook Bloggers for an honest review which I have given.

Categories