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!

Sunday, March 23, 2025

Green Pastures (The Amish of Shepherd's Hill, #1) by Patricia Johns

Green Pastures (The Amish of Shepherd's Hill, #1)
ABOUT THE BOOK

Tabitha Schrock's return to Lancaster County shakes the foundations of her family and community. After her departure during rumspringa and a recent divorce, Tabitha faces the challenge of reintegrating into Amish society while pursuing her dream of working as a veterinarian. Meanwhile, her sister Amanda, whose own prospects were dimmed by Tabitha's leaving Shepherd's Hill, decides to seize her chance at love by pursuing a man with a shadowed past. And their youngest sister, Rose, despite her beauty and romantic hopes, faces the harsh realities of matrimony, grappling with the weight of vows made before Gott and her community.

As the sisters navigate the intricacies of love, faith, and tradition, they are bound by their commitment to uphold their Amish way of life. But as they strive to keep their promises, how much are they willing to sacrifice to remain true to themselves and their community?






MY THOUGHTS.....

Three sisters and their somewhat cantankerous father are the primary focus of Green Pastures, but this isn't a typical Amish story. Tabitha Schrock left her Amish faith to marry an Englischer, but her divorce has brought her back to Shepherd's Hill. She's even been welcomed back into the community and permitted by the bishop to serve as the local veterinarian. A female Amish veterinarian? Uncommon, but there's more! Tabitha's sister Amanda longs for a husband and home but she's given up hope and her other sister has personal problems also. Rose's marriage isn't what it should be but how could she ever go against her marriage vows?


Author Patricia Johns is known for sweet Amish fiction but this story features so much more! It has well-defined characters, realistic family dynamics, a special Amish community, and the promise of romance. Will Amanda's longing for a husband overshadow her better judgment? Would she really consider bringing Menno Weaver into the Schrock family?

I was captivated by the endearing courtship of Amanda and Menno, and I loved the support and encouragement these three sisters shared. If you enjoy stories with hope, faith, and second chances, you will want to read Green Pastures. I can't wait for another Shepherd's Hill visit!

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

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Patricia Johns is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than 50 books. She writes Amish fiction with tight communities, outspoken heroines, and the handsome, rugged men who fall in love with them. She lives in Alberta, Canada, with her husband and son.

Connect with Patricia by visiting patriciajohns.com.  
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Saturday, March 22, 2025

Shattered Sanctuary (The Erin Delaney Mysteries, #1) by Nancy Mehl

Shattered Sanctuary (The Erin Delaney Mysteries, #1)
ABOUT THE BOOK

Grappling with the aftermath of a tragic incident that altered her life, ex-police officer and bestselling mystery author Erin Delaney finds solace in the tranquility of a cabin nestled deep in the Smoky Mountains. But her newfound peace is shattered when cries pierce the night, hinting at a haunting presence lurking in the woods. When local police chief Adrian Nightengale seeks her help with a baffling murder case, she is thrust back into the world of crime solving. As they delve into the investigation, Erin's intuition reveals chilling truths about the killer's motives and methods.

Joined by the enigmatic Kaely Quinn-Hunter, a former FBI behavioral analyst, Erin not only embarks on a quest to stop a merciless serial killer but also confronts the ghosts of her past. In a race against time, Erin must defeat her own demons while outmaneuvering a cunning killer or risk becoming the next victim in a deadly game of cat and mouse.

In this propulsive series starter, bestselling author Nancy Mehl steals readers away to the perilous Tennessee town of Sanctuary, setting the stage for an action-packed mystery that will keep them on the edge of their seats.






MY THOUGHTS.....

It's happened again! I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to learn the identity of a serial killer responsible for a surge of murders in Sanctuary, Tennessee. Who was killing young women and leaving them, clad in white with an angel figurine in their hands? What evil was lurking in the beautiful Smoky Mountains?

Shattered Sanctuary introduces ex-police officer Erin Delaney and Police Chief Adrian Nightingale, along with the return of FBI profiler Kaely Quinn-Hunter. I loved seeing Kaely in action as she worked to find the killer, counsel Erin in her struggles with PTSD, and also keep both of them alive! Erin was a non-believer so it remained to be seen if Kaely's Christian witness would be strong enough to convince Erin that God was real.

This blend of intriguing characters, thrilling suspense, and Christian faith is captivating; I marvel at Mehl's ability to show the best and worst of mankind! We are reminded that evil exists, but redemption is possible, forgiveness is freely given, and God is all-knowing and ever-present! I recommend Shattered Sanctuary to all who enjoy Christian suspense, and I look forward to more books with Erin and Adrian!

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

My rating: 5 of 5 stars





ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nancy Mehl lives in Wichita, Kansas with her husband, Norman, and her very active puggle, Watson. First published in 2001, she has now authored nine books, including an omnibus mystery collection, Cozy in Kansas, which contains three of her previously published Ivy Towers mysteries. Book three in the series, For Whom the Wedding Bell Tolls, won the American Christian Fiction Writers Mystery Book of the Year award. Nancy's main writing interests lie in mystery although her new Harmony Series leans more toward the romantic suspense genre. Nancy runs a HUD program for the city of Wichita and is president of a volunteer organization, Wichita Homebound Outreach. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Kansas Authors Club.

Learn more about Nancy at her      Website     Facebook     Twitter    Instagram