The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie's Bsicuits by Wanda E. Brunstetter and Martha Bolton

The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie’s Biscuits by Wanda E Brunstetter and Martha Bolton is the tale of Fannie and her Amish life as a single woman owning a quilt shop. Foster Bates has moved to town, retiring from police work and now works as a private investigator. Fannie is participating in the baking contest that offers a $25,000 award to the winner. Contestants keep disappearing and only Fannie and Foster are investigating. Who is responsible for the disappearing contestants? Who will win the contest and the money?

This book was interesting. I did find it to be all over the place as far as the story line. It is a light hearted story and will be performed as a play. Honestly the story just didn’t resonate with me and I had difficulty following along. The plot was hard to follow and not as well developed as I would have liked. Others may find this book fascinating. I did finish it just to see how it ended!

What I Left For You by Liz Tolsma

What I Left For You is the amazing dual timeline story of Helena and McKenna. Helena is a professor in Poland in 1943. Her life is rather predictable until Germans overtake her town. Helena wants to help those around her as best she can. Her sacrifice for others is amazing. This is a hard but heartwarming tale set during WWII. McKenna has just been duped by her fiancé. Living in modern day Pittsburgh, she is also experiencing tragedy and uncertainty with her employment. At the suggestion of a friend Mckenna decides to trace her roots through a DNA test. The journey she heads on is a very fascinating story.

What I Left For You is an amazing story that includes a dual timeline as well as family genealogy, history and research. I found it fascinating and could not put the book down. I recommend what I left for you. It is a great read.

Unforgotten by Shelley Shepherd Gray

Bethanne Hostetler has lived a difficult life despite her young age.  Complicating her trauma is the accidental death that happened to her acquaintance Peter. Her English cousin, Candace, has just been crowned county queen. This initiates a lot of travel. A new officer to town, Ryan, accompanies Candace on her travels to protect Candace. She has had a stalker for some time but hasn’t been completely forthcoming. Both Kandace and Bethanne experience much angst despite their different situations. Life as an Amish young lady or an English young lady is difficult for both with lots of twist and turns. Will Bethanne ever be able to trust again? is Candace safe? Her stalker has been bolder than ever. What will happen to both women?

Unforgotten is a wonderful story. It combines the unique perspective of the Amish life, the English life, and a thrilling mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and highly recommend this book. It is a unique plot that is not your average Amish tale. 

Tea With Elephants by Robin Jones Gunn

Tea With Elephants by Robin Jones Gunn is an interesting tale of two women, Lily and Fern. Lily and Fern first met while volunteering in Costa Rica one summer many, many years ago. They have seen each other a few times since but were gifted the opportunity to visit Africa together. As they pack their suitcases, they bring emotional baggage they have carried with them over the years through living their lives. The pampering they experience along with the reality of deep sharing, allows them to enjoy the trip. The trip however, is not without several twists and turns. Can they manage the entire trip? Will they fix the baggage they’ve carried with them over the years? Can they truly relax and enjoy? What lessons has God taught them?

Tea with Elephants is a very interesting tale that weaves together the fiction and non-fiction. I was struck by the non-fiction aspects of the story sometimes thinking this was a true story. This is a delightful sharing of an adventure of two very dear friends. I did enjoy Tea with Elephants and do recommend this book. 

The Color of Home by Kit Tosello

Audrey lives a great life in the Bay Area as a designer to the elite. She enjoys her lifestyle and has found much fulfillment in her work. Audrey then finds herself needing to head to Charity Falls, Oregon to help her great-aunt Daisy. Audrey has many memories of spending time with her great-aunt Daisy and great-uncle Dean. However, their lifestyle does not coincide with her current lifestyle and goals.

Audrey travels to Charity Falls simply to help Daisy relocate to a location with better care for Dean as he descends into Alzheimers. Audrey uses her talents to help Daisy prepare her home for sale. What Audrey doesn't realize is that home is always home and she finds and urge she can't resist. Audrey also finds herself reconnecting with the childhood home of her late father. She finds simplicity isn't all that bad. Perhaps this will not be a short trip after all.

Join Audrey on her simple and romantic adventure. Find out who this good looking Cade Carter is and his connection to Audrey's family and her past. I found this to be a wonderful story to read and enjoyed the lighthearted entertainment. I recommend The Color of Home by Kit Tosello.

Between the Sound and Sea by Amanda Cox

 Joey finds herself entangled by her family's drama, and feels rather isolated and alone. Past hurts and heartaches prevent her from moving on. She tries to overcome the obstacles by operating her own business when her friend suggests she suddenly take an undeniably incredible yet surprising opportunity to become a temporary keeper at a decommissioned lighthouse on a North Carolina island. This unheard of adventure peaks her interest, and Joey delights in the history and restoration of the lighthouse. Finn, on the other hand, thinks his grandfather is crazy for restoring the lighthouse from his youth. However, the story that unfolds shares a rich and deep history with an amazing plot. 

I thoroughly enjoyed Between the Sound and Sea. The story was amazing timeline of historical and yet fictional events. I assumed I had the plot figured out, but true to a great novel, I did not. Amanda Cox again produces a thrilling piece that will keep the reader engaged. I highly recommend between the sound and see.

Tracking Tilly by Janice Thompson

Tracking Tilly by Janice Thompson shares the tale of RaeLyn and her grandfather’s beloved antique truck. Her grandfather sold the truck years ago to help pay for his cancer treatments. Her grandfather then passed without ever seeing his truck again. RaeLyn has always dreamed of restoring the beloved truck. RaeLyn wins the truck at an auction spending more than she anticipated. Arrangements are made for the truck to come home. However just before it is to be towed the truck is stolen. RaeLyn and her close knit family spend their time looking for the beloved vehicle. Mason, RaeLyn's former boyfriend, has also recently moved to town. He offers to help with the truck restoration but with the truck stolen he finds new ways to catch up and interact with RaeLyn. 

Tracking Tilly has great story elements and twists and turns. I did not anticipate how the mystery would end. I did enjoy this cozy fiction, suspense, mystery, Christian story. A great enjoyable read.

Until Our Time Comes by Nicole M. Miller

Until Our Time Comes by Nicole M. Miller is a novel of World War II in Poland. This historical fiction romance novel shares the amazing story of American horse trainer, Adia, who is very skilled with horses. Adia is amazing working with Arabian horses, training them, breeding them and caring for them. Bret has literally bumped into Adia but cannot connect with her. His work as an undercover agent gathering intelligence for Britain suddenly takes him away. Some time later Bret returns and instantly connects with Adia. Over time, Bret and Adia, along with many others risk their lives not just for each other, but for many families as well as their beloved horses. 

I was amazed at the story of Until Our Time Comes. This book will definitely captivate horse lovers, however, I was surprised at how it also captivated the general reader. Following Adia and Bret's adventures enlightens the reader to no only some of the history of World War II but also the significance and importance of saving the spectacular Arabian horses. Readers will enjoy following along on their adventures and anticipating how the tale will end. I throughly enjoyed Until Our Time Comes by Nicole Miller. 

Her Part to Play by Jenny Erlingsson

Her Part to Play by Jenny Erlingsson is the realistic fiction story of Adanne and her role as a makeup artist. Adanne finds herself on set with the man who had a significant negative impact on her previous experiences, including being the cause of her being fired. Adanne tenses whenever she works with John, but knows she needs this job. Adanne is also preoccupied by her nephew, who is in the hospital. Combine that with her parent's legacy to operate the local community center and give back to others around her., and Adanne is pulled in so many directions. Can she handle working with John? Whenever she is around John, she sees that he is different than he was in the past. However, can she get past the hurt and his fame? Can you even stand to be around him? John, on the other hand, struggles with his former life and is looking to continue in the path of his new life. It isn't easy but he is determined to persevere. 

Her Part to Play is an amazing story line that will keep you reading. I felt this book would make an excellent movie and hope that one day it becomes one. I loved the story line and happy ending in the end. Jenny Erlingsson writes in a compelling way that will keep the reader engaged and wanting more. I highly recommend. 

Mary's Calico Hope by Anne Blackburne

Mary's Calico Hope by Anne Blackburne is part of The Heart of the Amish series. Mary Yoder survives in her world. She does not thrive. The tragic buggy accident that killed her father years ago has also affected Mary. Her daily use of crutches to walk is a constant reminder. Mary is content, but life is not ideal. She lives next door to her mother, brothers and stepfather. She makes do. Mary longs for companionship and a normal life. Along comes Reuben King. Reuben was raised Amish, but now is Mennonite. He is also the new doctor in town, replacing the retired former doctor. Mary and Reuben experience an instant, but forbidden attraction. Reuben is Mennonite and Mary is Amish. It is simply not possible for them to be together, or it is?

I found Mary's Calico Hope to be an entertaining and enjoyable story. I have read several books in Amish genre and Mary's Calico was unique. I did appreciate the accuracy. You will find there is some Amish jargon, which can be difficult to understand at times, but it does contribute to the story. The twists and turns of the story were enthralling. I found Mary's Calico Hope to be a delightful read and do recommend.