Review: 12 Brides of Summer Collection

12 Brides of Summer Collection #2 is a three novella collection in one book. Each story has a summer setting. All the stories can stand on their own and they are quick reads.

A Bride Rides Herd by Mary Connealy has ties to previous book families - Belle and Silas from The Husband Tree. The bride is not Belle, it is her daughter Betsy. I love Connealy stories! They humorous and heartwarming. I always feel they are too short. This story was way too short for my liking! It also made me want to re-read all her previous stories, too!

Time Period: Montana
Location: 1894

The Fourth of July Bride by Amanda Cabot writes a story about a fictitious proposal that turns into a real proposal of marriage. I think that theme is fun to read about and enjoy for a quick read.

Time Period: 1886
Location: Cheyenne, Wyoming Territory, USA

The Summer Harvest Bride by Maureen Lang features a gal who needs to decide between two very different men. One is a traveler who comes to town and captures her attention, while the other is one that has grown up and plans to stay in their town. This novella also weaves in a mystery as well as a town building project of a mill.

Time Period: 1851
Location: Finchville, Illinois, USA

Reviewed from a NetGalley copy. Thank you, Shiloh Run Studios and Barbour Publishing!

Review: Tried and True

Tried and True by Mary Connealy

Book 01: Wild at Heart

The Wild family finished fighting in the Civil War and moved West. They wanted to be part of homesteading new territory and create a large claim in honor of their lost family member - Jimmy. In actuality, father Cudgel Wilde wanted his daughters to homestead on their own and after they homestead for their required years, their large piece of property would be in honor of his lost son. The daughters, Kylie, Bailey, and Shannon agree to homestead, but it turns out to be more challenging then they all expected. Someone is out to get Kylie for her land. The land agenda, Aaron Masterson, sees through the sisters' "manly" disguises instantly and they could be written up for fraud. And what about the after effects of fighting in the Civil War?

Mary Connealy always weaves such a delightful and unique story. I'm always at the edge of my seat for the next book she has published. This new series was no exception! Right away, readers know it's going be to a series instead of a standalone novel. She set it up by having three sisters creating their own unique homesteads as well as giving each girl strengths and weaknesses. They compliment each other very well. Kylie and Aaron are the main characters, but plenty of others in the territory and town come into play. There is a mountain man named Matt Tucker, a rancher named Gage Coulter who was building up his property before settlers began arriving; Neville Bassett - a confederate with a grudge, and Sunrise - an outcast from the Shoshone tribe. Readers are in for a high-paced treat during the land run after the War Between the States. I cannot wait to read the next installment of the Wild at Heart series!

Time Period: Post-Civil War, Western, 1866
Location: Idaho Territory


Reviewed from a NetGalley copy. Thank you, Bethany House!

Review: Tear You Apart

Tear You Apart by Sarah Cross


Tear You Apart is a companion to Kill Me Softly by Sarah Cross. This novel can be read separately from Cross' first piece, but I would recommend reading Kill Me Softly before Tear You Apart. Characters from the first book reappear in the second as well as small pieces of the earlier storyline. Readers, you will have time to enjoy Kill Me Softly, because Tear You Apart will be published in January 2015.

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Cross is so clever with her reinvented fairy tales. When I saw that a new title was coming out, I immediately went to the library to checkout Kill Me Softly in preparation for reading Tear You Apart. (It’s worth a reread for this new title.)

Sarah Cross returned to Beau Rivage to share another couple's story. Again, I became captivated by the fairy tales that intertwined throughout the story. Since fairy tales stories are well known, I could see where some of the storylines lead, but she always managed to change it just a little to take my breath away. I don't want to reveal too much of the twists, but I will share what Cross shared on her website: "Snow White plus the Twelve Dancing Princesses ... and some other fairy tales I'll keep secret for now."

I would recommend this title to teens or adults. Fairy tales are popular for the tweens, but the content is for a mature audience. The characters swear, drink, and deal with murders. Some younger readers are not prepared for that type of content yet.

Just like the companion piece, the story is wrapped up at the end and can standalone. I still wonder about the other characters who came alive in this novel. I think Cross would have a fantastic Beau Rivage series if she shared the fates of her other fairytale characters. I anxiously await more stories!

Reviewed from a NetGalley copy. Thank you, Egmont USA!

ISBN: 9781606845912
eBook ISBN: 9781606845929
Published: January 27, 2015

Review: Feather Bound

Feather Bound by Sarah Raughley


Are you familiar with the classic fairytale Swan Maidens? If not, I would recommend reading the short story before (or after) reading Feather Bound. Author Sarah Raughley gives the classic story a new modern twist.

I liked that Raughley weaved swans into the history of the book. Swan information is available in classes, on the internet, and printed in brochures. That was interesting and edgy. She also kept the story very modern with the language and references to pop culture and trends.

I prefer my fractured fairytales less edgy. The language was genuine for the characters and settings, but I would rather not read books with foul language and "totes." I was taken aback by "totes." I appreciate the dynamic reading of "totes" from the Sprint commercial, but beyond that I would prefer not to read it in books.



Sections of the Swan Maidens story was included but it felt a little out of place. I'm not sure it was needed. Or maybe it just needed different formatting. I would have liked to see story selections or quotes as chapter headings rather than having them as mini "chapters" throughout the book.

Some of the themes in the book include abuse, human trafficking, understanding yourself, and justice. Evil is overcome in the end and life can slowly be rebuilt. The story wraps up well and can standalone. I give this book two swans out of five. If you're interested in modern fairytales, I would recommend reading some Alix Flinn books.

Reviewed from a NetGalley copy. Thank you, Angry Robot Ltd!

Review: Beaches & Brides Collection

The Beaches and Brides Romance Collection: 5 Historical Romances Buoyed by the Sea by Lynn A. Coleman, Mary Davis, Susan Page Davis, Paige Winship Dooly, and Cathy Marie Hake


"Venture along historic American shorelines, enjoying five stories that are full of adventure, challenge, and romance."

Barbour Publishing is so creative as they gather their stories together. They are one of the prime publishers for novella books. In one of their newest collections, they compiled stories focusing on future brides and the waterfront property where they live (or live nearby). I appreciated the vast locations - Florida, Washington, Maine, Georgia, Virginia. So much of America has access to beaches, it's not just the beaches in the Southern states or California. (At least, that's where my mind strays when I think of a book beaches.) I think there is a story for everyone in this collection. The authors cover many topics including love, faith, family, friends, work, survival, reconciliation, and a bunch of more interesting topics.

The time periods were a wide range as well. The earliest from 1820 (The Castaway's Bride) to the latest 1918 (Restoration) covers nearly a century! I am accustomed to reading more books in the 1800's, so when I reached Restoration I almost set down the book. I'm so glad I stuck with it! Hake wrote a beautiful story about, as the title states, restoration. It's never easy to restore something of the past, but it is well worth the time, effort, and cost in the end.

The collection's title begs for this book to be read during the beachy, summery months of the year, but these books can be enjoyed all year long.

Book 01 - A Time to Embrace by Lynn A. Coleman (2000)
Time Period: Post Civil War, 1865
Location: Key West, Florida
Previously published as a stand alone in the series Heartsong Presents #396 in 2000 and a digital stand alone in the series Truly Yours Digital Editions in 2012.

Book 02 - The Captain's Wife by Mary Davis (2008)
Time Period: 1898
Location: Port Townsend, Washington, USA
Previously published as a stand alone in the series Heartsong Presents in 2008 and a digital stand alone in 2012.

Book 03 - The Castaway's Bride by Susan Page Davis (2007)
Time Period: 1820
Location: Portland, Maine
Previously published as a stand alone in the series Heartsong Presents in 2007, a part of the novella compilation Maine Brides in 2008, and a digital stand alone in the series Truly Yours Digital Editions in 2012.

Book 04 - The Lightkeeper's Daughter by Paige Winship Dooly (2010)
Time Period: 1867
Location: Little Cumberland Island, Georgia, USA
Previously published as a stand alone in the series Heartsong Presents in 2010 and a part of the novella compilation Georgia Brides (Romancing America series) in 2011.

Book 05 - Restoration by Cathy Marie Hake (2004)
Time Period: WWI, 1918
Location: Virginia, USA
Previously published as a stand alone in the series Heartsong Presents in 2004 and a digital stand alone Truly Yours Digital Editions in 2013.

Reviewed from a NetGalley copy. Thank you, Barbour Books!

Review: Full Steam Ahead

Full Steam Ahead by Karen Witemeyer

Nicole Renard and Darius Thornton are on missions to save people. Nicole is determined to save her father and his business. Darius has resolved to find an answer to save passengers and crews of steam engine ships. As their paths cross, they find that in order to save others they need to work together and save themselves and their relationships with God.

When I picked up Full Steam Ahead, I assumed it was about trains in the Wild West of America. I was surprised to start reading and discover that it was not about steam trains, but steam boats. What a new niche! It was refreshing and unique. Beyond the theme of engines, Witemeyer weaves in suspense, treasure hunting, family, friendship, self-sacrificing, and faith. I really enjoyed the faith journeys of Nicole and Darius. They were not quick or easy revelations. It was seeing beyond past events and painful experiences. It was digging deeper into the Word and drawing closer to God rather than running away from Him.

This was an excellent read. Witemeyer wrote a novel full of seriousness and humor, adventure and travel, heartache and love. I would highly recommend Full Steam Ahead.

Time Period: Post Civil War, 1851
Location: Galveston & Liberty, Texas, USA

Reviewed from a NetGalley copy. Thank you, Bethany House Publishers!

Review: The Heart's Pursuit

The Heart's Pursuit by Robin Lee Hatcher

Silver Matlock is upset by being left at the altar, but the fleeing fiance took more than her love. Bob Cassidy stole her family's money. She needs to find Bob, find the money, and save her family's home and mercantile. Silver hires bounty hunter Jared Newman to hunt down Bob and he begrudgingly agrees, but he's looking for another man with a scar. Will revenge or redemption save the day?

Robin Lee Hatcher took a new direction with her latest novel. (She did explain that in her Author's Note at the end of the book.) The Heart's Pursuit is full of action, heartbreak, hurt, revenge, and redemption. It's historical romance with an edge. I would recommend it to other readers who enjoy novels taking place in the Old West. It's an action packed read!

The pursuits were different (yet similar) for each character; the main characters (Jared and Silver), as well as, the minor characters that showed up throughout the couple's travels. Each person pursued someone or something, but it boiled down to finding peace and with peace comes love. Love in friendship, in family, and a dash of romance.

This is a great standalone novel. If you'd like a glimpse, Hatcher shares a sample chapter on her website. 

Time Period: Western, 1873
Location: United States of America

Reviewed from a NetGalley copy. Thank you, Zondervan!

Review: Love Comes Calling

Love Comes Calling by Siri Mitchell

"Oysters and clambakes" what a tale! Siri Mitchell's newest novel jumps into the Roaring Twenty's in Boston. Ellis Eton becomes wrapped up in unbelievable adventures dealing with school, football, friends, speakeasies, telephones, disappointments, and love. Ellis Eton had a plan - a plan to be a movie star! She had it all worked out, but her friends and family keep making plans and requests for her. She wants to breakaway, but circumstances keep pulling her back.

Siri Mitchell shares Ellis' story in first person, so the reader can see and understand her thoughts, desires, and motivation. At the beginning, it was difficult for me to get drawn into the story because of the perspective, but as the story progressed it becomes clear why Mitchell chose to write her latest novel in first person. Mitchell also adds an author's note at the end of the novel to share more insights about Ellis.

The author's notes also includes historical notes about the 1920's and Prohibition. I greatly appreciated the supplemental notes at the end. I was concerned about some of the faith aspects of the story. Mitchell shared the historical movement of self-improvement and psychoanalysis which includes Emile Coue's mantra, "Every day, in every way, I am getting better and better." Mitchell wraps up her novel and notes well with the truth, "only God can change hearts."

Love Comes Calling can be a fantastic companion novel to Julie Lessman's novels. Lessman also writes about Boston in the 1920's in her Daughters of Boston series and Winds of Change series.

Time Period: Roaring Twenties, 1924
Location: Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Reviewed from a NetGalley copy. Thank you, Bethany House!

Review: The Bride Next Door

The Bride Next Door by Winnie Griggs

Book Two: Texas Grooms

Daisy's father won a piece of property in Turnabout through a poker match. Daisy claims the deed and makes her way to Turnabout to setup a restaurant and create a home for herself. The property is a bit rundown, but a little hard work will go a long way. Daisy's building neighbor, Everett, is startled by this new townswoman. He's routine has been interrupted by Daisy, but he can't decide if this interruption is a bother or a possible blessing.

The Bride Next Door is the second book in the series Texas Grooms. The couple from the previous story as well as other community members make appearances throughout the story. If readers have not read book one, Handpicked Husband, they will still enjoy The Bride Next Door. Book two focuses on Daisy and Everett with glimpses as the other characters.

Daisy and Everett is a story about opposites. Everett wants to move and Daisy wants to set down roots. Daisy wants a family and community involvement while Everett would be comfortable cutting ties and keeping people (and God) as acquaintances. As their friendship grows they see each others' strengthens as well as ways to help each other. A stiff friendship grows to appreciation and love.

Time Period: Western, 1895
Location: Turnabout, Texas, United States

Reviewed from a NetGalley copy. Thank you, Harlequin Love Inspired!

Review: Beauty for Ashes & Amorelle

Grace Livingston Hill is making a comeback! I read (and collected) many of her titles when I first stumbled upon Faith Fiction. I enjoyed the sweet romances and honest messages. As more Christian authors came into the reading scene, I set aside GLH for other stories. Finding Barbour's new editions of old classics was surprising and refreshing. I recently enjoyed Beauty for Ashes and Amorelle.

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Beauty for Ashes by Grace Livingston Hill

I recall the stories, but not the details when I reread these stories. I distinctly remember returning Beauty for Ashes to the library and thinking, "This is one of my favorite books." I can't recall the original why, but I still think it is an outstanding novel.

Gloria Sutherland's world turned upside down in one moment - her fiance dead in the arms of another. How does one move on from emptiness? Gloria and her father take a trip and end up at the old family homestead in the country. Gloria opts to stay, but doesn't know how she will overcome the boredom and emptiness that lies ahead. Unexpectedly, a neighbor's young son arrives and befriends Gloria. He offers a new look at life and a lifestyle of hope and joy.


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Amorelle by Grace Livingston Hill

Amorelle needs to make a new start. Her father's sickness takes him away and she needs to move from the church parsonage. She goes to her uncle's home faraway and adjusts to a new lifestyle with her step-aunt, step-cousin, and uncle. A young man from her cousin's crowd soon becomes enamored with Amorelle because of her different ways from the other girls. Amorelle agrees with her new relationship, until circumstances draw her away from her uncle's household and fiance.


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Each of the novels take place around the 1930's, but the messages are true to today's audiences. In both novels, Gloria and Amorelle are searching for answers and looking for a place to call home. After so much upheaval, they want a direction for their life.

Gloria's worldview is slowly changed by the neighbors who befriend her. They show her the difference between men of the world and men of God. I was impressed with the education of Murray MacRae. In addition to his business classes, he also took theological courses in college because he thought all Christians should understand their Bibles. I agree that it is important, too. Murray and his friend invited Gloria (and later her sister) into their lives and never forced their faith on them. They shared their lives and answered questions about their lifestyles and beliefs.

Amorelle's adventure went from small town girl to woman of the world very quickly. After loosing family who loved and cared for her, she found love in an unexpected corner. Love can be wonderful, hurtful, selfish, and giving. It comes down to the root or base of their love. Gathering advise from trusted friends can be very beneficial. Returning to God's Word will also open the heart to understanding love.

Reviewed from a NetGalley copies. Thank you, Barbour Publishing, Inc.!

Review: Boy Soup

Boy Soup by Loris Lesynski


Big G. the Giant woke up with a terrible cold. He reaches for his copy of the Giants Home Medical Guide for a cure. The best thing to fix a cold - Boy Soup!

Lesynski weaves a rhyming tale that offers humor, danger, and heroism. Humor in the secondary silly soup and the restaurant outcome at the end. Danger in the stolen children and the primary soup. Heroism in the great escape! Boy Soup would be a great read-aloud for elementary students. It also lends itself to additional activities about reading recipes, following directions, and cooking food together.

Readers might question if Boy Soup is by Robert Munsch, but Munsch and Lesynski share the same illustrator: Michael Martchenko. If readers enjoyed Munsch tales, they will enjoy Boy Soup as well.

Reviewed from a NetGalley copy. Thank you, Open Road Integrated Media!

Review: Ladies of Distinction series

Book One: A Change of Fortune by Jen Turano


Lady Eliza Sumner has come to America to find the scoundrel who took her fortune after her father passed away. She masquerades at a governess under Miss Eliza Sumner. Unfortunately, before any progress is made in her case, she lands in a quagmire. Her identify is uncovered, she foils the plans of the Beckett brothers, and she looses her governess position.

Hamilton Beckett offers Eliza assistance to help find her fortune if she will stay out of trouble. He also needs someone to watch over his young children. It would work well, but Eliza wasn't so headstrong to uncover the truth herself!

Quite a rambunctious romp through New York society! Turano wrote a very active story with mysteries, investigators, independent ladies, and finding faith. The characters were so much fun and how they played off each other was exciting to read. Eliza was the outsider, but she quickly gained friends and loyalties as well as some disgruntled individuals. The Becketts are a great family that readers will want to hear more about in further stories. Finally, add in socialite and writer Agatha Watson and private investigator Theodore Wilder. It's a very good read that is fast-paced, humorous, and wanting more. Looking forward to book two: A Most Peculiar Circumstance.

Time Period: 1880's
Location: New York, United States

Reviewed from a library copy.


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Book Two: A Most Peculiar Circumstance by Jen Turano


If you have read, A Change of Fortune, you'll be able to pick this up and jump into a new Beckett family story. If you selected A Most Peculiar Circumstance to read before A Change of Fortune, I would recommend beginning with book one. It will add beautiful layers to this story.

Turano picks up where book one left off, but with different main characters. Instead of Eliza and Hamilton, readers will enjoy the outrageous antics of Arabella Beckett and Theodore Wilder. Opposite personalities, but both dear to the Beckett family. Theodore is sent to find the missing Arabella and he find more than he bargained for - jail, mysterious circumstances, and a suffragette. Arabella is thankful for the rescue, but her mission to help ladies won't be stopped!

Again, another riotous read! Being familiar with Theodore from the previous novel, this was a fun adventure to see more about his background, his faith, and his dealings with the outspoken Arabella. Arabella was absent in the first novel, so reading her story was also very enjoyable. She wants to help woman, but helping others leads her into more trouble. Characters from the first story also return for more adventure, mystery, and faith - the Becketts and the Watsons. I am looking forward to book three: A Talent for Trouble.

Time Period: 1880's
Location: Gilman, Illinois and New York, United States

Reviewed from a NetGalley copy. Thank you, Bethany House!

Blog Tour: Don't Push the Button

Don't Push the Button! by Bill Cotter

Meet Larry. He's the owner of the book and he has one rule, "Don't push the button!"

Interactive books have become quite popular of late. If you're familiar with the popular book Press Here by Hervé Tullet, you'll enjoy this title as well. Instead of dots, readers interact with a friendly purple monster and a mysterious red button.

I love that Larry welcomes the reader to his book. He also openly shares his dilemma of if he (or we) should or shouldn't push the button. A bit reminiscent of Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, but Larry plays along with the reader.

Cotter created a great book that will appeal to the reader whether child or adult. The monsters are not fierce, but friendly. The artwork is crisp and clean. The font is fun and readable. A fun addition to the interactive book list.

Reviewed from a NetGalley copy. Thank you, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky!

Review: Trouble in Store

Trouble in Store by Carol Cox


Mercantiles are not known for murder, but Melanie has landed in trouble in her new job as business partner with Caleb Nelson. Caleb wants nothing to do with his new partner, but she cannot be denied her place in the store.

I was amazed at the many twists woven into this piece of historical fiction. It was more than historical fiction - it was a mystery. The beginning opened up with Melanie's final adventures as a governess then quickly moves on to her move to her cousin's mercantile in the West. The arguments between Melanie and Caleb are very believable, because everyone has moments of feeling out of place and taking a stand for their place in the world. The reveal at the end took me by surprise, which was great. I won't spoil the end because I want the new readers to enjoy the final chapters. Cox wrote a great standalone novel that can be enjoyed in an afternoon or over a vacation.

Time Period: Western, 1880's
Location: Cedar Ridge, Arizona Territory, USA

Reviewed from a NetGalley copy. Thank you, Bethany House Publishers!

Review: The Miner's Lady

The Miner's Lady by Tracie Peterson


Chantel Panetta returns from visiting her grandparents in Italy, only to discover that her younger sister is stepping out with Orlando Calarco. The Calarcos and the Panettas have been feuding for decades - from Italy to their immigration to the United States. As she tries to keep track of her sister, she continues to bump into Orlando's older brother Dante. As Chantel's life changes, so does Dante's, until they realize a new love for life and a stronger faith in God.

Peterson continues the Land of Shining Water series with a focus on mining in Minnesota (in the far, far North). It's a fantastic occupation to highlight because of all the history. Residents, as well as visitors, can still visit mines and their museums in Minnesota. I really appreciated the highlight of these difficult and historic jobs.

Beyond the feud and the love story between the sisters and brothers, Chantel's single brothers also receive part of the storyline. It's a minor storyline, but influential to the total tale. It would have been great to see more of their stories in the book, but again, a minor storyline overall.

It looks like the Land of Shining Water series is complete with The Miner's Lady. I loved this series! It would be great to see more, but Peterson usually writes trilogies. Readers can enjoy these books together, but they can also read each book individually. Happy reading, friends!

Time Period: 1800's
Location: Ely, Minnesota, USA

Reviewed from a NetGalley copy. Thank you, Bethany House!!

Review: Jim Henson's The Storyteller

The Storyteller by Katie Cook

Jim Henson created The Storyteller many years ago as a television program. A group of writers and artists came together to recreate the magic in a graphic novel format. Each story can be enjoyed by a wide-range of readers from older elementary students to adults.

The book is setup in little chapters by each story. Readers can easily sit down and enjoy the whole book or enjoy little snippets as time allows. The art is wonderfully varied, so readers will be able to see different techniques and forms by each artist. The stories also hold variety - an Aesop retelling to a Japanese folktale to an Appalachian Jack tale. It's a fantastic book for offering options to readers. I believe it will grab the attention of reluctant and avid readers.

Reviewed from a NetGalley copy. Thank you, Archaia Entertainment, LLC!

View all my reviews

Review: The Bramble

The Bramble by Lee Nordling


Nordling and Zick are very talented men. They have an amazing list of project they have helped to create (view the author bios on the dust jacket). Unfortunately, this title didn't strike home for me.

It's a nearly wordless graphic novel. The illustrations are intricate with a dark overtone and the reader can follow along with the overall story. The boy wants to play tag, but the other children don't want to play with him. He visits the Bramble and discovers new creatures and how to stand up for himself. He goes back to play with the children and he's finally accepted. I think the audience is for older elementary students. You could have some discussions about different group games, what would you see behind a Bramble, or situations where you showed bravery. If there is interest in wordless graphic novels, this could be a choice, but I prefer the Owly series by Andy Runton.  


Reviewed from a NetGalley copy. Thank you, Lerner Publishing Group and Carolrhoda Books!

ISBN: 9780761358565
Published: September 2013

Review: April Gold

April Gold by Grace Livingston Hill


The Reed family's circumstances took a drastic turn. Father passed away unexpectedly and he defaulted on his house payment. Mother, Thurlow, and Marilla need to move and find employment. College is a distant dream for Thurl and Rilla. Will they survive their new circumstances in their new neighborhood?

I've read many Grace Livingston Hill books, but I never picked up April Gold until the new publishing by Barbour. Although Marilla is pictured on the cover, everyone in the Reed family is featured in this story. I would say Thurlow is the lead character in April Gold. It's a tale of how each of the Reeds overcome their new lifestyle - a move to a neglected neighborhood and entering employment. They question God and find He is with them in their new life. Even with pain in their lives, they learn to lean on the Lord and find joy in their circumstances.

Reviewed from a NetGalley copy. Thank you, Barbour Publishing, Inc.!

Review: The LIEographies

 Alan Katz, author of the Silly Dilly Songs, has created a new series for young readers: The LIEographies, or "Absolute Untrue, Totally Made Up, 100% Fake Life Stor[ies]" about historic figures. He begins with Thomas Edison, Babe Ruth, and Harry Houdini. (Other historic, as well as modern, individuals also make cameo mentions in this series.)

If readers appreciate humor and ridiculous reads, this is a series for them. The books are easy to read and quick to finish. They're a great way to introduce children to historical figures (even if nothing is true about them.) The author does include a "For Real!" section which suggests additional (true) titles they can enjoy. I would have liked to see more in the "For Real!" section instead of just titles for more information.

I hope readers realize the stories are false and humorous. Is there a possibility that readers will believe these ridiculous stories? I'm not sure. I hope they never end up in a school report! These books would work well for comparison biography reports. I don't need to read these stories again, but if readers want something outrageous this is for them. I would recommend these titles to students around third grade.

Reviewed from NetGalley copies. Thank you, INscribe Digital!

Review: Adoring Addie

Adoring Addie by Leslie Gould

Everyone believes Addie Cramer and Phillip Eicher will court and be married. Addie isn't so sure that she should be married to Phillip. When Jonathan arrives in town, he takes her breath away, but being a Mosier causes trouble.

Gould's second Amish tale with a Shakespearean twist is a great read! Addie Cramer and Jonathan Mosier replay a new version of Romeo and Juliet with a family feud between the Cramers and the Mosiers. I loved that Addie gave all her brothers nicknames to describe their personalities. I was intrigued on how the death scene would play out and it was slightly cheesy, but appropriate for this story. Adoring Addie is book two in the The Courtships of Lancaster County series.  Adoring Addie can be read as a stand alone, but it's better after reading book one in the series, Courting Cate. The third title in the series, Minding Molly, is scheduled to come out next year. I look forward to reading it!

Reviewed from a NetGalley copy. Thank you, Bethany House!