Monday, November 12, 2018

Loves Christmas Promise by Laura V. Hilton and Rachel Good

About the Book

Book: Love’s Christmas Blessings

Author: Laura V Hilton, Rachel J Good

Genre: Christian Fiction, Amish, Christmas

Release Date: November, 2018

Publisher: Celebrate Lit Publishing

Winter’s Treasure

Paris Kauffman believes she is about to embark on her family-tradition birthday treasure hunt, but for the first time ever, her daed is sending her to various businesses and homes in the community. Little does Paris expect that when she enters the bakery to collect her gift, the bus will drop off none other than her old crush, Aquila Stutzman, the man she’d done everything except cartwheels and handstands to get his attention. And failed. Of course, Quil doesn’t remember her.

Quil was offered employment working on his grandparents’ new tree farm in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Since he’s recovering from a broken heart when his longtime girlfriend Priscilla up and married his cousin, a move Quil never saw coming, he decides to take the job. This will give him time to separate himself from the hurt and maybe, eventually, move on.

Paris and Quil have sparks from the beginning, especially since his appearance causes a vicious rivalry between friends. But who can resist when a chance meeting beginning with donuts and coffee ends with a missing person, puppies, a skunk, and a sleigh ride—not to mention a trip the Amish young people plan to Niagara Falls. Could it also involve falling in love?

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Paris is having a sweet birthday, her dad planned her scavenger hunt BD fun. Each place she would go to, there was a gift and a note that took her someplace else. But Quil Stutzmans unexpected arrival into town has Paris on edge because she wanted nothing to do with him because of the way he treated her before. But no worries, Paris’ friend Sarah pretty much throws herself at Quil, defaming Paris any way she could. But no fooling Quil, His attraction to Paris was too strong. But would Paris give in to Quil after the way he treated her before?

I love this sweet story. And what a sweet dad to make sure his daughter has a fun birthday! I really like Quil and Paris, Paris has a sweet and giving personality and Quil is quick to notice. But Sarah, I could do without. I just wanted to slap her for her attitude. But what fun would a story be without the Sarah’s!

One thing I always appreciate author Laura V Hilton for is the way she weaves the Christian life into her characters, and the way she shares the Gospel of Christ in her books. But it’s in a subtle way, never harsh or preachy. This is a sweet cozy story to read during the Christmas holiday season. And it’s short enough that you can read it in one or two settings! So check Love’s Christmas Blessings for some Chris fun and entertainment!

Mistletoe and Miracles

Daniel Graber has spent years caring for his aging parents. Now Daed’s in rehab with a broken hip and a bad case of irritability. He snaps at the workers and complains about doing physical therapy, so Daniel is grateful for the new aide, Fern Chupp, who uses her sweetness and charm to convince Daed to cooperate. Turns out, Daed isn’t the only one she charms.

As a widow, Fern is grateful for her new job at Fairview Rehab Center, even though it meant relocating to Ephrata, Pennsylvania, with her nine-year-old daughter, Lyddie. But Lyddie is grieving the recent death of her grandfather and dislikes leaving her Ohio home. Lyddie’s shyness also makes it difficult to make friends or recite school lessons.

When her class goes to the rehab center to interview patients, Lyddie’s too scared to do her assignment, so she runs away. During the hunt for her missing daughter, independent Fern learns to accept and appreciate Daniel’s help and support. By the time they discover Lyddie, she’s made a very unusual friend, and Fern and Daniel have developed a . Can four lonely heart create special bonds to make it a Christmas to remember?

Click here to purchase your copy!

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

This story has a different twist to it. Of course it’s common for an Amish dad to be grumpy, at least in a lot of the Amish stories I’ve read. But this one has a little girl that is so shy she goes to the extremes to keep from taking in from if anyone. And then by accident the grumpy man meets shy little girl and well, you need to read this story to find out what really happens. There are a lot of twists and turns to this story, but it makes it more interesting.

I like Fern, she is kind of shy herself, but she is determined to work and support herself and her daughter. Daniels interest in Fern is a sweet turn of events, as well as Ferns interest in Daniel. There are several heartwarming and touching moments in this story. Author Rachel Good does a wonderful job of weaving love and forgiveness in the lives of some of the characters. And the way the people at the nursing home comes together to help Fern with her financial expenses was very touching. It’s too bad we don’t have more friends and neighbors like that. Daniel and Ferns story is another sweet story that you will enjoy. Especially if you enjoy Amish stories, or just a good clean, cozy story to read! This is your pick!

I love both of these stories, and they are stories I will sure be going back and reading again! A copy of this book was provided by Celebration Lit Tours for me to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are mine only.

About the Authors

Laura V. Hilton is an award-winning, sought-after author with over twenty Amish, contemporary, and historical romances. When she’s not writing, she reviews books for her blogs, and writes devotionals for blog posts for Seriously Write.

Laura and her pastor-husband have five children and a hyper dog named Skye. They currently live in Arkansas. One son is in the U.S. Coast Guard. She is a pastor’s wife, and homeschools her two youngest children.

When she’s not writing, Laura enjoys reading, and visiting lighthouses and waterfalls. Her favorite season is winter, her favorite holiday is Christmas.

Inspirational author Rachel J. Good writes life-changing, heart-tugging novels of faith, hope, and forgiveness. The author of several Amish romance series, she grew up near Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the setting for many of her stories. Striving to be as authentic as possible, she spends time with her Amish friends, doing chores on their farm and attending family events.

Rachel’s Amish series include Sisters & Friends (Charisma House & Harlequin), Love & Promises (Hachette/Grand Central), Hearts of Amish Country (Annie’s Book Club), and the forthcoming Surprised by Love (Kensington). She also has several anthologies in print as well as the Amish Quilts Coloring Book.

To learn more about Rachel, visit her at www.racheljgood.com.

Coconut Potato Fudge Recipe:

Ingredients:

1/2 cup plain, mashed potatoes, either instant or one medium potato, cooked

1/8 cup finely chopped (or crushed) almonds (optional)
3 cups powdered sugar
1 cup shredded coconut
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 ounces semi-sweet baking chocolate
give3 tablespoons butter

Instructions:

Beat powdered sugar and coconut into warm potatoes; then add the vanilla extract and almonds.

Press into a lightly-greased 8-inch square pan; set aside.

In a saucepan over low heat, melt chocolate and butter, stirring occasionally. When melted, pour over top of the potato mixture.

Refrigerate until set and then cut into squares.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerato