Bluebonnet Bride - A Book Review

Bluebonnet Bride by Colleen Coble is about Elli, a woman from Finland who leaves her home to come to American as a mail order bride.  When Elli's father died suspiciously she felt the need to escape to keep from her neighbor from stealing her inheritance.

Once in America Elli marries Nathan who has made it clear that he only wants a wife to help him raise his dead sister's little girl.  On the first night in American someone sneaks in Elli's window and tries to strangle her.  Nathan becomes determined to protect his new wife and in the meantime feelings that he did not expect begin to spark between them.

This is a
short story that is action packed, attention grabbing and a fast read.  I finished it in a short mount of time in one evening.  I love a well written short story and this one was right on.  As a short ebook the price is exceptional and I think it would be a great addition to your e-reader library!

***This book was provided to me by the publisher through the booklook blogger review program in exchange for my review.

The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn - A Book Review

The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn by Lori Benton is an intriguing story that takes place in 1787 in the lost state of Franklin, now known as Tennessee.  Before reading this book I had no idea that there was even a lost state of Franklin and reading about it during this time period was particularly interesting to me.  This book has so many twist and turns in it that you never know what to expect next.  It's the kind of book that leaves you wanting more and keeps you up at night because you just can't stop reading.

Tamsen Littlejohn is to be married.  A marriage arranged for her by her stepfather.  She is certain that no good will come of the marriage and she fears that she will end up like her mother.  She decides she must escape before it's too late.  Her first attempt of escaping fails and when tragedy strikes she knows that she must leave immediately before it is to late.  Jesse Bird, a man she barely knows quickly comes to her aid and helps her escape.  Tamsen's stepfather declares that she has been kidnapped and enlists the help of her would-be fiance and the pursuit begins!

Within the pages of the book you will find action and controversy, loyalty, love and faith.  There's Indian attacks, prejudices, slavery, conflict between states and a divided community. Each time I thought I knew what was going to happen next (because admit it, most books are predictable) there was a twist that kept me on the edge of my seat.  I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction.  It's a great love story rich in history that I am sure you will enjoy!!

***This book was provided to me by the publisher through the blogging for books book review program in exchange for my review.

An Amish Garden - A Book Review

An Amish Garden is a compilation of four Amish novellas.  Included is Rooted in Love by Beth Wiseman, Flowers for Rachel by Kathleen Fuller, Seeds of Love by Tricia Goyer and Where Healing Blooms by Vannetta Chapman.

Each novella revolves in some way around gardening.  When I first seen this book I thought for sure I would love it.  I like reading short stories, I love Amish fiction. I love gardening and I had read previous books from all the authors except for Vannetta Chapman and have really liked them.  To be honest though, I was not impressed with An Amish Garden.  The stories seemed very rushed, predictable and the story lines were just boring.

Out of the four stories I enjoyed Where the Healing Blooms by Vannetta Chapman the most.  I found the story line to be more intriguing than the others and it made me want to read more of her writings.  Instead of your normal "young girl finds boy and they fall in love story" this was about Emma, an older widow who's normal, quiet life gets interrupted when she finds a young teenage boy living in her barn.  After finding out about the boy's past she decides to let him stay on with the Bishop's approval.  The Bishop surprises her by asking if she will also open her home to a local woman and her two children that are in need.  When Mary Ann, Emma's mother-in-law reveals a secret a hidden secret in the garden Emma know's for sure that God is calling her to do a great work in helping those in need.  

***This book was provided to me through the booklook bloggers program in exchange for my honest review.