Sunday, June 30, 2013

A Wedding for Julia: Book 3 in the Pebble Creek Amish Series by Vannetta Chapman (Review & Giveaway)

About the book: A Wedding for Julia, the third book in a romantic series from popular author Vannetta Chapman, takes a last look at the Amish community of Pebble Creek and the kind, caring people there. As they face challenges from the English world, they come together to reach out to their non-Amish neighbors while still preserving their cherished Plain ways.

Review:  Previously in books one and two, Vannetta Chapman inserted us into the lives of Pebble Creek residents and newcomers. We met Lydia and Miriam and now the community story is rounded out with the story of Julia. Each of these ladies has obstacles to overcome in their daily life. We know that life in the Amish community is plain, not easy, not luxurious, not complete with conveniences we deem necessary to life. But these three ladies each has unique lives and must meet their struggles square on.

Julia is the daughter of Ada and they have just lost the father and husband. Now Ada has informed Julia that Julia's dream of opening a restaurant or cafe in their family home is not to be because Ada and Julia's father have determined that since Julia is unmarried she can not live alone so the house must be sold and she must move to another Amish community - unless she marries.

Julia's story rapidly progresses through the phases of unbelief, horror, inspiration, solution, and marriage. Through all of this, sweet Ada's failing mental capacities are worrisome but her ability to quote the Psalms and inspire those around her with these and other wise sayings is phenomenal.
"Courage is fear that has said it's prayers." page 129
When Sharon, a troubled teen from another Amish community, comes to live with them, her troubled spirit is comforted by Ada's quoting Psalms and stroking her head as she brings relief from fear. (page 158)

I found encouragement in things to ponder (page 257)...... perhaps you will, too. Put a name in the blank/s and apply to yourself.
______ and _____ love me.
_____ is a gift from God.
_____ and _____ are a joy.
_____ makes me smile.
_____ is special.
and then affirm.....  God has taken care of me.
The Pebble Creek Series is worth reading. For your pleasure and for your encouragement. True it is a work of fiction. But sometimes fiction can bring forth truths that make real life more liveable.

GIVEAWAY: Vannetta Chapman, author, is graciously providing a giveaway copy for one of Chat With Vera's readers. Begins June 30 & ENDS July 17 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT. Open to USA addresses only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of A Wedding for Julia in exchange for my honest review. No compensation was received for writing this review. The giveaway copy is provided compliments of the author and will be shipped directly to the winner.

16 comments:

  1. Thank you for the review, Vera. I agree about fiction revealing truths--at least it has for me! Blessings ...

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Vannetta, for taking a moment to stop by. It is a joy to read and review your books. Hate to see the Pebble Creek series end, but met some "good friends" along the way.

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  2. The review sounds so interesting. I have not yet read a book by Vanetta, but would love to have a chance to win this interesting sounding story-line.

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  3. Thank you for the review! I am looking forward to reading this books by Vanetta Chapman. Please enter me into the contest :)

    Linda Ortiz
    strgth4yu@hotmail.com

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  4. Thank you so much for your updating along with the review. I had read the previous books and would love to win this one as well. Thanks for the contest! The best to you. Mary Lou K
    flowersmarylou85@gmail.com

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  5. I would love to read A Wedding For Julia. Thanks!
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

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  6. Would love to win and read Vannetta's newest book. I enjoyed reading a few of her books. Thank you.
    Karen G.
    kmgervais(at)nycap(dot)rr(dot)com

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  7. I would love to win a copy of this book, thank you for the chance.

    wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

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  8. Nice review. I would love to win a copy A Wedding for Julia. Thank you for the giveaway.
    msbookwormlady(at)aol(dot)

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  9. I'd love to win a copy of A Wedding for Julia. Thanks for the opportunity to enter the contest.
    cindialtman(at)gmail(dot)com

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  10. "The Knowing is easy.... it's the doing that gives us trouble." is from A Simple Amish Christmas

    cindialtman(at)gmail(dot)com

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  11. I posted on Vannetta's fb page.
    Cindi Altman
    cindialtman(at)gmail(dot)com

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  12. the quote is from - A Simple Amish Christmas!

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  13. I made a comment on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VannettaChapmanBooks/posts/643208472371130

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  14. The quote is from "A Simple Amish Christmas." kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.

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  15. Commented on Vannetta's FB page. https://www.facebook.com/VannettaChapmanBooks/posts/643298139028830

    kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.

    ReplyDelete

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