A Christmas in the Alps by Melody Carlson.

My thoughts:  The yearly Christmas novellas from Melody Carlson are highly anticipated by folks who love a good, short read centered around a Christmas theme or during the holiday season. In A Christmas in the Alps Ms. Carlson takes the reader globally to search for a missing family treasure.

A Christmas in the Alps was a joy to read. Beginning with a youngish "spinster" lady who'd taken care of her grandmother until her death and then embarking on one of those "journey of a lifetime" trips to France pursuing connections to her family's past heritage. Kind of hard to get to France from the USA without flying and this lady is simply scared stiff of flying. But a dear friend encourages, guides, persuades, and entices her to make that trip. She did!

The excitement begins with her seat companion on the flight. He is handsome, kind, and talks her through her fears. When she arrives in Paris she does a bit of sight seeing and enjoys Paris at Christmas with its lit up gorgeousness. Then she goes on to the little town in the French Alps that was her destination.

Characters are beautifully developed by the author and I simply enjoyed meeting each one. I loved the "feel" of being in this sweet, historic, and gorgeous town as Nicole wander through it going about meeting family and making connections.

The story ends on a high note of joyousness and delight - totally appropriate for a Christmas novella. I totally enjoyed this read.

About the book: After a time of heartache and loss, Simone Winthrop discovers a tantalizing letter from her French great-grandmother, which seems to suggest that she is heir to a family treasure. Ever practical, Simone assumes the claim is baseless, but her best friend encourages her to find out for sure. Despite her deep-rooted fear of flying, Simone boards a jet to travel to Paris at Christmastime to uncover the truth.

During the long flight, Simone meets the charming Kyle Larsson, who's on his way to France to become an apprentice clockmaker. Though they abruptly part ways, an unexpected rendezvous in the French Alps at Simone's family's clock factory may lead to the discovery of the family treasure . . . and so much more.

For anyone who is wearying of staying home, Melody Carlson invites you to spend Christmas with her in the beautiful French Alps this year. So pull on your mittens, tie your scarf tight, and prepare yourself for a magical mountain holiday. 

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

Bitter Pill by Richard L. Mabry, M.D. (novella)

My thoughts:  Typically Dr. Mabry's books are medical suspense with a light touch of romance. In Bitter Pill he veers from his normal story telling style and focuses primarily on the lives of individuals in church ministry. Yes, there is a medical connection that Dr. Mabry so aptly weaves into this short but complex story.

Each of the main characters - and there is a crowded stage in this short book, encounters soul-searching, heart rending personal life events that could easily be the main stay of a feature book. However, Mabry defly tells enough of their story and how they interact with the other characters that you feel as though you are a local citizen or member of the local church congregation.

A short 120 pages of intense reading will leave you feeling like cheering because issues are resolved, spirits are lifted, hearts are healed, and salvation or re-commitment takes place.

I heartily recommend.

About the book: THINGS WERE GOING ALONG JUST FINE - UNTIL THE MIRACLE FOULED THEM UP

“Brother” Bob Bannister is content with his life and his itinerant healing ministry, until one night he finds that the woman who walks off the stage under her own power isn’t one of his shills. At that point, doubts begin to intrude on his previously untroubled existence.

Dr. Abby Davis is tired of her family practice and at odds with God. Dealing with critically ill and dying patients has crushed her spirit to the point she’s ready to quit. But she soon realizes that there’s more to healing than ministering to the physical body.

Scott Anderson was the oldest graduate of his seminary class. Then again, most of them hadn’t turned away from a medical practice, hoping to atone for past mistakes (including his wife’s death) by ministering to men’s souls. Now he hopes he hasn’t made a colossal mistake in switching careers.

Each of these individuals becomes linked to the other, and each finds that God has a purpose for them—but, as it often does, the lesson comes with discomfort.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the author to facilitate this review. Opinions expressed are mine, alone, and are freely given.

An Amish Harvest: Four Novellas by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, Amy Clipston, Vannetta Chapman [Review & Giveaway]

My thoughts: From time to time, I want to snag a collection of novellas, or a stand alone book novella, and read the complete but shorter stories that they entail. In An Autumn Harvest a superb collection of non-connected stories from four different authors presents stories true to gentle and faith filled Amish fiction.

I have previously read three of the four authors but Kathleen Fuller was a new author to me. I can only say good things about each of these stories and the writing skill of each of the authors.

Beth Wiseman handled the story of the abused wife with gentleness and realism. The gentle  Brock is the picture of kindness and strength of character. And then in Kathleen Fuller's story we have the opportunity to read how two flawed individuals try to cope with their differences or handicaps and how they eventually find a way to love. These are two difficult social issues beautifully written about by these two skilled authors.

I love how Vannetta Chapman writes grace and faith into her stories and touches a bit on romance and a bit on mystery. In Mischief in the Autumn Air these two late middle agers, who are single (widow and widower), find themselves pursuing puzzling folks who attend the auction and mysterious clues.

And Amy Clipston's Love and Buggy Rides is a sweet story of finding love even though there is an age difference and other obstacles in their relationsip. Again, a sweet Amish romance.

About the book: Faith, hope, and love remain forever in season in this collection of four richly absorbing novellas set amidst the wonder of an Amish autumn.

Under the Harvest Moon, by Beth Wiseman

When Naomi Dienner is suddenly widowed, she never expects to find love again . . . until she meets Brock Mulligan, an English family friend hired at harvest time. As a sinister presence begins to threaten Naomi, Brock seeks to prove himself trustworthy while struggling with growing feelings for Naomi and her children. Will God open Naomi’s heart—and give Brock his own second chance at love?

Love and Buggy Rides, by Amy Clipston

Janie Lantz is a cashier at Lancaster Souvenirs and Buggy Rides, where Jonathan Stoltfuz is a buggy driver. A frightening accident brings Janie and Jonathan together in a blossoming friendship, yet daunting obstacles stand between them and something deeper. Can love kindle into flames that burn away fear and regret—and lead them to a life together?

Mischief in the Autumn Air, by Vannetta Chapman 

When items start going above market value at his auction house, Eli Wittmer is first thrilled, and then puzzled. But when the house is broken into, Eli and his new bookkeeper, Martha Beiler track down a trail of clues. Will they solve the mystery before the fall festival ends—and discover an unexpected new love?

A Quiet Love, by Kathleen Fuller 

Dinah Hochstetler, quiet and bookish, longs for marriage but hides in her shyness. Amos Mullett, a simple farmer, knows he’s different but aches for a loving wife. As Dinah and Amos navigate a budding romance, will the power of love—and the blessing of God—be enough to overcome their doubters?

GIVEAWAY

Begins September 27

ENDS October 15 @ 12:01 a.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only

a Rafflecopter giveaway
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review of my honest opinions. No compensation was received. Giveaway copy prize is to be provided by and mailed directly to winner by V.Chapman.

An Amish Market (4 Novellas) by Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, Kelly Irvin, Vannetta Chapman [Review & Giveaway]

My thoughts: This is a charming collection of novellas. A novella is a bit longer than a short story and about 1/3 the length of a full novel. A collection is great to have on hand to pick up for quick, easy reading. The plots are not usually as intricate as a full novel, but lots more satisfying than a short story.

I was already familiar with a couple of these authors, especially Vannetta Chapman. I have reviewed several of her delightful books. This is a publication of Thomas Nelson Publishing and you can count on their books as being good.

Each of the stories was satisfying to read. I especially enjoyed some of the characters a bit more than the others. I like Seth in "Love Birds," Ezra in "A Bid for Love," Will in "Sweeter than Honey," and David in "Love in  Store." I found that each of these men were strong and sensitive.

The ladies in the stories each had their merit. The four stories dealt with Amish customs, the process and pitfalls of love, and in Vannetta Chapman's a touch of mystery.

I enjoyed this collection and can highly recommend it to anyone who wants a gentle read.

Love Birds by Amy Clipston

While Ellie Lapp and her mother are still mourning the loss of her brother, Seth, Ellie starts working at one of the gift shops in town. Seth’s friend Lloyd is talented at carving wooden birds, but his father disapproves and expects him to take over the family farm someday. Ellie sees the beauty in Lloyd’s creations and insists Lloyd sell the birds in the gift shop where she works. As Ellie and Lloyd spend more time together, they begin to develop feelings for one another, but she accidentally betrays his trust. Will she lose any hope of a future with him?

A Bid for Love by Kathleen Fuller

Every week, Hannah Lynne brings her home-churned butter to the local market. And every week Ezra stops by to purchase some. Hannah Lynne knows not to read too much into it—Ezra is a confirmed bachelor and barely even glances her way, despite any hope to the contrary. But when Ezra bids an exorbitant amount to win the quilt she had her heart set on, Hannah Lynne can’t stop her heart from taking over her mind. Could Ezra finally be in the market for love?

Sweeter Than Honey by Kelly Irvin

Shattering a jar of pickled beets wasn’t the impression Isabella hoped to make on her first trip to the local Combination Store of Bee County, Texas. But as embarrassed as she was by the accident, she didn’t think it warranted the frosty reaction from the handsome manager of the store, Will Glick. As she soon learns, though, Will’s heart has been broken one too many times. And now, for some reason, Isabella finds herself determined to be the one to repair that broken heart and renew his faith in love.

Love in Store by Vannetta Chapman

Stella Schrock works at the Old Mill in Nappanee, Indiana, with new employee David Stoltzfus, a recent widower. When strange happenings begin occurring around town, it appears as if someone wants to close the mill. Stella and David have to work together to solve the mystery of what is happening at the Old Amish Mill, and in the process they might just find that God has more in store for their future than they would ever have dreamed possible.

GIVEAWAY

Begins March 17
ENDS April 4 @ 12:01 a.m. ET. 

 Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own.