About The Book

Worie Dressar is 17 years old when influenza and typhoid ravage her Appalachian Mountain community in 1877, leaving behind a growing number of orphaned children with no way to care for themselves. Worie’s mother has been secretly feeding a number of these little ones on Sourwood Mountain. But when she dies suddenly, Worie is left to figure out why and how she was caring for them.

Plagued with two good-for-nothing brothers–one greedy and the other a drunkard–Worie fights to save her home and the orphaned children now in her begrudging care. Along the way, she will discover the beauty of unconditional love and the power of forgiveness as she cares for all of Momma’s children.

Storyteller and popular speaker Cindy K. Sproles pens a tender novel full of sacrifice, heartache, and courage in the face of overwhelming obstacles.

About The Author

Cindy K. Sproles is an author and a speaker, whose dream is to do nothing more than craft words that speak from the heart. God’s plan seems to be for her to write and teach the craft. With God’s guidance, Cindy is expanding her horizons. We’ll see how He uses her.

Cindy is a mountain gal. Proud of her heritage, she was born and raised in the Appalachian Mountains where life is simple, words have a deep southern drawl, and colloquialisms like, “well slap my knee and call me corn pone” seem to take precedence over proper speech. Apple Butter, coal mining, the river, pink sunrises, and golden sunsets help you settle into a porch swing and relax. Family, the love of God, and strong morals are embedded into her life in the mountains. Teaching writers, spinning fiction tales about life in the mountains, history, and down-home ideas find their way into all she does. “I love to write devotions, to seek after the deeper side of Christ, and to share the lessons He teaches me from life in the hills of East Tennessee. I am a writer. A speaker. A lover of God’s Word and friend to all.” This is Cindy Sproles. Welcome home to the mountains.

Other Fiction by Cindy K. Sproles

Mercy’s Rain

Liar’s Winter

Description

Ever feel as famished as a farmer and long for simple country cooking ideas?

Brand new, from New York Times bestselling author of Amish fiction, Wanda E. Brunstetter, is a must-have cookbook from the heart of Amish Country. Amish cooks, who know how to please their hard-working family members, contributed over 200 recipes in traditional categories from main dishes and sides to desserts and snacks. Also included are kitchen tips and stories from growing up on Amish farms. Encased in a lay-flat binding and presented in full color, home cooks of all ages will be delighted to add this cookbook to their collections.

About Wanda E. Brunstetter

Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of almost 90 books with more than 10 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine and USA Today.

Wanda’s fascination with the Amish culture developed when she met her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church, and whose family has a Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Meeting her new Mennonite sister-in-laws caused Wanda to yearn for the simpler life. In their travels, she and her husband have become close friends with many Amish people across America. Wanda’s desire to explore their culture increased when she discovered that her great-great grandparents were part of the Anabaptist faith.

All of Wanda’s novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Many of her books are well-read and trusted by the Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

Wanda’s primary attraction to the Amish is their desire to live a devout Christian life that strives to honor God, work hard, and maintain close family ties. Whenever she visits her Amish friends, Wanda finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties, which is in stark contrast to the chaos and busyness that plagues so many modern “Englishers.” Time and time again, Wanda loses her heart in the Amish life, and she hopes her readers will, too. For more information, visit: http://www.WandaBrunstetter.com

Other Cookbooks By Wanda

Amish Friends Gatherings Cookbook

Amish Friends Christmas Cookbook

Amish Cooking Class Cookbook

Amish Friends Cookbook (Volumes 1 & 2)

Amish Friends Cookbook: Desserts

Amish Friends Harvest Cookbook

Best of Amish Friends Cookbook Collection

Coming November 2020

Amish Friends From Scratch Cookbook – Available For Preorder

I know today was different from our norm here on The Reading Daisy, but I enjoy Wanda’s cookbooks and I hope you will too!

Blessings Y’all,

🌼Mandy🌼

Synopsis

Caroline Delacroix is at the pinnacle of Washington high society in her role as secretary to the first lady of the United States. But beneath the faade of her beauty, glamorous wardrobe, and dazzling personality, she’s hiding a terrible secret. If she cannot untangle a web of foreign espionage, her brother will face execution for treason. 

Nathaniel Trask is the newly appointed head of the president’s Secret Service team. He is immediately suspicious of Caroline despite his overwhelming attraction to her quick wit and undeniable charm. Desperate to keep the president protected, Nathaniel must battle to keep his focus fully on his job as the threat to the president rises. 

Amid the glamorous pageantry of Gilded Age Washington, DC, Caroline and Nathaniel will face adventure, danger, and heartbreak in a race against time that will span the continent and the depth of human emotion.

The Author

About The Author

Elizabeth Camden is best known for her historical novels set in gilded age America featuring clever heroines and richly layered storylines. Before she was a writer, she was an academic librarian at some of the largest and smallest libraries in America, but her favorite is the continually growing library in her own home. Her novels have won the RITA and Christy Award, and she lives in Florida with her husband who graciously tolerates her intimidating stockpile of books.

➿➰My Review➰➿

As I read the last page of A Gilded Lady I felt as though I had been on a historical trip of epic proportions. Elizabeth Camden doesn’t just write a story on the surface of the page, if you will. She writes the details of history deep into the covers of a book. She digs long and hard in the annuls of American history and comes up with stories that would make any patriot proud to live in this great country. She finds professions that do not quickly come to mind as a day to day job and uses them to fascinate her readers. The ins and outs of those trades will astound you and have you wishing you were some small part of them. I learned aspects of my American roots that I was never able to learn as a girl in school. If I had had Elizabeth Camden books back then, I would know a lot more facts now. Get your hands on this book when you can and indulge in it’s pages, savor the words, and learn more about God’s Grace as you read.

I was gifted a copy of this book by Netgalley and was under no obligation to post a review.

Synopsis

It’s a match made in heaven…as long as they don’t fall in love!

The ranch Nolan Key has spent decades working for, even lost a leg for, is now his—or at least it should be. But an absurd clause in his father’s will means he’s in danger of losing the place to his lazy, undeserving cousin. Nolan finds himself scrambling to save his home—by proposing marriage to the town laundress. 

Corinne Stillwater’s hands have betrayed her. Numb from hours of doing the same work over and over, her hands will only heal, according to the town doctor, if she gives up the laundry and marries. But she’s been stung repeatedly by love before, so that is one remedy she can’t swallow. 

When Nolan offers Corinne a marriage in name only, how can she refuse? Such a partnership could give them the security they seek, but what if the ranch isn’t as secure as they believe, and their lives—and dreams—aren’t quite as compatible as they thought?

Pretending to Wed is the second book in the Frontier Vows Series by award-winning Christian romance author Melissa Jagears. If you like marriage of convenience stories that deal with the nitty-gritty of making a relationship work, you’ll love this authentic romance set in a time gone by that tackles issues still relevant for today.

MY REVIEW

If you enjoy reading in the genre of historical fiction or romance this is the book for you! I gave it 5 stars because I truly feel it’s deserving of them! This book….I really don’t know where to start. It is a marriage of convenience story, which I am a sucker for every single time! There are so many lessons to glean from this single novel. I won’t add any spoilers but be alert to them as you travel the pages of this story. Melissa Jagears has a way of catching your attention on the first page of her novels and she keeps that attention throughout the amazing stories she tells. Pretending To Wed was no different. There were sections of this book that were difficult and emotional. There were other sections where I laughed out loud and had butterflies in my tummy. When you put all these necessary parts together you have a fulfilling tale of love and life. This book is some of the best work by Mrs. Jagears. I’m already looking forward to book three!

I was provided a copy of this book by the author, but was under no obligation to post a review.

Books By Melissa Jagears

The Unexpected Brides Series

#1- Love By The Letter (Free Novella) (part of the With All My Heart Romance Collection)

#2- A Bride For Keeps

#3- A Bride In Store

#4- A Bride At Last

#5- Blinded By Love (part of The Convenient Bride Collection)

The Teaville Moral Society Series

#1- Engaging The Competition (part of the With This Ring novella collection)

#2- A Heart Most Certain

#3- A Love So True

#4- Tied And True ( part of the Hearts Entwined novella collection)

#5- A Chance At Forever

Frontier Vows Series

#1- Romancing The Bride

#2- Pretending To Wed

And Ephraim their father mourned many days, and his brethren came to comfort him. 1 Chronicles 7:22

Let’s comfort one another, listen to one another, and pray with each other during these times with riots, killing, and disease. Something has to stop! Let’s spread joy, through the Gospel, wherever we go! Other’s lives will change. And so will yours!

I sincerely hope you have enjoyed this installment of The Reading Daisy. Perhaps you discovered a new-to-you author in Melissa Jagears and jotted down the names of her books. No matter what your take on this blogpost is I pray you leave this little corner of the internet with a smile on your lips and a blessing on your heart.

Blessings Y’all!

🌼Mandy🌼

Are you as excited as I am?!?!?!? If you are part of the Christian Fiction World you know who Karen Witemeyer is. And if you know who Karen is, you love her and her books! She is just the sweetest and kindest soul out there. I am a member of her Facebook group called The Posse and it may be the greatest and most fun corner of the Internet! Who else is a member? (Let me know in the comments.) On that page Karen does things to brings us together such as, an ornament exchange at Christmas and contests and interesting articles throughout the year. Besides being a wonderful Christian person, she is a writer like no other. Her books hold within their pages the love of Jesus, wittiness that will make you laugh out loud, the love between a man and a woman, and so much more. Let’s not waste any more time and dive into her interview!

Interview with Karen Witemeyer

If you could read only one fiction book for the rest of your life, what would it be?

This is such a hard question. Fiction lovers are voracious readers who love jumping into a new story as soon as the old one is finished. Being limited to just one story is a hard choice. Do I go for something deep that will keep me pondering new ideas? Do I go for something light that is guaranteed to leave me with a smile on my face? Or do I go for for a giant tome that will take the rest of my life to read so I never have to miss the “next” read? Ha! I think I will go for the deep choice and pick CS Lewis’s Screwtape Letters. It has depth and lightness, so even though it’s on the short side, it has strong re-readability.

What is your least favorite part of getting a book from research to sitting on a shelf?

My least favorite part of the process is the substantive re-write stage. About a month after I turn in a manuscript, my editors send it back to me with all the big-picture changes they recommend I make to the story. My book is always stronger for going through this process, so I value it greatly, but as a task-oriented person, it’s discouraging to have a project return to an “unfinished” state after I worked so hard to check it off the list as “finished.”

What is your favorite part of that same process?

My favorite part of the process is holding the finished product in my hand for the first time. My editor sends out a single copy to me with a note of congratulations every time a new book releases. This reaches me a week to a month before my box of author copies, so it’s extra special. It’s also the first time I get to see the back cover. Since traditionally published books are being placed in sales catalogs and sold to retailers 6-9 months before the actual release date, I know what the front cover of my book looks like while I’m still finishing the writing process. What I never see, though, is the back cover. My favorite reveal was for Head in the Clouds. On the front cover, the heroine is reading a book and not paying attention to where she is walking, and the back cover shows her heels over head with the book flying. I love it!

Your books are set in the 19th century. If you could choose anything from one of your character’s closet, shoebox, or jewelry box, what would it be?

Oh, boy. I would love to fill my closet with 19th century clothing! My favorite dress is Joanna Robbins’s pink dress on the cover of Stealing the Preacher. So I’d definitely start with that. However, I’ve always admired cameo brooches, so for the jewelry box, I’d love to borrow the cameo that Charlotte Atherton wears. The shoes I would love for the occasional dress-up, but I’ve grown awfully fond of the comfort of memory foam inserts for our modern footwear. Not sure I could wear 19th century shoes for long without crippling myself.

What can we expect from you in the upcoming year in the Cristian fiction world? I know your fans want to know, including me. 🙂

Coming in June 2020 will be the start of a new series. Hanger’s Horsemen is a series based on a group of four ex-cavalry officers who leave the military after the atrocities of Wounded Knee. They band together as mercenaries for good to help those the law is unable or unwilling to help. (Think The Magnificent Seven meets The A-Team.) The first book focused on Captain Matthew Hanger. Here’s the blurb:

Haunted by the horrors of war, ex-cavalry officer Matthew Hanger leads a band of mercenaries known as Hanger’s Horsemen who have become legends in 1890s Texas. They defend the innocent and obtain justice for the oppressed. But when a rustler’s bullet leaves one of them at death’s door, they’re the ones in need of saving.

Dr. Josephine Burkett is used to men taking one look at her skirts and discounting her medical skills. What she’s not used to is having a man change his mind in a heartbeat and offer to assist her in surgery. Matthew Hanger’s dedication to his friend during recovery earns Josephine’s respect, and when she hears of her brother’s abduction, he becomes her only hope for rescue.

Matt has stared down ruthless outlaws, betrayal, and injury, but when a bossy lady doctor crawls under his skin, his heart is tempted to surrender. And when she is caught in the crossfire, he may have to sacrifice everything–even his team–to save her.

Thanks so much for having me!

I have one more thing for my readers! You may have noticed something new in place of a regular picture when you came over to The Reading Daisy today. I have been so excited to share my brand new logo with you and the time has finally come!!! My logo was drawn by Lyndsey Huckaby over on Instagram/Bookstagram. Please check her out, y’all @lyndseydrawsitagain! She is an amazing artist and has a heart even bigger than her talent. Here it is! The brand new face of The Reading Daisy! Blessings Y’all! Mandy

Synopsis

Back and broke in Stoney Ridge, Jimmy Fisher has coasted as long as he could through life on charm, good looks, and deep-set dimples. They always worked just fine for him–until they didn’t. His smile has no effect on the violet-eyed beauty he met at the Bent N’ Dent, the one with that stunning horse. She’s offered him a job, but nothing else.

The last thing Sylvie Schrock King needs around Rising Star Farm is a grown boy working for her, especially her neighbor Edith’s son. The woman holds a serious grudge against Sylvie and her son, and hiring Jimmy Fisher will only fan the flames of Edith’s rancor. But Sylvie is desperate for help on the farm, and Jimmy understands horses like no one else. 

While Jimmy’s lazy smile and teasing ways steal Sylvie’s heart, Edith is working on a way to claim her land. Has Sylvie made another terrible mistake? Or is it too late to outfox the fox? More importantly . . . just who is the fox? 

Writing with both wit and warmth, Fisher delivers a supremely satisfying conclusion to the popular Deacon’s Family series.

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About The Author

Suzanne Woods Fisher has a specialty: she writes about real people living in faith-based communities. With over 750,000 copies of books sold worldwide, she is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than twenty-five books, ranging from children’s books (‘The Adventures of Lily Lapp’ series) to novels (“The Choice”) to non-fiction books (“Amish Peace: Simple Living for a Complicated World”). 

When Suzanne isn’t writing, she’s probably playing with puppies. She’s been involved with Guide Dogs for the Blind for over fifteen years. Raising puppies, she says, is like eating a potato chip. You just can’t stop at one. 

Readers are invited to stop by Suzanne’s website at: http://www.suzannewoodsfisher.com

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My Review

This third installment of The Deacon’s Family series wrapped up many loose ends from books one and two. The disappointment, for me, was that Luke’s brother, Sam was only mentioned twice and his wife wasn’t mentioned at all. I think book two hinted at some concerns about Sam’s wife. Those concerns were never resolved. I was hoping to find closure on that subject in this third and final book of the series, but did not. 
Suzanne Woods Fisher is one of my favorite Amish book authors. She is a true storyteller in that she draws you into a story and allows you to feel as if you are a member of a family or inside a circle of friends. In Two Steps Forward the Spiritual content is wonderful as well. There are examples of how some people confuse religion and Christianity. Being a Christian is having a relationship with Christ, not just going through motions and man made rules. Also, this story shares how the Amish and all Christians depend upon God in various situations. And shows that anything worth having is worth working for. God’s timing is always right and NOTHING is impossible with Him, our Heavenly Father. 

I would like to thank Revell for gifting me a copy of this title. I was under no obligation to post a review and all opinions are my own.

I hope you enjoyed learning about this brand new release. I certainly enjoyed reading it! Suzanne Woods Fisher is not only an awesome author, she is also a delightful person. I hope you’ll visit her website. http://www.suzannewoodsfisher.com ………………………….You can also find her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Blessings Y’all!

🌼Mandy🌼

I would love for you to give me a follow over on my bookstagram account!

@thereadingdaisyblog

Synopsis:

Will Edyth prove her sanity before it is too late?

On Blackwell’s Island, New York, a hospital was built to keep its patients from ever leaving.

With her late parents’ fortune under her uncle’s care until her twenty-fifth birthday in the year 1887, Edyth Foster does not feel pressured to marry or to bow to society’s demands. She freely indulges in eccentric hobbies like fencing and riding her velocipede in her cycling costume about the city for all to see. Finding a loophole in the will, though, her uncle whisks Edyth off to the women’s lunatic asylum just weeks before her birthday. And Edyth fears she will never be found.

At the asylum she meets another inmate, who upon discovering Edyth’s plight, confesses that she is Nellie Bly, an undercover journalist for The World. Will either woman find a way to leave the terrifying island and reclaim her true self?

Also Look for:
White City by Grace Hitchcock (March 2019)
Pink Bonnet by Liz Tolsma (June 2019)
Yellow Lantern by Angie Dicken (August 2019)
Blue Cloak by Shannon McNear (March 2020)

About the Author:

Grace Hitchcock is the author of three novellas in The Second Chance Brides, The Southern Belle Brides, and the Thimbles and Threads collections with Barbour Publishing. The White City is her debut novel and releases March 2019 with Barbour Publishing. She holds a Masters in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives in southern Louisiana with her husband, Dakota, and son. Visit Grace online at GraceHitchcock.com.

My Review:

The Gray Chamber

I’m going to be honest… When I was given the chance to read this book I took it without thinking it through. I had heard great reviews of other books in this series, but true crime is just not “my thing”. After I got the book in my hands I just did not want to read it since it was way out of my comfort zone. Also I had never read a book by this author. But, I had already told myself I would give it a try. I am so glad I did!!! This book will not be my last by Grace Hitchcock and I have already added other books in this series to my wishlist! This book had a sweet love story that gave just the lightness this story needed to balance the crime portion. Thinking the whole book would be dark and depressing, I was pleasantly surprised when that was not the case. Spiritually I took away from this read the importance of hiding God’s Word in your heart. Such a vital part of a Christian’s life. The research the author did to write this work was amazing. You won’t need to ask if that is true once you read it. It is apparent in the very first chapter. I’m thinking I need to get out of my comfort zone more often.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Blessings Y’all!

Mandy

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17

Blurb: Unflinching and plainspoken, Tessa Swan is not your typical 18th-century woman. Born and bred on the western Virginia frontier along with her five brothers, she is a force to be reckoned with.

Quiet and courageous, Clay Tygart is not your typical 18th-century man. Raised by Lenape Indians, he returns a hero from the French and Indian War to the fort that bears his name, bringing with him Tessa’s long-lost friend, Keturah, a redeemed Indian captive like himself.

Determined to avoid any romantic entanglements as fort commander, Clay remains aloof whenever he encounters the lovely Tessa. But when she is taken captive by the tribe Clay left, his hand–and heart–are forced, leading to one very private and one very public reckoning.

Intense, evocative, and laced with intricate historical details that bring the past to life, An Uncommon Woman will transport you to the picturesque and dangerous western Virginia mountains of 1770.

Worth The Wait! I learned two years ago that Laura Frantz was writing another pioneer book. Those are my favorite books to read, especially by the talented Laura. I was excited, but I knew there was a two year wait. There was no description of the story, no cover, and no title. I tried, without success, to put this pioneer read out of my mind. But even with hardly any information, I still just couldn’t let it go. Fast forward two years to the present. The book is here! It has a cover, a title, and the story is out of this world! It will forever be on my “keeper shelf”. Yes! It was worth the wait! Read my review below.

About The Author: Christy Award-winning author, Laura Frantz, is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th-century, and writes her manuscripts in longhand first. Her stories often incorporate Scottish themes that reflect her family heritage. She is a direct descendant of George Hume, Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, settled in Virginia, and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying in the years 1748-1750. Frantz lives and writes in a log cabin in the heart of Kentucky and also Washington State. 

My Review of An Uncommon Woman:

I just finished An Uncommon Woman and I feel as though I have been on an 18th century vacation. I had anticipated this story for two years and I was not disappointed when it finally came my way. Every word, sentence, and paragraph was placed in the perfect spot to make me feel as if I was on this journey side by side with Tessa and Clay. Oh what a journey! Oh what love and friendship! I grew spiritually and learned no small amount of American history as I read this story. We as 21st century Americans take many many things for granted. This book points to some of them. This read, and all others by Laura Frantz will reside on my keeper shelf. I thank God for an author like her that goes above and beyond when it comes to historical research. Also, she isn’t afraid to acknowledge our Father in Heaven in her books. Words I think of when I think of An Uncommon Woman are: Lovely, Mysterious, Friendship, Love for God, and Love for each other. I think of frontier, pioneer, and unexplainable bravery. Without people like the ones we read about in this story our country would not be as blessed as it is today. For that I am thankful. Everyone who even remotely enjoys a historical read needs to read this book!

I was given a copy of this book from Revell. All opinions or descriptions are my own.

Stay In Touch!

Blessings Y’all!

🌼Mandy🌼

• EMAIL: mandydawn@email.com
• INSTAGRAM: @thereadingdaisyblog
• FACEBOOK: Mandy Bentley
• Laura’s INSTAGRAM: @laurafrantzauthor
• Laura’s WEBSITE: http://www.laurafrantz.net

Please comment and let me know if you have read An Uncommon Woman yet. If not, is it on your To Be Read pile?

Hello from Kentucky, Folks!

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I personally have a rule for Christmas. That rule is no Christmas before Thanksgiving. But, for you, the reader, I made an exception. I wanted to get my recommendation of this book out to you so you can add it to your Christmas reads list. The book we are talking about today is Just In Time For Christmas by Davalynn Spencer. She is no stranger to The Reading Daisy and she is an author whose books I thoroughly enjoy. I would love to hear from any readers who enjoy her books like I do! Just In Time For Christmas is her newest novella, which was released on November 1st, 2019. This is another historical read and is set in the author’s home state of Colorado. Below is the synopsis of the book and more information about the author.

She’s seventeen with a ranch to run, a fear of heights, and a cowboy intent on stealing her heart.

Abigale Millerton leaves a Denver women’s school and returns to her grandparents’ high-country ranch to find the boy she’d grown up with not a boy any longer—and butting in on her challenge with local timber thieves. If he’d stop telling her what to do, they might get along.

Seth Holt has loved Abigale since before he knew better. And now that she’s back in the high country, she’s still as bull-headed as ever. But Seth can match her, and he’s determined to keep her out of harm’s way and in his line of sight. Trouble is, he’d rather keep her in his arms.

My Review

Oh, how I truly enjoyed this novella! Davalynn Spencer is one of my favorite authors to go to when I need a good story to take me away from the craziness of this world. Just In Time For Christmas is a timeless story for the ages, one I could read every year at Christmastime. It has everything I could want in a book. It’s easy to read, it’s funny, it’s romantic, there’s a cowboy, and the Lord is in the middle of it all, just as He should be. It may sound cliche`, but it’s true, this story warms my heart. 
Amazon has the ebook on sale right now for $1.99!