Review of An Amish Widow's Hope by Pamela Desmond Wright

Regrets from the past could lead to a chance for redemption…

After a terrifying break-in, widowed dressmaker Isla Stohl finds herself leaning on town sheriff Evan Miller. Sixteen years ago, Evan chose a law enforcement career over her and their Texas Amish community, and now he’s determined to make amends. Evan vows to keep Isla and her two children safe, but old feelings begin to arise once more. As he’s drawn back to his heritage and faith, he must decide if he can leave behind the life he built for himself in the Englisch world for the woman he’s never been able to let go of.

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness, and hope.

To Purchase

About the author

New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestselling author Pamela Desmond Wright grew up in a small, dusty Texas town. From the time she learned to read, books have been her passion.

A veteran of the e-book revolution of the late '90's, Pamela moved into traditional publishing, writing for Kensington and NAL/Penguin. Nominated 2 times, she won the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award in 2010. Pamela was also a founder of the scam publishers and agents website, The Write Connection, which was transferred to the SFWA through (then) vice-president A.C. Crispin to become Writer Beware. Her experiences with scam agents and publishers was documented in Professor Jim Fisher's book, Ten Percent of Nothing: The Case of the Literary Agent From Hell.

In 2013, Pam took a break from publishing. Unable to shake the story bug, she came back in 2019 with a new focus, fulfilling a promise to write wholesome books readers of all ages could enjoy.

MY THOUGHTS ON THE BOOK

A charming, emotional, yet suspenseful read. I was hooked from the beginning and couldn't wait to see what would happen next. A story of a connected past between the Amish widow and Evan who turned away from his Amish roots to work as a local sheriff.

The characters had lots of layers, and I enjoyed reading as they were exposed. Lots of haunted past, a second chance at love, and faith in God to work everything out. I loved the ending and laughed at the antics of the rescued animals by Evan's aunt.

I received a complimentary copy from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own and I voluntarily choose to review it.

Celebrate Easter with Zonderkidz Children's Books

• Jesus, Our True Friend is a heartwarming collection of seven stories from Jesus’ life that celebrate the good news—our Rescuer has come to heal God’s broken world, bring us back to Him, and show us the true meaning of Love. Created by Sally Lloyd-Jones and Jago, the beloved team behind the bestselling The Jesus Storybook Bible, these stories will fill you with joy as you discover just how deep God’s love for you truly is.  Gorgeous collection that will resonate with not only children, but also adults. The theme of not having to be worthy of God's love is found throughout the book's pages.  Readers will feel hopeful and joyful after reading. Beautiful illustrations.  

The Hey-O! Coloring Book offers over 90 pages of coloring fun, complete with tear-out pages for easy removal and display. It gives kids the chance to express their creativity while bringing their favorite Bible stories to life. Inspired by the popular YouTube videos and storybook Bible, this coloring book helps children grow in their faith while improving fine motor skills and sparking their imagination.  The first thing that made an impression on me was the size of the coloring book. It has large-sized illustrations depicting bible stories for children to color.  You can use this coloring book along with the Hey-O Bible for reinforcement of God's word deeply inside your child's heart.  The illustrations stand out and will hold the child's attention.  A fun way for them to learn about God's love.

• The idea of God’s image can be tricky for kids to understand, but The Glorious Image of God uses the story of Jesus to show how we can recognize God’s reflection in ourselves and build a stronger sense of spiritual identity and self-worth. 
• This book helps kids grasp the meaningful idea of being created in God’s image, inspiring a strong sense of spiritual identity and self-worth. It offers a solid biblical foundation, guiding children to understand their purpose and connection to God. 
• Emphasizing that every person is a beautiful work of art made in His image, the rhyming text and vivid illustrations make these biblical truths engaging and easy for young readers to enjoy.

Deep Breath, Little Whisper invites kids to explore the joy of talking to God in all kinds of moments through a delightful picture book about breath prayers. As they read, they’ll discover how each sincere praise, quick thank-you, and gentle request can bring peace and help them grow closer to their heavenly Father. The book’s beautiful illustrations pair perfectly with the words on every page, sharing a truly wonderful message.

This book encourages meaningful, deeper conversations among families. It teaches children how to pray in simple terms.  It is hopeful, brilliantly written, and illustrated.  It would make a wonderful Easter gift for any age.

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•  I received a complementary copies from the publisher; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

Review of NLT Wide Margin Filament Bible: A New Bible Reading Experience

The Bible has a leather cover and gold leafed pages with a ribbon bookmark and provides you with plenty of room for journaling as you study God's word. Jesus' message appears in red.

At the back of the Bible, there is a full color visual overview including Paul's missionary journeys, journeys of the first Christian leaders, prophecies of the Messiah, the ministry of Jesus, the prophets, kingdoms of Israel, the twelve tribes of Israel, and the plagues of Egypt.  There is also a Tyndale Verse Finder.

With the new Filament Ap you can enhance your reading experience as never before. Easy to use and connects to every page. There are three windows: study, reflect, and maps.  The Filament Bible is available in various colors, sizes, text font, and styles. All with lay-flat, Smyth-Sewn binding cover designs. To access, scan the page number with your phone or tablet, after downloading the app.

https://bit.ly/NLTWideMarginFG

BACK OF BIBLE

FRONT OF PACKAGING

BACK OF PACKAGING

Inside of the Bible

ABOUT THE FILAMENT APP

A NOTE TO READERS

Review of The Good Book: Volume 1. The Gospel Story of Jesus and Acts of the Apostles by Paul S. Williamson

 

This book is a new way of presenting the New Testament, in current English that bring Jesus' words and actions to life.  It enables you to understand the essence of each area of Jesus' life.

As I read each passage, I recognized the scripture but had more insight as to the meaning. It's an easy way to get more in-depth knowledge of the intention of Jesus and his mission on Earth. It brought a new interest to the New Testament and helped me relate it to the traditions of the Old Testament before the new commandments of Christ and the church.

The Good Book is for anyone struggling to understand the Bible and wants a clearer understanding.  Studying scripture can help you realize Jesus' love for you and enable you to apply God's wisdom to daily living.

To Purchase

*I received a complimentary copy from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

Interior Pages of the Book

FROM THE AUTHOR

Why did I write this book?

My idea for the book, The Good Book: An Interpretive Reading of the Christian Scriptures, followed my translating the entire Greek New Testament after graduate school. I wanted to experience in detail what the authors were trying to tell us with such passion. While working on this project, I read a book on Shakespeare’s plays explaining the meaning of his archaic language and the cultural differences which clarified the obscurity of the plays. I realized that is exactly what the Bible needs. 

What is new and unique about this New Testament translation is its exciting new format. No more rereading of the older chapter and verse, book by book formats. For instance, repetition of the same story in several Gospels is eliminated by combining them into one. No need to pick up a difficult commentary to understand what it means, the text is accompanied by thought-provoking explanations. 

The tone is intellectually grounded yet accessible for the average reader, bridging sound, orthodox biblical scholarship with everyday relevance. The theological jargon found in most Bibles is avoided or defined. I am a Biblical scholar with a Protestant seminary background and a PhD (ABD) in theology and Biblical languages from a Catholic university. I am also a family physician whose career included private practice, serving as professor for two medical schools, and directing a family practice residency program. My background in both biblical studies and medicine gives me a unique perspective on the human condition and what is required for spiritual healing.

Review of The Nature of Change: Lessons of Determination, Resilience, and Hope from the Outside World by Rene' Marsh

 

The main theme of this beautifully written book is about growing strong despite hard times. It's about adapting to new situations and changes-learning from the changes and also realizing that sometimes certain things remain the same.

Taking a lesson from nature, Kit and Amal, find strength from trees, flowers and the forest around them. They use the opportunity to explore.

The illustrations are brightly colored and catch your eye immediately. They match perfectly with the text and help bring the story to life. A well written and illustrated children's book, I'm sure your child will enjoy. 

This book was written after losing her first child to brain cancer.  Rene' shows her readers how even the darkest moments can bloom beautiful things.  Her book certainly brings a light into the darkness.  

For readers ages 4-8

To Purchase

 https://amzn.to/4012fHF  

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

Review of- Moms of the Bible: Life Changing Lessons from the FEARLESS, FLAWED, AND FAITHFUL by Rhonda Stoppe

I read "Moms of the Bible," expecting some new insights into motherhood that might help my granddaughters and I was amazed at the Biblical mothers described, the author's insights, and how it can inspire mothers.

I had never thought too much about the Biblical moms of the bible other than the hardship of the times they lived in, not realizing the span of different types. Some were flawed, some fearless trusting in God, and others were faithful. 

The author's writing is easy to understand and comes across as a close friend, making the reader comfortable. The stories and insights within the book will inspire you to become the mom you were meant to be. Motherhood can also be a ministry-God sees and values moms!

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

To Purchase

Enter the Giveaway

https://www.blessedfreebies.com/moms-of-the-bible-giveaway.html

Review of New Release- Shetland Sunset by Linda Shelton Matchett (The Resistance Chronicles Book 1)

 

Bonded by a cause but an ocean apart, will their love survive a world war?

After months in Norway helping his cousins with their fishing business, American Askel Westgard seems trapped when the Germans invade until he has a chance to get back at the Occupiers as part of the Shetlandsgjengen, or Shetland gang, a group of fisherman who transport weapons and equipment from Shetland to Norway under cover of darkness. Unfortunately, the beautiful Norwegian woman he’s just met refuses to join him in safety. Will he ever see her again?

Distraught when the Germans overrun her beloved Norway, Tonje Bondevik refuses to take the occupation sitting down. She joins the fledgling resistance movement, deriving great satisfaction distributing the underground newspaper and performing acts of sabotage…until the day the Nazis come looking for her, and she must flee for her life. Perhaps she should have listened to the handsome Norwegian-American when he offered to take her to Shetland.

Fans of Cathy Gohlke, Kristy Cambron, and Kate Breslin are sure to love this gripping World War II romance.

To Purchase

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Linda Shenton Matchett is an author, speaker, and history geek. She writes about ordinary people who did extraordinary things in days gone by. Her books are regularly praised for their accuracy and realism. A volunteer docent and archivist for the Wright Museum of WWII, Linda is also a trustee for her local public library.

She was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland and has lived in historic places all her life. Now located in central New Hampshire, Linda’s favorite activities include exploring historic sites and immersing herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors.

Her blog, History, Mystery, & Faith, contains posts on little known facts about WWII, information about writers from the Golden Age of mystery writers (1930s and 1940s), author interviews, and adventures in research. Visit her at www.LindaShentonMatchett.com.

An investigation in her ancestry led Linda to the hamlet of Shenton in Leicestershire. A keen anglophile, many of her books are set in England.

MY REVIEW

The Shetland Sunset is an intense book filled with knowledge of the Germany invasion into Norway. The story appears well researched and written. It is an exciting, brave, yet dangerous story about citizens who give their all to help rescue refugees and bring needed food and guns into the country via fishing boats. The descriptions of the missions and the countryside made me feel like I was there. The characters are well-developed with lots of layers, and I was drawn into the story from the beginning. Tonje, is resilient and brave. Askel, an American who joined his cousin to help work on the boats is also brave and helps the resistance. The growing romance between Tonje & Askel is beautiful despite a time of war. There are a lot of emotional and heartbreaking parts to the story, but then also times of blessing, faith, and God's love. I loved the ending. Highly recommended. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. I received an ARC from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

Ambush of the Heart Blog Tour by Mary Connealy

 

 

About the Book

Book: Ambush of the Heart

Author: Mary Connealy

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: February 3, 2026

When bandits strike in the wilderness, can love and faith overcome the shadows of danger?

As Owen Riley and his fellow Marshals escort Delaney Bridger, her brother, and an escaped prisoner to Fort Russell, a gang of outlaws ambushes them, bringing death and devastation to their party. With their lives on the line and the outlaws in pursuit, Owen directs the rest of his battered group to temporarily seek hiding at a remote ranch.

After the attack leaves her brother seriously injured, Delaney helps Owen, nursing him and a wounded Marshal back to health while danger looms ever closer. Despite the threat at their heels, romance sparks between Owen and Delaney as they fight for survival on their perilous trek to the fort. Can they overcome the obstacles and find a future together?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts on the Book

Ambush of the Heart is a suspenseful and dangerous novel set around Fort Collins, Colorado in the 1800s. A team of U.S. Marshall's are after a wanted gang and trail them through rugged country.

There are some intense danger scenes that had me holding my breath wondering how it would all turn out. Having the Bridger family of history be involved made it more interesting. The historical details were woven seamlessly.

The characters had plenty of layers, a sweet budding romance, and toughness beyond normal means. I felt like I was along for an amazing ride with lots of twists and turns. I can't wait to read the next one. Even the woman in the story was tough, courageous, and confident.

I received a complimentary ARC from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

 

About the Author

Mary Connealy writes “romantic comedies with cowboys” and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has sold more than 1.5 million books and is the author of the popular series A Western Light, Wyoming Sunrise, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero.

 

 

 

More from Mary

Two things drove my interest in The Rocky Mountain Marshals Series. In book #1, Ambush of the Heart, I got to begin that adventure.

The first thing: U.S. Marshals. I did a bit of research and just began discovering how much I didn’t know. I mean…what are U.S. Marshals? The only one I could think of was Rooster Cogburn in True Grit. But my research was confusing. Yes, there were lawmen out hunting for outlaws. But a lot of that was because Oklahoma Territory back then was Indian territory and thus, had no law beyond tribal law. And, because of that, outlaws had gotten to running into Oklahoma and treating it like they’d reached base in a game of tag.

Because it was federal, the government came up with a federal solution. The U.S. Marshals Service already existed. But chasing outlaws into a place with no law…that was new. I went to Fort Smith, Arkansas, known back in the past as the gateway to Indian territory. So many outlaws passed through there that, a part of my research led me to the brand-new U.S. Marshals Museum in Fort Smith.

I could write an entire series about Bass Reeves alone, a former slave who became a U.S. Marshal. Some of my reading suggests he was in part the inspiration for the Lone Ranger and it’s said in his 32 year career as a marshal he arrested 3000 outlaws. He has a TV Series on Paramount+ TV. A network I don’t have.

I found so much of this out because I went on a research trip. (I don’t do that often) Very fun and I learned a LOT.

My second driving interest was…just how lost could someone get in the wilds of the Rocky Mountains? I’ve read so much about Pathfinders…Kit Carson, John Colter, James Beckwourth, John Mullen (a guy I’d never heard of who is so interesting he deserves his own book!). I definitely count Sacagawea among them. These bold, adventurous explorers who went out in the wilderness and found their way through. It was NOT easy.

One thing I found really interesting (all those pathfinders are interesting!) was talk about The Donner Party. That Donner Pass cut 400 miles off the trip to California on the California trail. That might sound ridiculous to us, but back then, in a wagon train, especially in rugged country, that 400 miles was a huge lure. Of course they tried it. People were always trying to find a shorter way through those treacherous mountains.

So, my hero Owen, is transporting a federal prisoner who escaped jail, from Denver to Fort Russell near Cheyenne, Wyoming—where he’s due to hang.

An attempt to break him free by his gang drives the escorts and those with them—including beautiful Delaney, into the Rockies and whoa…they didn’t know how to get out…especially one pair who got separated from the main party.

One other twist is, my three heroes…the guys (the women are heroes, too of course) but the men, Owen, Morgan and Tex, all appeared in the book Marshaling Her Heart, book three in my Wyoming Sunrise series. Writing that book awakened my interest in U.S. Marshals. And I loved those tough men and wanted to … ahem … well, maybe tame them just a little.

So come and join me as my travelers, including the bold and brave Owen Riley and the beautiful and trail savvy Delaney Bridger, are chased from behind and more lost with every step they take ahead. They fight the outlaws, the Rockies and their growing attraction, to find their way home.

                    Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, February 18

Holly’s Book Corner, February 19

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 19

For Him and My Family, February 20

Betti Mace, February 21

Devoted To Hope, February 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 23

Pause for Tales, February 23

lakesidelivingsite, February 24

She Lives To Read, February 25

Labor Not in Vain, February 26

Jeanette’s Thoughts, February 26

Books You Can Feel Good About, February 27

Lyssa Loves Books, February 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 28

Cover Lover Book Review, March 1

Bizwings Blog, March 2

Jodie Wolfe, March 2

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, March 2

Connie’s History Classroom, March 3

                   Giveaway

             

To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Bookshop.org gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://gleam.io/3eYes/ambush-of-the-heart-celebration-tour-giveaway