A Secret Identity by Gayle Roper ~ 4 stars

A Secret Identity

Gayle Roper

Amish Farm Trilogy #2

Harvest House

About the book:

Cara Bentley is raised by her grandfather to appreciate family. When she discovers—quite by accident—that he was adopted, her whole perspective changes.

If Grandpa Bentley wasn’t a Bentley, who was he? If she isn’t a Bentley, who is she? She determines to find her “real” family.

Ending up in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, she takes a room at the Zook family farm. When she seeks the help of attorney Todd Reasoner, the search for the truth begins in earnest. But as mysterious accidents begin to happen, Cara suspects her attempt to find out the truth is not welcome—and neither is she.


My review:
Well, this book definitely kept me more engaged than the first book, but it still isn’t my favorite kind of book. It was a good book, but I wasn’t wowed by it and I didn’t fall in love with it. I cannot pinpoint anything that I disliked; it just didn’t hold my interest in an I-can’t-put-this-down kind of way. I wouldn’t really recommend this, since I don’t know what type of reader this book appeals to. (I’m sure some people will enjoy it, but I can’t say specifically who would.) All I can say is, sweet romance, sweet characters, but just an okay book in my opinion.

A Stranger's Wish by Gayle Roper ~ 3 stars

A Stranger's Wish

Gayle Roper

Amish Farm Trilogy #1

Harvest House

About the book:

Englischer Kristie Matthews’ move to an Amish family farm in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, starts on a bad note as the young schoolteacher is bitten by a dog.

A trip to the local ER leads to an encounter with an old man who hands her a key and swears her to silence.

But when Kristie’s life is endangered, she suspects there’s a connection to the mysterious key. While solving the mystery (and staying alive), Kristie must decide whether her lawyer boyfriend, Todd Reasoner, is really right for her....or if Jon Clarke Griffin, the new local man she’s met, is all he seems to be.


My review:
This is a pretty good book, and I liked the mystery, but it was a little odd in some places. Also, I was surprised at some of the things they said about the Amish people and customs. At times, what was said was completely different from what I had read about the Amish in other books. (So I don’t know if this book is factual, or not considering the different information.) Although this was a romance, it wasn’t very romantic. At times, I wasn’t even sure if the couple would end up together, honestly. It could have gone either way, and I wouldn’t have been surprised. That’s all I’m going to say, as I don’t want to rag on the book. It wasn’t terrible or anything, I just didn’t love it. I wouldn’t recommend this to everyone, but I’m sure some people will enjoy it. It just wasn’t my type of read.

The Perfect Blend by Trish Perry ~ 5 stars

The Perfect Blend

Trish Perry

The Tea Shop series #1

Harvest House

About the book:

Steph Vandergrift is in need of a job. She left everything behind to elope with Middleburg attorney Rick Manfred, never imagining he would stand her up at the altar. Now, hoping just to get by until she can decide what to do next, Steph thinks she’s found the perfect position at the local tea shop.

Kendall James, one of the kindest and most eligible bachelors in the area, meets Steph and proceeds to pursue her. But by the time Steph feels able to consider dating again, her runaway fiancé returns and tries to win her back. Steph is wary, but she and Rick always seemed to blend so well. Are they truly meant to be together? Maybe God has something else in mind…

My review:
This is such a sweet, heart-warming read! And I loved the witty humor, too! That was a pleasant surprise. However, just because it is sweet doesn’t mean it is fluff. I loved the messages woven into the story about acceptance, relationships, and boundaries. It was all so well done! I can’t wait for the next book in this series!

The Country House Courtship by Linore Rose Burkard ~ 5 stars

The Country House Courtship

Linore Rose Burkard

Regency Inspirational Romance series #3

Harvest House Publishing

About the book:

Middlesex, England, 1818

It has been five years since Ariana Forsythe married The Paragon, Mr. Phillip Mornay. Now, Ariana's sister, Miss Beatrice Forsythe, is seventeen and determined to marry advantageously as well. (Surely Ariana's society connexions all but guarantee Beatrice's success-especially if Mr. Mornay is created a baronet by the Prince Regent! Ariana would be Viscountess Mornay.)

But the Mornay's have disappeared from high society as they raise a family at their country estate. Can Beatrice persuade them to chaperone her in London? And what about her business with the curate, Mr. O'Brien, whom Beatrice rashly promised to marry years earlier? She is too sophisticated now to settle for a mere clergyman-despite his agreeable countenance and gentle, understanding ways.

When Mr. Tristan Barton becomes tenant of the Manor House, Beatrice's hopes seem to have found their object. But when Ariana falls gravely ill, secrets come to light, motives are revealed, and pretenses that are easy to keep up in the darkness begin to crumble. As hearts are bared and truths uncovered, a country house courtship like no other cannot be far behind!

My review:
A good word that can be used to describe Beatrice for most of this book is foolish. She is quite sure that she knows what she wants, how she is going to get it, and she doesn’t really want other people’s opinions on the subject. But as the book progresses Beatrice grows in wisdom and she begins to see what is really important. Mr. O’Brian is a lot older now and a lot wiser. I really liked him as the male lead. (Although, Mr. Mornay is still my favorite guy!)

Linore’s writing does not disappoint. She has in this book the same historical detail and accuracy that made her first books great in my opinion. She has a style all her own, but very like that of Jane Austen. I think this is a great last book in this series and I look forward to more from Linore!

Plain Jayne by Hillary Manton Lodge ~ 5 stars

Plain Jayne

Hillary Manton Lodge

Plain and Simple series #1

Harvest House Publishers

About the book:

Jayne Tate loves her life as it is—living in a big city, working as a reporter for a fast-paced newspaper, and dating a guy who knows nothing about her past. When her father passes away though, she’s forced to take another look at what she wants out of life. After losing out on the big career opportunity she was hoping for, she decides to escape to Oregon Amish country, seeking solace and maybe a big story.

Even in this land of buggies and bonnets, Jayne finds life more complicated than she expected. Can she persuade herself that her growing friendship with the mysterious and handsome Levi Burkholder is just about research? And what’s a latte-drinking, laptop-using, motorcycle-riding reporter to do when this new life starts to change her?

With humor, faith, and unexpected romance, Plain Jayne will delight readers.

My review:
Plain Jayne is a great book. I really enjoyed reading it and getting to know the characters. Jayne is a woman who is afraid of loving because of a hurtful past, and Levi is a great man who is ready to love, despite his painful past. Despite the obstacles between them, they fall in love and learn to trust one another. Patience also becomes an important part in the story, as the characters learn to not rush each other. Hillary uses witty, compelling writing to draw you into the story and connect you to the characters. I recommend this book, and really look forward to reading the rest of the series.