I'll admit I was trepidatious about being assigned this novel to review at first. Much as the setup is catnip to me -- a fresh take on technological shutdown and societal collapse? Sign me up! -- I have a real thing about how the Amish are sometimes portrayed. They're sort of infantized and fetishized in a lot of contexts, like they're just these adorable weirdos who don't have electricity. Not to get too far into it, but any religious group who practices shunning is on my shit list, and that goes for Scientology as well. But! The Amish are no monolith, like any group, and embrace a number of societal ideals I find admirable, non violence being the main one. Anyway.

David Williams managed to sidestep all of my fears, and spin a compelling tale. His main character, Jacob, is not without faults, but his very active engagement with the rough realities of the technological failure of the English (that's us, to them) is deep and thoughtful. A very good book. 

My latest at B&N Sci-fi & Fantasy

Title: A Christmas Bride in Pinecraft
Author: Shelley Shepard Gray
Publisher: Avon Inspire
Series: Amish Brides of Pinecraft # 4
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"A Christmas Bride in Pinecraft" by Shelly Shephard Gray

My Thoughts....

"A Christmas Bride in Pinecraft was a beautifully well written enchanting Amish/Mennonite romance. I found this novel somewhat interesting because as I was reading I found out that this was three stories in one that seemed to tie altogether. I loved how this author presents us with Beverly who manages the Orange Blossom Inn in Pinecraft, Florida and their has been a robbery where now she must call Eric the owner and tell him of this situation. It seems like since Eric had met Beverly some time ago he had feelings for her, so he leaves Pennsylvania and moves to Pinecraft Will this bring him closer to Beverly? What secrets did Eric have than may destroy any feelings Beverly may have for him? Will these two people be able to find common ground and love? But where there is 'forgiveness, mercy, happiness and good will to all men' will there be any good from all of the unexpected obstacles that are put in front of them? Well, this is a Christmas novel so what will happen after the robbery at the inn? Be ready for a read that will give you humor, tears and even finding yourself cheering your favorite character on as you will see 'such fear, faith, love. devotion, redemption and second chances' that is displayed in this well told story. The main questions.... Will Beverly be able to face her fears and move on after the robbery? Beverly has gone to a lots and when it looks like she may even love again will her faith be put to the test? How will this Amish community react to a marriage between Beverly and Eric? Now, to get all of those questions answered and much more you will just have to pick up this fantastic Christmas novel to see just how much it will capture and warm your heart.

What I extremely liked about this novel was how this author was able to bring out the realization of how there were young people going hungry in the town of Pinecraft and that solution to the person who had robbed and vandalized Beverly property was also wonderfully presented.

I received a copy through NOR in exchange for an honest review.

Title: The Christmas Cradle
Author: Charlotte Hubbard
Publisher: Zebra
Series: Seasons of the Heart Book 6
Reviewed by: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"The Christmas Cradle" by Charlotte Hubbard

What I liked about this novel...

This was indeed a wonderful Christian Amish Fiction read that will hold your attention till the very end. I loved how the characters [mainly... Miriam, Been, Lena and Josiah] to name a few were so well developed, defined, portrayed and believable giving the reader one remarkable read. I loved seeing how even through there were many up and downs in this read that in the end 'God' really showed just that He was their when needed the most.' Truly for many of the people of Willow Ridge will have their faith tested and in the end will they be able to rise above it and rebuild what they once had? To get the answer to that question...and more you will have to pick up this good read to see how it will be presented to so well to the readers. I loved how this author was able to bring out the forgiveness as the reader will see as one reads through the novel. As I read through this novel I was able to see these people's every day 'trials, disappointments and their joys.' To see this Christian community come together to help each other was not only beautiful but well done which definitely gives the 'true meaning of Christmas.' I don't want to fail to mention that this author will included some wonderful mouth watering recipes shared at the end of the novel.

I felt that "The Christmas Cradle" ...[The Season of the Heart Book 6] was indeed a wonderful Christmas story and would recommend to all as a good read.

I received a copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

"3.5 out of 5 stars. It's a sweet historical Amish romance about two lost souls finding one another.

What got me interested in this novel was actually a review by Kav R. from Harlequin's website which says, "This book tickled me so much I'm still grinning. I kept thinking of the song I Have Confidence from Sound of Music. The line -- "A captain with seven children, what's so fearsome about that?" -- readily transformed into "A farmer with ten children, what's so fearsome about that?" in my mind and I found myself humming as I read." And after reading this novel I have to agree that the plot did remind me of The Sound of Music because of how Ruthy moves into Levi's home and becomes the caretaker of everyone. I found myself intrigued by these two very stubborn characters, how their lives come together, and how they find that love can come in all shapes and sizes. Levi and Ruthy make a wonderful-gut couple."

Read more of this review and TWO teasers here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2014/08/made-grade-mother-for-his-children-by.html