The Angel of Forest Hill by Cindy Woodsmall

Books are something that I am passionate about. I have loved them since I was a small child and remember spending much of my time with my nose buried in a book. As an adult my love for books is still there. Granted I don't get to read as much as I used to (hello four children), but on that rare occasion where I do get to read, I tend to devour the books. 

Fiction is my absolute favorite to read. There is something about escaping into the world the author has created and imagining myself as a little fly on the wall taking it all in. From the characters to the storylines to the setting, it's magical. While I do tend to stick to book series, I do occasionally pick up a stand-alone book, and I did that with my most recent read. I'm glad that I did too.

I have read a few books written by Cindy Woodsmall, so when I noticed The Angel of Forest Hill on the blogging for books website, I knew I had to grab this title. There is something about the way that Cindy writes that just draws me into her Amish fiction series. They are seriously that good. Her new release, The Angel of Forest Hill did not disappoint. I binge-read this book and finished it in two days. If I'm being honest, I could have finished it in one day, but I was trying to ignore my brain and it's request to read just one more page.

source: themetapicture.com

The book begins by introducing us to the Kurtz family in Perry County Pennsylvania. It is there that we find Rose, her parents, and their Bishop having a discussion about Rose traveling to West Virigina to assist the Dienner family. Joel and his wife Florence have two toddlers and a brand new baby, and things were not going well. Rose was needed to help care for the children as well as help Joel mend his broken heart.

Over the course of four years, we witness Rose and Joel's relationship change. It deepens and becomes more than what they expected. Of course there are still challenges that they must face and figure out how to work through. From jealousy to misunderstandings to bickering, there is a whole spectrum that they experience. 

The Angel of Forest Hill isn't just about Rose's relationship with Joel and the children though. It is also about Rose's relationship with her own Mamm and discovering how to repair what had happened during her time at home. Then there is the relationship with Erma, Florence's Mamm, and how to build that relationship so they can move past the hurt.

I find myself able to relate to Rose quite a bit. No, I'm not Amish nor did I marry a widower. What I mean is the way that she thinks of herself. She tends to not think highly of herself and it is a struggle for her. She doesn't want to be that way, it's the hurt of the past coming through and a constant loop of those negative thoughts playing in her mind. It's a challenge for her to change this, but as time progresses we see Rose making strides in this.

The relationship that Rose has with the children is quite wonderful. You can feel the bond that they have and how much the children care for her. Yes, they miss their Mamm, but Rose is doing a great job in that new role as their Mama. There are times in the book where you feel like you are right there participating. Especially when the rooster traps them in the barn. I know I'd be up a ladder too if a rooster was chasing after me and trying to attack my children.

Okay here comes the time for honesty. There are two things I didn't like about the book and I promise you they are really minor. First up is the oldest child's name. Wait, WHAT? What are you talking about Laura? Allow me to explain. The child's name is Mose and in my mind that just didn't seem to be correct. I thought for certain that it must be a typo, as in my brain the boy's name was Moses. (see minor issue) My other issue was that the ending didn't feel right. It felt kind of abrupt. I was expecting one more chapter to nicely wrap things up (and have a glimpse into the future to see how their lives had changed), but instead it just ended. It left me feeling a bit disappointed and wishing that the book was part of a series so I could connect further with these characters.

Other than those two minor issues, I really loved the book. From the storylines with the children, to the budding relationship between Rose and Joel, to Rose's relationship with her Mamm, it was all there. As I closed the book, I thought of the characters and how their lives had changed over the course of the story. I found myself wishing I could be there to see their day to day lives and witness what was to come in their futures.

If you are a fan of Amish fiction stories, or are the least bit curious about them, I highly suggest that you pick up The Angel of Forest Hill. If you do, please come back and tell me what you thought. I would love to talk with you about it.

Curious where to buy it? I have some links for you. 

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Lifeway

Target

FTC Disclaimer: I received a digital copy of this book from Blogging for Books for this review. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.   I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

An Amish Love: 3 Amish Novellas

By Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, and Kelly Long
Published by Thomas Nelson

When I originally selected this book through the Book Sneeze program I wasn't sure what to expect.  Would these three stories take place in the same community?  Would I be able to connect with the characters?  Would the stories keep me interested?  The simple answer is yes.  Yes the stories took place in the same Amish community.  Yes I was able to connect with the characters and imagine the environment, the people, the language.  Yes the stories kept me interested.  The three authors did an amazing job.

A Marriage of the Heart by Kelly Long

Abigail tells her father a lie but he too is keeping something from his daughter.  What happens next is a quick wedding to a confused and shocked Joseph Lambert.  Why?  What happened that Mr. Kauffman was forcing this marriage to happen?  What was Joseph's story?  Why, after being gone from the church and community for so long, had he returned?  What is Mr. Kauffman hiding?  Can these two people who do not know each other fall in love and become happy in this marriage?  Does Abigail still want to leave the Amish community?

It was wonderful to see Abigail and Joseph's relationship grow and a fathers heart soften.  Abigail growth in this story was amazing to see.  Didn't know how to cook, quilt or be that Amish housewife.  After all she had no one to teach her.  Or so she thought.  Joseph learned that he had a woman whom he could trust and that would be there for him when he struggled.  Joseph also learned that he needed to help his wife remember to play like a child from time to time, especially since her childhood was taken from her with the loss of her mother.  Mr Kauffman, well he learned that he had to come clean with his daughter.  He had to let her grow and become the woman she would.

What the Heart Sees by Kathleen Fuller

Ellie, a young woman who five years earlier lost her vision due to head trauma, has a great business going.  Ellie's Jellies is a hit with the community!  This is just what she needs to take her mind off the recurring nightmares and the memories of her friend.  Christopher has been in the bann for 5 years now.  He left shortly after things happened due to the accident when the woman he loved died.  Sarah Lynne and Isaiah were soon to be married although Christopher did not know his sister was marrying.  Imagine his surprise when he returns to the community and discovers this news.  Isaiah, the man he blames for losing Caroline.  Was Christopher returning to the church and community?  Could he forgive Isaiah for what happened?  Could he move forward?  What was this feeling he had for Ellie?  Was Ellie feeling the same way?  Through many conversations, something was happening between the two.  Ellie was trying to help Christopher realize that he needed to move forward and return to the church.  He needed to forgive Isaiah and accept him as family.  It wasn't that simple for him though.  Ellie was also struggling with things from the past.  She had a secret but didn't know if she should tell.  Isaiah was the only other person who knew.  What should she do?  Then there was her feelings for Chris.  She knew she wouldn't act on them though and she would push him away.  After all who wants a blind woman?  Certainly not Chris.

This story is about forgiveness and love.  Allowing yourself to forgive those have hurt you and that you have hurt.  Allowing yourself to feel the emotions.  Allowing yourself to move forward and start new.  It comes down to remembering that we are all worthy of love, understanding and forgiveness.

Healing Hearts by Beth Wiseman

Levina and Naaman have been married for 30 years and have 5 children.  Up until they became empty nesters they had been happy and knew their roles in life.  However once the last child was married and left, something changed.  Naaman up and left for a year.  Why did he leave?  What did his wife think about this?  Now though, Naaman is back and is intent on fixing his marriage.  Levina is hesitant to accept her husband being home again as she is afraid he will just up and leave again.  What does their future hold?  Does she even know this man anymore?  Does she even know herself anymore?  All is going fine in their lives and things are starting to look great but then a sheriff comes to town looking for Naaman.  Why?  Immediately gossip starts and Naaman's own children are left wondering what their father did.  One thing though, Naaman doesn't know this man is in town and has no clue of the gossip.  Who is this sheriff and what does he want with Naaman?  Will his newly rekindled romance with his wife be in jeopardy?  Will he leave Levina again?

This story of Levina and Naaman could be any of us as we age.  After children leave the home will we will know our spouse?  Will we know our role?  Will there still be that spark?  I can only pray that the answer is yes.

Would I recommend these novellas?  Absolutely!  Well that is if you like a good love story with interesting characters.  Don't let the Amish aspect of the story push you away from this book.  There is a lot to be learned from these stories and I believe they are universal regardless of the type of community that you live in.  The book was a pretty quick read with each story being approximately 125 pages.  I'll be honest with you.  I was so engrossed in this book that I read it in one sitting.  Yes, from 9pm until 2:30am I was busy reading, picturing the characters, and wondering what was next.  Pick up the book.  Chances are you'll enjoy it!

Thank you Book Sneeze for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection:I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program.I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.