AMY GROCHOWSKI, AUTHOR
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Come Back to Me by Jody Hedlund

6/30/2021

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My GoodReads Review

Come Back to Me (Waters of Time, #1)Come Back to Me by Jody Hedlund
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I finished Come Back to Me at 3:30 am because I could not put it down. While time-travel is not my usual reading, I was intrigued to see what this author would do with the genre and was captivated. This is Jody Hedlund at her best.
Foremost in Come Back to Me, I appreciate the author’s commitment to such high quality story-telling while maintaining a Christian perspective in this genre. That above all other things makes this book a gem, to me. The premise for the time-travel is fascinating. Sure, the basis is pure conjecture—not theology, after all this is fiction—but it’s also fun and intelligent.
Hedlund always shines in this era of history. I was thrilled to be transported back in time through the pages with the heroine to a time scarcely imaginable to a modern woman. Thankfully, I can close the book and live in the twenty-first century. LOL. But I can’t wait for the next installment to take me back!


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Shelter in the Storm by Laurel Blount

5/28/2021

 

Review & Giveaway

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Shelter in the Storm is a refreshing new addition to Amish fiction. Laurel Blount offers an inside view of the challenges to faith, family, and community when tragedy strikes. This beauty from ashes story of love and hope immediately drew me into the lives of both Joseph and Naomi. You will root for them through each soul-stirring, romantic, well-written page.

Okay, that ^^^ is my review of Shelter in the Storm which you'll find on Amazon, or GoodReads, or anywhere else I can brag on this book.  But there's so much more to say, and I'm going to share it here with you.

We've all had a rough time through the past year--plus some. And, I believe what we all need most in difficult circumstances is the faith, hope, and love found in God and community. Needless to say, months of isolation will stretch those resources to the brink. Have you felt it too?

This story of strength in the midst of tragedy is uplifting, encouraging, and hopeful. Who doesn't need an extra dose of those right now? The family, community, and individuals in Strength in the Storm are complex, realistic, and relatable. Their journey to a very satisfying conclusion is brilliant, endearing, and will leave you excited for more.
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To learn more about this sweet new book or to purchase a copy, click here >> Shelter in the Storm<< or on the image above.
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New WIne Transporatation Company by Heather Norman Smith: Review and Giveaway

4/30/2021

 
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​Can a holy mission change Springville for the better?
Springville Community Christian Church is nestled in the foothills of North Carolina in a quiet, Mayberry-esque community. But when a ruthless businessman from out of town sets his sights on quaint downtown Springville as the perfect location to open a bar, the town's calm is disturbed and the church's pastor is pulled into the chaos.
Pastor Daniel Whitefield seeks only to do the will of God. Nothing more, nothing less. When he’s pressured to join the Springville League of Churches—a coalition in protest of the bar—he resists, causing tension with friends and congregants. Daniel further risks his credibility by organizing a taxi service for the bar’s customers, as a way to witness of God's love to them.
The seven members of New Wine Transportation Company are excited to minister in their community, despite the naysayers, but as damaging rumors about the pastor and his wife spread, Daniel begins to question the project. Is it worth the risks involved? And can they really make a difference by giving folks a ride home after a night out drinking? Maybe there's more at stake than they know.

Amy's Review

Heather Norman Smith portrays small-town North Carolina with a deft hand. What I enjoy most is how she gets right down into the heart of her characters, their dilemmas, their failures, and their triumphs. When I started reading New Wine Transportation Company, I thought I knew right away how this story where this story was going. I was wrong. Smith’s story-telling is both imaginative and heartfelt. More than once, I was surprised by an unexpected plot twist, not to mention a strong pull on my heartstrings. Buckle up and hang on for the ride. The New Wine Transportation Company is a sweet thrill.
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Dust by Eva Marie Everson: Review and Giveaway

4/30/2021

 
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Can an ordinary life leave an extraordinary legacy?

In 1977, when nineteen-year-old Allison Middleton receives a proposal of marriage from Westley Houser, she eagerly accepts, having no idea the secret Westley carries—a secret that will change Allison’s life forever. But Allison rises to the challenge of raising Westley’s toddling daughter as though she were her own.
Over the course of their lifetime together, Allison, Westley, and Michelle form the strong bond of family. As Allison struggles with infertility and finding her way during a time of great change for women, others—some she knows and others whom she never meets—brush and weave against the fabric of her life, leaving her with more questions than answers.

From teen bride to grandmother, Allison’s life chronicles the ups and downs of an ordinary woman’s life to examine the value of what we all leave behind.

Amy's two cents

​Dust is one of those rare gems of a story that grabs you by the heart and hand, then pulls you—body and soul—to the finish. Relentless in honesty, bedazzled in southern charm and humor, and fearless—positively fearless. This is the kind of book everyone will interpret differently. It never tells you what it means. You simply live it, and feel it, which no two people will do alike. I love that best about Dust. Rather than a sermon, it's a life. Beautifully done!
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A Dance in Donegal: Review

2/26/2021

 
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All of her life, Irish-American Moira Doherty has relished her mother's descriptions of Ireland. When her mother dies unexpectedly in the summer of 1920, Moira decides to fulfill her mother's wish that she become the teacher in Ballymann, her home village in Donegal, Ireland.

After an arduous voyage, Moira arrives to a new home and a new job in an ancient country. Though a few locals offer a warm welcome, others are distanced by superstition and suspicion. Rumors about Moira's mother are unspoken in her presence but threaten to derail everything she's journeyed to Ballymann to do. Moira must rely on the kindness of a handful of friends--and the strength of Sean, an unsettlingly handsome thatcher who keeps popping up unannounced--as she seeks to navigate a life she'd never dreamed of . . . but perhaps was meant to live.

I decided to read A Dance in Donegal because I was intrigued by the Irish setting and the time period of the 1920 civil war—a perfect situation for a gripping historical romance.

Although a little more on the slow side than I expected, Moira and Sean’s romance is sweet, while the story remains authentic to the culture of the Emerald Isle in its rhythm and language. The interspersion of Gaelic and the inclusion of a glossary was a bonus.
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​I would recommend this for fans of Liz Curtis Higgs or Wendy Wilson Spooner.

When Twilight Breaks: Review

2/25/2021

 
I'm giving away one paperback copy of this book as the first of
Three Spring Giveaways.
More info below the review.
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​Evelyn Brand is an American foreign correspondent as determined to prove her worth in a male-dominated profession as she is to expose the growing tyranny in Nazi Germany. To do so, she must walk a thin line. If she offends the government, she could be expelled from the country--or worse. If she fails to truthfully report on major stories, she'll never be able to give a voice to the oppressed--and wake up the folks back home.


In another part of the city, American graduate student Peter Lang is working on his PhD in German. Disillusioned with the chaos in the world due to the Great Depression, he is impressed with the prosperity and order of German society. But when the brutality of the regime hits close, he discovers a far better way to use his contacts within the Nazi party--to feed information to the shrewd reporter he can't get off his mind.

I am a Huge Fan of WW2 Fiction and Non-Fiction.

And I've enjoyed every book I've read by Sarah Sundin in this genre. That's more than a dozen novels!
Just when I thought Sarah Sundin couldn’t get any better, then came When Twilight Breaks.

Munich, 1938.
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A time and place I’d never wish to visit without a guaranteed escape route. I daresay no one who lived through the time period would want to go back either. And yet, this history should never be forgotten. When Twilight Breaks takes us there with meticulous accuracy and intriguing dramatic style.

Evelyn Brand and Peter Lang were so relatable. I could not put their story down! When an author can take such a well-known timeline and historical facts reported to the nth degree and still invest me in the characters and their plight, then I call that a winner.

Full of plot twists and turns, a dangerous and intense setting, and the classic themes of hope, courage, and faith--When Twilight Breaks is a WW2 reader’s delight.
I am giving away one paperback copy of When Twilight Breaks.
The giveaway begins March 10, 2021 and ends March 18, 2021 at midnight EST.
Enter to Win Below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
* The winner will be chosen in a random selection from all entries.
** Winners outside the U.S. will receive a digital book.

Tidewater Bride: Review and Giveaway

1/15/2021

 
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Selah Hopewell seems to be the only woman in the Virginia colony who has no wish to wed. True, there are too many men and far too few women in James Towne. But Selah already has her hands full assisting her father in the family's shop. And now she is in charge of an incoming ship of tobacco brides who must be looked after as they sort through their many suitors.


Xander Renick is perhaps the most eligible tobacco lord in the settlement. His lands are vast, his crops are prized, and his position as a mediator between the colonists and the powerful Powhatan nation surrounding them makes him indispensable. But Xander is already wedded to his business and still grieves the loss of his wife, daughter of the Powhatan chief.

​Can two fiercely independent people find happiness and fulfillment on their own? Or will they discover that what they've been missing in life has been right in front of them all along?


    Tidewater Bride Giveaway
    This giveaway is a newsletter subscriber exclusive.
    Newsletter Subcribers will recieve giveaway details via email on January 20, 2021.
    for  a chance to win a paperback copy of Tidewater Bride
    SUBSCRIBE BY Midnight, EST, TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2021.

    This giveaway is a newsletter subscriber exclusive. Subscribe by Tuesday, January 19, 2021 for a chance to win a paperback copy of Tidewater Bride.
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Colonial James Towne Brought to Life

Tidewater Bride by Laura Frantz is her earliest Colonial America period book to date. Set in James Towne, circa 1634, the author’s in-depth research renders a fascinating tale. I was carried away to a time long-ago and almost forgotten.

I’ve read a number of both fiction and non-fiction historical accounts of the life of Pocahontas. The tribute paid to both the Powhatan princess and her husband, John Rolfe, touched me deeply by the honest and brave depiction of the harsher truths of colonial life. This alone makes Tidewater Bride a must-read for lovers of historical fiction.

The author delivers more than history. Frantz is a master word-smith and storyteller. One thing I enjoyed immensely was the balanced touch of her pen to the language of the early 17th century. The characters’ thoughts and speech are seasoned perfectly with old English words, making Selah and Xander authentic without becoming difficult or pretentious.
Tidewater Bride is an engaging historical romance with multi-faceted characters and a high-stakes plot. Every word was a delight!

November Reading Recommendations

11/23/2020

 
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Softy Blows the Bugle brings a satisfying conclusion to the Amish of Weaver's Creek Trilogy, as well as the hard won HEA I'd waited to read for Elizabeth Kauffman.

Full of twists and turns, this story is anything but predictable. And Aaron Zook is not your typical Amish hero either, but he is most definitely a hero who elevates the story to five stars for me.
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I can recommend this book as a stand-alone story, but encourage reading the whole series for the full effect of Elizabeth's story.
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Just when you believe you've figured out the mystery of The Love Note, Politano throws another curve and keeps you guessing.

I enjoyed every minute in this novel. I especially love the quotes from the heroine's journal at the top of each chapter. Those short snippets are both delightful and genius.

I happily and highly recommend The Love Note to anyone who has ever loved a Gothic romance or wonders if she might. 
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Grace and Lavender: Author Interview with Heather Norman Smith

3/1/2019

 
Today's review is extra special to me because this debut novel is written by my friend and fellow local author, Heather Norman Smith. I am thrilled and honored to be sharing in the excitement of the release of her first novel, Grace and Lavender.
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Click for options to purchase from your choice of all major outlets.
Welcome Heather!

Thank you for being here to share a little of your journey with us.

​So many people dream about writing and publishing a book. Your dream is becoming a reality, right now, with your first book released on March 1. I’m so excited for you. 

I’ve read Grace and Lavender, and I’m intrigued by both your characters and the themes you’ve woven into this story. Your characters tackle some tough, true-to-life issues and the ending still managed to leave me feeling like this…
Touched GIF from Touching GIFs
Let’s talk about your main characters for a minute. Colleen, Grace and Melody, three women from three different generations. I loved that each woman was unique, totally believable for her generation, and yet they connected to each other beautifully and providentially.

Amy- This question may be a bit like asking a mom to choose a favorite child, but which character was the hardest to let go when you had to write, ‘The End’?

Heather- I love them all, but the story started in my head with Colleen, so she’s probably the one I missed the most at the end. I connected with her the most.
 
Amy- Is it possible we will meet any of these ladies again in a future book?

Heather- I’ve heard a few people say they’d like to know what comes next for those characters. I might write a sequel one day, but for now, I’m working on another short novel that is set in their town. Colleen has a cameo in this story, and Melody and Grace are both referenced, but it doesn’t really carry on with their story. This book might become part of a “Springville Series” that focuses on different members of their church.

No spoilers, here. So, I’m going to try not to give away any of your surprises or plot twists. Grace is so much more than a name in this story, but the young woman, Grace, is key. Grace is a teen orphan who lives in a children’s home. She’s a kid with potential who has gotten herself into trouble.

Amy- Foster care and adoption are important issues to you. I can’t help but think this book may inspire some readers into action for the sake of the Graces out there. Do you have any suggestions of where they can get more information or find volunteer opportunities?

Heather- I love this question, because the desire to encourage others to consider foster care and adoption, or to help orphans in some way, is one of the reasons I wrote the book. I think a good place to start is an internet search for the department or division of Social Services in your county. Then call and ask for more information. Aside from county agencies, there are other local non-profits that provide foster care licensure and other resources. I encourage people to pray about it, just make a phone call, and see how the Lord would have them serve.

Amy- The theme of grace is also part of this novel. Did you experience a growing understanding of God’s grace through the process of writing?

Heather- I did! Not to give too much away, but there’s a scene in the book that is special to me, where Colleen defines grace as a special favor that isn’t deserved. And I think it’s so true. God lavishes His love on me. It’s completely unmerited, yet He does it anyway. That’s grace. 

Thank you so much for your willingness to answer these questions and give us an inside view of Grace and Lavender from your perspective. Reading your book was a pleasure. I look forward to many more!


Amy's Review

Grace and Lavender is a heartwarming story of hope and home for a teen girl who begins this journey without either one. I will admit that I had to push through the beginning of this story as it was a little slow at the start. The reward was a beautiful story with relatable characters who left me satisfied at the end.

The book takes us into the world of a young teen who lives in a children’s home. Three generations of women tell us this story. I found myself cheering for all three women along their intertwined journey toward healing for the young protagonist.

While the story has a happy ending, it does not gloss over the emotional difficulties and painful experiences along the way. The theme of Grace is woven throughout by a new author with an exceptional gift of story-telling. 

Book Binge: Regency Series by Sally Britton

11/10/2018

 
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Branches of Love: A Regency Series by Sally Britton
​5 books & 1 novella
All available on Kindle Unlimited
or for $3.99 or less each.
If you binge on Jane Austin, Elizabeth Haskell or Downton Abbey, this series is for you. 
Each book in this series is a stand alone story. You can read one without having to read the others in order. However, I recommend reading them in order. The heroines are all related, in fact three are sisters. Therefore the lives of the characters are all intertwined and a chronological reading is best. 

Still, if pressed to pick just one, I would have to choose #3, His Bluestocking Bride, as my favorite in the series, and recommend it above the rest. Book three also happens to be the first book of the series written by the author. 

This is not an empty-headed regency romance saga. Yes, it is an easy and diverting read, but every story has merit. Each hero and heroine is a complex character with depth and a genuine personality. Since they are all connected in one way or another, the entire series is full of men, women and children whom you will get to know and love or hate. 

I'd rate this PG for your younger  romance readers.
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    Amy Grochowski's books on Goodreads
    Forever Home Forever Home (Amish of Prince Edward Island, #1)
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    ratings: 40 (avg rating 4.82)

    The Christmas Visitor The Christmas Visitor (An Amish Dreams on Prince Edward Island Novella)
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    ratings: 21 (avg rating 4.57)

    Runaway Home Runaway Home (Amish Dreams on Prince Edward Island, #2)

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