Reviews
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A Stolen Kiss is Coming From Barbour December 1!
Mindy Steele has penned the next release from Barbour’s “Heart of the Amish” series, “A Stolen Kiss”.
I was honored to be asked to read it early and give Mindy an endorsement. It was my very first time being asked by a fellow author to endorse her book!
My review was too long, and I had to cut it considerably for it to be used as a book endorsement. But it’s the perfect length to be a book review! Here’s what I thought:
Another Wonderful Story of Love and Faith from Mindy Steele!
What happens when you kiss a boy you barely know, just so your friends can’t say you never have? And what happens if another boy, one who has a crush on you that you do not return, happens to witness that kiss?
That’s what LeEtta Miller finds out the hard way in Mindy Steele’s wonderful new Amish romance from Barbour’s Heart of the Amish series, “A Stolen Kiss”.
And what if you’re the unwitting – but not unwilling! – recipient of that stolen kiss? You knew better, but her sweet, freely offered lips were right there! And what if you happen to have arrived in this new community, determined to prove yourself to be an honorable, trustworthy fellow, only to be caught in the gossamer web of a stolen kiss? That’s what Ben Ropp finds out the hard way after enjoying a lovely, innocent few moments in the sunshine with LeEtta Miller one fine day.
But what if all of these lessons learned were really opportunities offered up by a loving God, and led to a happy ever after for all concerned?
That’s what you’ll have to find out by reading this five-star romance from one of the most beloved authors in the genre, Mindy Steele.
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Are You Checking in Daily?
The CelebrateLit tour for Mary’s Calico Hope continues through July 10
Every time you like one of the bloggers’ pages, and click through to the entry, you’re entered for a chance to win a print copy of the book and a nice $25 Amazon.com gift card!
Here’s a small excerpt from today’s blogger, Patty Pierce from Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy:
“The author does an amazing job building the characters and storyline. One of my favorite character is the Bishop who plays an integral part in the story.
Truly, this clean, sweet Amish/Mennonite story will keep you reading.”
Thanks for the nice words, Patty!
Blog Stops
Here is the schedule for the rest of the CelebrateLit blog tour/review. Remember to check in daily to increase your chance to win. And feel free to share my blog tour with your friends who enjoy reading sweet Amish romance.
June
27
June
28
June
29
(Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)
June
30
July
2
July
4
July
7
July
9
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Celebrate Lit Tour Continues Today!
Today’s Blogger promoting my brand new release, Mary’s Calico Hope, is Debbie from Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations.
Thanks for your review, Debbie! Check it out for a chance to win a print copy of the book and a $25 Amazon.com gift card!
Blog Stops
Here’s the rest of the tour schedule. You can click on past days to see what was said about the book by those bloggers!
June
27
June
28
June
29
(Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)
June
30
July
2
July
4
July
7
July
9
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Mary’s Calico Hope is featured in a Celebrate Lit Blog Tour now through July 10!
Each day from now until July 10, Mary’s Calico Hope will be featured by one or more bloggers through Celebrate Lit online! I’ll post all the bloggers below. If you go to their pages and like them, you’ll be entered to win a print copy of the book and an Amazon gift card.
Here’s one of today’s posts, from blogger Jeannette at Jeannette’s Thoughts:
“I adore kittens. And Mary has one called Hope. This is so appropriate because Mary needs hope. She has been crippled since she was a young child. She has given up hope for a better future.
Dr. Rueben King couldn’t help noticing Mary. And it wasn’t because of her handicap.
Mary deserves all the happiness. She gives so much to others in her community. Mary has the opportunity to live her life with less pain and fulfilling her dream of having a family of her own.
I received this book to review from Celebrate lit.”
Blog Stops
Here’s the rest of the tour schedule. You can click on past days to see what was said about the book by those bloggers!
June
27
June
28
June
29
(Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)
June
30
July
2
July
4
July
7
July
9
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Publisher’s Weekly Lauds “Mary’s Calico Hope”
When my first book, “Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise”, was released, it received a very favorable review from the industry’s leading reviewer of new releases, Publishers Weekly. I was over the moon!
With my second book releasing on June 1, again from Barbour, and in the same “Heart of the Amish” series as my first book, I asked my publisher whether I was likely to get another review from the industry giant, whose opinion is sought and valued by all sorts of industry pros, including booksellers looking for likely titles to sell.
She warned me that it was possible, but unlikely that I’d be reviewed twice in row.
Well, bless me, they reviewed “Mary’s Calico Hope“, and they loved it! I’m beyond thrilled.
Here is the review from Publishers Weekly:
Mary’s Calico Hope
Anne Blackburne. Barbour, $14.99 trade paper (256p) ISBN 978-1-63609-855-5
“Blackburne’s latest Heart of the Amish romance (after Ruth’s Gingersnap Surprise) unspools a tender love story between an injured Amish woman and the Mennonite doctor who wants to help her heal. Since a buggy accident more than 25 years ago killed her father and left her badly hurt, Mary Yoder has spent her days in near-constant pain, though she keeps busy breeding chickens, weaving and selling baskets, and caring for her younger brothers. When Reuben King, the handsome new doctor for the nearby Willow Creek community, takes an informal interest in Mary’s case and suggests she undergo a surgical procedure (performed by another doctor) that might improve her mobility, Mary’s resistant. Eventually, she warms to the idea as she spends more time with Reuben, sparking an attraction that’s forbidden by her community. Mary turns to prayer to sort out her thoughts about her health and love life, but when advice arrives from an unlikely source, she’ll have to trust herself to follow it, and to take a few risks along the way. The chemistry between the two leads is palpable, and it’s easy to root for the spunky, independent, and dauntless Mary as she fights to carve out a life of her own choosing. Blackburne’s fans and series newcomers alike will delight in this sweet and energetic tale. (June)DETAILSshare”
Isn’t that wonderful? I wish I could personally tell the reviewer how much I appreciate his or her take on my book! Publishers Weekly reviewers are anonymous, though, to encourage honesty, so that’s not possible. But if he or she happens to read this . . . thank you thank you thank you! You made my day!
Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise (which was just named a best seller for March by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) in new releases for March) also received an excellent Publishers Weekly review. It’s available for purchase wherever fine books are sold online and in book stores nationwide. If your book store doesn’t have it, please request it. They shouldn’t have any trouble ordering it for you!
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All Things Come to an End: Celebrate Lit Virtual tour of Amish Romance, “Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise” Final Day!
Today we say so long, farewell! to the wonderful people at CelebrateLit, who have worked hard to promote my debut novel this month. There are two remaining blog posts for you to read, and be sure to click on the links below for your final chance to enter to win a print copy of the book and a $25 Amazon e-gift card!
Check back soon to see who won!
First today is Wendy from the blog, “Life on Chickadee Lane”.
My Review: by Wendy from Life on Chickadee Lane:
“This is such a sweet, enjoyable story. Of course, any story including a cat is my kind of story. (My daughter would agree!) I enjoyed reading how Ruth and Jonas prayed about any decision which needed to be made. I look forward to reading Anne’s next book!
If you enjoy sweet stories set in an Amish community, you will want to read this one.
I received a complimentary copy through Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.“
Thanks, Wendy! (By the way, Wendy has a cool list of all the birds she has spotted on her blog. I love this!)
Next is Renee from the blog, “Little Home School on the Prairie.”
Here’s what Renee had to say!
My Review:
“Anne Blackburne is a new author who did an amazing job with her debut novel.
The main characters Ruth and Jonas have both lost their spouses. Jonas has a young daughter. Ruth isn’t able to have children.
It’s been only a year since Ruth lost her husband and she is trying her hardest to keep up with the farm by herself. The farm is dear to her as it has been in her family for generations. Life is about to get complicated for Ruth. Bishop Troyer visits her concerning her farm. He gives her two options. One is to sell the farm to one of the men in the community. Her farm has a lot of amenities that would be good for a family. The second option is to marry Bishop Troyer. The Bishop recognizes that he is much older than her and that it would be a marriage of convenience as they are both lonely. Ruth isn’t interested in selling or marrying for convenience. She wants to expand her business with her goat’s milk products.
Jonas has a four-year-old daughter. He starts helping Ruth with chores around her farm. He loves Ruth’s interaction with his daughter. Ruth is getting fond of both Jonas and his daughter.
The story is fun with the mischievous goats, a guard dog, and a kitten named Ginger Snap. The characters are well-developed and realistic. You can’t help to not find yourself immersed in their lives. The plot is well-developed and kept my attention to the last page. I look forward to more books from Anne Blackburne.
Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through Celebrate Lit Bloggers in exchange for my honest thoughts.“
Thanks, Renee!
Well, that’s it for this part of my writing journey. I sure appreciate all the help from the amazing folks at Celebrate Lit! Did you find a new blogger to follow? I know I did!
Merry Christmas, and thank you all for supporting my writing!
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Last Two Days of Celebrate Lit! Reviewing my new release Amish Romance, “Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise”
Today and tomorrow I’ll list a couple of blog posts each day so you can optimize your chance of winning the giveaway!
Remember to click the links for each blogger for your chances to enter!
Here is what Holly has to say:
My Review: By Holly.
Click link above to enter giveaway!
I thought this was a cute story. I loved how cats were involved in helping Ruth and Jonas to get together. I liked how both Jonas and Ruth had lost spouses so they understood each other and I liked how they helped each other work through moving forward and finding love again. I liked some of the secondary characters and their matchmaking efforts. I thought the story was well written with lovable characters.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
Thanks, Holly!
Next up is Cheri, from her blog “Finding Jesus in the Everyday”
My Review of Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise
by Cheri of Finding Jesus in the Everyday
“This is a new author to me and I thoroughly enjoyed this story – beginning to end. What drew me to this book was the fact she raised goats. Reminded me of a great friend who loves stories about goats and it made reading the story that much more enjoyable. Great characters, I felt as though I was part of the community with Ruth. This story captured my attention and kept me reading. I didn’t have a chance to read the first book, but will be reading that one too. I hope there will be more in this series. I love this author’s style.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was under no obligation to review it. All opinions are mine.”
Finally today, let’s see what the blogger from “Because I Said So – And Other Adventures in Parenting” has to say! (She has an orange kitten too, and the same kind of dog as my protagonist, Ruth!)
https://becauseisaidsomyadventuresinparenting.blogspot.com/
My Thoughts
“Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise is written by Anne Blackburne. This is the first book that I have read by this author, and it will not be my last. This book is well written with an engaging storyline. This book is part of the Heart of the Amish Series, but can be read as a stand alone.
Ruth has worked hard to keep body and soul together since her husband, Levi’s, death. She tends her herd of goats, making her living from the milk and fiber she gets from them, all while running a farm and household by herself. She was never able to have kids – and when she meets fellow widower, Jonas Hershberger and his adorable daughter, her heart melts.
Can the two of them work together? What will happen when the bishop’s granddaughter sets her sights on Jonas?
Ruth is very relatable. She is determined and she had some similar things in her life that I have in mine. I love the orange kitten on the cover. I recently also have gotten an orange kitten, Grover. I loved the kitten throughout the story. She also has two Great Pyrenees that protect the goats, and I have one also.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book -all thoughts are my own.”
Thanks to you, Because I Said So!
Come back tomorrow for your last chance to enter the giveaway for a print copy of my book and a $25 Amazon e-gift card!
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“The Quintessential Sweet Amish Romance”
So says Celebrate Lit Blogger Erin from the blog “For Him and My Family” in her review of “Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise.” In addition to being a popular blogger, Erin is a homeschooling mom of 12, and a homesteader, along with her husband and children. I enjoyed her take on my book! Thanks for taking the time, Erin.
Be sure to click through to her blog in the link below so you can enter to win a print copy of the book and a $25 Amazon e-gift card!
Erin’s Review:
My Thoughts on Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise
Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise is a fun debut novel for this author that is sweet and you’ll love reading it as well! This is the quintessential sweet Amish romance. You’ve got Ruth who is very independent which isn’t the norm for Amish women. But she’s a widow who is able to run her farm and her business on her own.
And then the bishop suggests she change. That someone else might benefit from her farm and her home. But Ruth isn’t ready to give up what she has.
Jonas is also a widow and has a successful business that he needs a larger space for. He also has a sweet and precocious daughter while Ruth never had children and just has her goats, dog, and new cat.
Can the two get to know each other and come up with a solution that will help them both? And what should they do with the interfering bishop?
Great novel from a debut author. I loved getting to know the characters. The book read quickly and I definitely would read it again or another book by this author.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
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CelebrateLit Blog Tour of “Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise” Continues with a review by Gina Holder of StoriesbyGina
Today’s blog is actually an interview with me! I’m author Anne Blackburne, and this is my very first book, an Amish romance with a very Happy Ever After ending. Be sure to click through to Gina’s blog post, below, for a chance to win a print edition of my book, and a $25 Amazon e-gift card.
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger
INTERVIEW WITH ANNE
Share something your readers wouldn’t know about you.
I’m a big nerd. I love hunting for beach glass, or interesting rocks and fossils. I’ve played Pokemon Go since it came out in 2016, even though my kids quit years ago. I write an original Sherlock Holmes mystery play every other year, and direct it as a tourism weekend in my home town. I’ve had both hips replaced; I’m bionic!
If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
Tenacious. Persistent. Stubborn.
What book is currently on your bedside table?
I have a number of books waiting on my Kindle. Right now I’m reading Amanda Flower’s Amish mystery, “Matchmaking can be Murder”, which is really fun. I recently finished Jennifer Beckstrand’s “Home on Huckleberry Hill”, which I loved! Next, I’m going to read Patricia John’s “A Boy’s Amish Christmas”, which is part of her Butternut Squash B&B Series. I love Kelly Miller’s stories, based on the books by Jane Austen. They’re wonderful! And I love Jane Austen; I always have one of her books on standby.
What has been your favorite part of the publishing journey?
Oh, my goodness, this is all so new and exciting! Each new thing that happens is a thrill. They offered me representation – a thrill! I signed my first contract – a thrill! They sold the large print rights – a thrill! I got a really good review from Publishers Weekly – a thrill! And the people I’ve met are all wonderful. Yes, I think the people I’m meeting on this journey are my favorite part. I’m a people person, and I love meeting the other authors, the readers, the folks at book stores, and libraries, and my agent, and all the amazing people at Barbour Publishing. You can’t exist in a vacuum!
Can you share with us something about the book that isn’t in the blurb?
My protagonist, Ruth, nearly dies in a blizzard! She is saved by a rope tied to her house, leading to the barn, the chicken coop and back to the house by Jonas. But she loses hold on the rope, and only by the grace of God does she find her way back.
Does one of the main characters hold a special place in your heart? If so, why?
I think Lydia Coblentz may be my favorite character. I’ve always enjoyed spending time with elderly people, especially women. My own parents and grandparents are gone, so I tend to “adopt” elderly women into my life. I plan for Lydia to appear in all my Willow Creek books, and she has exciting things ahead of her! She is the one who gives Ruth, and a number of other young Amish women, a kitten from her cat Hepzibah’s last litter. She is something of a surrogate grandmother to all of my characters. I think you’ll love her.
What were the highlight or key challenges you faced when writing this book?
Remember those three words I used to describe myself? Well, my writing journey spans nearly 30 years! I’ve written a number of books, and this is the first I sold. It’s such fun writing a book; I laugh and cry, by turns. And if I hadn’t refused to take no for an answer, I wouldn’t be here answering these questions today.
What is the key theme and/or message in the book?
Don’t give up on your dreams. Anything can happen if you let it!
Where can readers find out more about you and your books?
I have a Facebook page, Anne Blackburne, and a website, AnneBlackburne.com. I’m just learning how to manage these things, and I try to post regularly. Please be patient!
Any current or upcoming projects you’d like to tell us about?
Now that you ask . . . lol. Yes! My second book in The Heart of the Amish series will release in June. It’s about Mary Yoder (whom you’ll meet in Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise!). Mary is 29 years old, and was seriously injured in an accident as a child. She doesn’t let that stop her, though! She does feel that she probably won’t marry, and has made peace with that. Enter Dr. Reuben King, a Mennonite physician, and all that changes. They fall for each other; but how can they have a life, unless she gives up her community, or he gives up his career? You’ll have to wait and see!
I’m also working on a “Lucy’s Christmas Sunbeam”, a novella set in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, about a young woman raising her little sister, who was born on Christmas day. This comes out at Christmas, 2024.
Thanks, Gina!
Be sure to come back tomorrow for more reviews from bloggers. The Celebrate Lit Virtual Tour of Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise ends in a couple days. But you’ve still got time to enter to win a book and e-gift card!
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Celebrate Lit Tour Continues!
Today, Cheryl from Cover Lovers Book Reviews, reviewed my book. I’ll post her review here, but be sure to click her link so you can enter to win a print copy of the book, and a $25 Amazon e-gift card.
Cheryl freely admits she is often drawn to a book by its cover – and aren’t we all? And she LOVES the cover of Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise! Hooray!
Here’s what Cheryl has to say about my book!
MY REVIEW: Cheryl from Cover Lover Book Reviews!
“Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise” by debut author Anne Blackburne is a sweet, heartwarming story with elements of love, resilience, and faith within an Amish community. The story revolves around Ruth and Jonas, both widowed and facing challenges in their lives.
Ruth is independent and resilient. As she strives to maintain her farm, she is determined to defy the community’s expectations. Jonas is running a business and raising his daughter, Abigail after his own loss. As they navigate grief, opportunities arise and lead them to solace and love in each other.
There is a balance of joy and sadness, so I appreciate the inclusion of humor and sentimentality. Most of all, I love the central themes of overcoming grief, finding love, and trusting in God’s plan in this story of second chances.First Line: “Just stop blowing for one minute and I’ll be done!” Ruth Helmuth spoke around a wooden clothespin clenched in her teeth, the wind nearly whipping the damp, snowy-white apron out of her hands as she secured it to the line.
Series: The Heart of the Amish book 2
Genre: Amish Romance
Author: Anne Blackburne
Page Count: 256#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.
Opinions are 100% mine. Cover Like ❤❤❤❤
Thanks, Cheryl!