Reviews
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Days 5 & 6, Celebrate Lit Virtual Tour!
I got a little behind on telling you all about Days 5 and 6 of the Celebrate Lit virtual book tour of Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise. I had a book signing yesterday, and movie night with my daughter. But here we go with two days worth, and three amazing bloggers’ opinions/reviews of my book!
First is Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy. Be sure to click on all the links below for three chances to win a print edition of my book, and a $25 Amazon e-gift card!
https://truthandgracehomeschoolacademy.wordpress.com/
Scroll down, as my book’s review is not the first you’ll see.
Here is what Patti Pierce of Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy has to say!
“Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise by Anne Blackburne is a work of Amish Christian fiction. A widow, Ruth tends her goats and makes a living by selling their milk and fiber. But the bishop believes she should sell her family’s farm to a family who can fill the rooms and marry again. Enter widower Jonas Hershberger, who has an adorable daughter, a basket-making business, and a pair of dimples that grab Ruth’s attention.
Truly, this book will draw you in and keep you reading. I found myself unable to put the book down. Oh yes, read this book to learn about some adorable kittens and the bishop’s pushy granddaughter add to this story. The Amish typically do not keep house kittens or cats, but you need to read this book to find out who Ginger Snap is and its role in the story.
So, if you enjoy Amish/Christian fiction, check out Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise by Anne Blackburne for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.”
Thanks, Patti!
Next is Hannahbandanarama, who said this on her Instagram blog:
Next up on the winter reads: I had the opportunity to read Anne Blackburne’s debut novel, Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise. As a true labor of love – a dream the author describes as being 30 years in the waiting – this book is a great read if you’re looking for a happily-ever-after story to get lost in on a long winter’s night. Not to mention two big dogs, a cat, and a few goats (clearly you see why I loved it now!). It is the first novel in a series she is working on, and I can’t wait to read the rest of them!
What is even better is that to celebrate, Anne is giving away the grand prize of a print copy of the book and a $25 Amazon eGift card!! Click the link below to enter (also found in my bio!) – and comment on the blog stops below for nine extra entries!
https://promosimple.com/ps/2924b/ruth-s-ginger-snap-surprise-celebration-tour-giveaway.Thanks, Hannah!
Finally today is a lovely post from Kendra at her blog, Happily Managing a Household of Boys.
Here is what Kendra has to say:
“Amish Fiction is my favorite Genre of books. Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise by Anne Blackburne is Book 2 in The Heart of the Amish Series. The series is written by various authors and they can be stand alone books. I read Book 1 in the series and was excited to read Book 2.
WOW, Jonas and Ruth’s story is hearbreaking yet heartwarming . I am glad I had an afternoon to sit and read, as I read until I was done, about 3hrs. Ruth and Jonas have been lost their spouses in recent years. Jonas has a daughter, Abigail, and runs a business. Ruth never had children and she focuses her time keeping up with tasks at her Farm. I really LOVE how both, Jonas and Ruth, live life day by day, even through the difficulties of life. Ruth is a very independent woman and her strength and determination throughout the book is awe inspiring. The 2 begin a working relationship and they realize they have feelings for one another. I truly enjoyed watching Ruth and Jonas keep their faith and realize God’s plan is greater then their own plans. A VERY Sweet Romance blossoms! This is a WONDERFUL Story and anyone who enjoys Amish Fiction will enjoy this book! FANTASTIC BOOK!”
And she gave it five stars! Thanks so much, Kendra!
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Dave Five Celebrate Lit Tour: But Wait, There’s More! Today’s Bonus Second blogger, Locks, Hooks and Books!
Be sure to click through to their post and enter to win a print copy of the book, and a $25 Amazon e-gift card!
Here’s what they have to say about my book!
My Review: By Amy C. of Locks, Hooks and Books
Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise is the second installment from the multi author series, The Heart of the Amish. This contribution is from new to me author, Anne Blackburne. I enjoyed this sweet and delightful romance. I loved getting to know Ruth and Jonas and seeing the two interact with one another. I wanted to see what would become of them and sweet little Abigail. A good and entertaining book to read.
I am giving Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise four and a half stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean Amish romance. I am looking forward to continuing The Heart of the Amish series, Lisa Jones Baker’s The Quilt Room Secret. I would, also, would love to read more from the talented Anne Blackburne.
I received a paperback copy of Anne Blackburne’s Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
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Day Five: Celebrate Lit Tour!
Today is Day Five of the Celebrate Lit virtual tour of “Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise”, and two great bloggers posted about my book!
Here’s what the first one, Roxanne C. from Girls in White Dresses Blog has to say about my book: (Be sure to click through to the post so you can enter to win a print copy of the book, and a $25 Amazon e-gift card!
My Thoughts: By Roxanne C. from Girls in White Dresses
This was a well-done debut novel for the author; I liked reading about how excited she was to find an agent and a publisher. I’ve read several Amish fiction books and a few things I enjoyed about this one were 1) the emphasis that the Amish have of dealing with life’s disappointments by reminding themselves that all things are God’s will (“Holding tightly to the living hope of salvation while accepting whatever came as God’s will, as was the Amish way, had helped her through some very hard times”). This thought has been emphasized many times in the weekly Amish columns I read. I also found it interesting that 2) the Amish feel it’s strange to have pet cats in the house, rather than outside. I was heartened, as an animal lover, to see that all the cats in this book were safely indoors
If you enjoy Amish fiction with a bit of romance, give “Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise” a try.
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Day 4 Celebrate Lit Virtual Book Tour for “Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise”, Bonus Blog Review!
Today I was fortunate to have two popular bloggers review my new book!
Check out my previous post by The Avid Reader!
This post is by Lakeside Living site. Here is what they have to say!
Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise by Anne Blackburne is part of the Heart of the Amish series. This is a series of Amish stories written by different authors. This is an enjoyable story of Ruth and Jonas. They have both lost their spouses and are being given a second chance at love. I enjoyed reading this nice story of neighborly friendship that grows into much more and enjoyed seeing how the two would react. I found Jonas’s daughter to be a cute part of the story. The addition of the house cats also makes for fun reading. This story gives the reminder of importance of prayer and how God answers the prayers. When the Bishop tries pushing Ruth into selling her family farm, many opportunities present themselves to give her a reason to stay. I enjoy the strength she has and how she is open to new things.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.
Be sure to visit their blog post and click through to win another chance at a print copy of the book and a Amazon e-gift card! Oh, and scroll down past the first review of another great book!
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Day 4: Celebrate Lit Tour for Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise!
Each day from December 9-22, one or two popular bloggers will post about my new release, “Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise” as part of the Celebrate Lit virtual book tour!
Today’s Blogger is Kris Anderson: The Avid Reader. Be sure to go to her site and click on the link to enter to win a print copy of the book and a $25 Amazon e-gift card! The link to her blogpost is below!
https://bibliophileandavidreader.blogspot.com/
Oh, and please scroll down past Avid Reader’s first review of Tricia Goyer’s “Trust the Stars”.
Here is what Kris, The Avid Reader had to say about Gingersnap!
My Thoughts (by Kris Anderson, aka The Avid Reader)
Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise by Anne Blackburne is a sweet story. I thought the book was well-written with realistic, developed characters. I enjoyed getting to know Ruth Helmuth, Jonas Hershberger, and little Abigail Hershberger. I could not believe that Ruth’s bishop, Abram Troyer suggested that she sell her family farm, which held many memories for her, because she lived alone. The bishop felt a family could make better use of the large house and property. Ruth is a good businesswoman. She has her herd of wily goats. Ruth uses their milk and fiber. She comes up with other ways to utilize the property and earn money. I liked learning about Jonas and his sister’s basket business. Their baskets sounded lovely, especially the Christmas baskets. You can feel that faith is a part of the character’s daily lives. They pray to God for guidance and assistance. They know that He will provide in His own time. I enjoyed the humor sprinkled through the story. The kitten that Ruth receives from her dear friend, Lydia Coblentz, provides many lighthearted moments. Lydia knew what she was doing when she gifted the ginger kitten to Ruth. A couple of Ruth’s friends also received kittens. Lydia is an insightful woman. Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise may be the second book in The Heart of the Amish series, but it can be read as a standalone. I especially enjoyed the heartwarming ending. I finished Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise with a smile on my face.
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Day Three: Celebrate Lit Tour for Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise!
My virtual book tour of “Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise” continues today through Dec. 22, with Blog Stops each day (sometimes two!) by popular Christian literature bloggers. Today’s blog post is from Texas Book-aholic. Here’s what she has to say!
(Don’t forget to click through to her blog post to have a chance to enter the grand prize giveaway of a print copy of Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise and a $25 Amazon e-gift card! My review is the second one down…scroll on down to find it; although you may also want to read her review of Daniel Petronelli’s new book, The Seeds of Faith: A Christmas Miracle, on your way to my book post!)
Click the link below.
https://deana0326.blogspot.com/
MY REVIEW (This is Texas Book-aholic’s review, folks)
This has been such a fun book to read and I’m impressed that this is a debut book for the author. The wonderful characters become like family as I find myself enjoying each one. The setting is nice as we get a glimpse at Amish life. The author gives vivid details about raising goats and making baskets. These are just a few ways the Amish make money.
I would love to visit Jonas as he makes the baskets and gets them ready to sell. He has been raising his sweet daughter Abigail on his own since the death of his wife. I admire how dedicated he is to Abagail and his determination to raise her in a Godly home. When he meets Ruth I started wondering if there would be any sparks between them. He has thought about Abigail needing a mother so perhaps he should open his heart to a new relationship.
Ruth is such a good character. She lives on a big farm raising ghosts, making soaps and milk to sell. I laughed when the bishop stopped by with a proposal that took Ruth by surprise. The thought of selling her farm is ridiculous, she thinks to herself. God will provide the answer she needs, so she prays and waits on Him. I love how kind Ruth is and her desire to help others.
The story is filled with faith, hope, surprises and a new beginning for several characters. I loved getting to know the author’s writing skills and can’t wait to read her next book.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
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Wait, What? Day Two of my Celebrate Lit Tour has TWO blog posts, with two reviews! Here is the second, from Blogger Mary Ann Hake:
(Spoiler: She liked the book!)
Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise by Anne Blackburne, A Review
“A great new Amish read. Both main characters have lost their spouses. Jonas has a precocious young daughter, and Ruth was never able to have children. Life pushes them together, and they could help each other out, but is that God’s plan for their future? Then the bishop’s granddaughter pushes her way into the community and sets her sights on Levi. This endearing tale quickly draws the reader in and makes them care about these realistic characters. The story offers some circumstances a bit different than typical Amish novels and drops you into an engaging story world to hang out in for a while. The book contains plenty of twists and troubles, making readers wonder how everything will ever all come out right. And the cookie title also is the name given to Ruth’s new kitten. This new author will be one to look for in the future. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.”
Link to purchase book: https://amzn.to/3Qhc0wg
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Publishers Weekly Review of Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise!
I’m a happy author today, as yesterday something unexpected happened; something I didn’t even know was a thing until I received an email telling me it was!
One of the amazing folks at Barbour Publishing emailed me yesterday to tell me my debut novel, “Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise“, which comes out December 1 from Barbour (have I told you this before – maybe 10 times??) had received a very good review from Publishers Weekly.
I was thrilled to learn I’d received a good review, but I didn’t understand the significance of this particular review. Of course, I’ve heard of Publishers Weekly. But I wasn’t certain how important their good review of my novel was.
So I Googled them!
Here is the result: “A Publishers Weekly review is the most highly regarded review in the publishing industry. It is a capsule book review of about 200 words. PW reviews are primarily geared toward helping booksellers and librarians decide which books to purchase.”
Hold the phone: I received a very good review from the most highly regarded source in the publishing industry? May I just say, wowsers!
I’ll copy the link to the review at the end of this blog post. It made me feel very good, saying things like,
“Blackburne debuts with a stirring second-chance Amish romance featuring a 33-year-old widow who struggles to start over with the help of a mischievous pet kitten—and possibly a new beau.”
And . . .
“Blackburne delicately weaves Ruth’s and Jonas’s tenuous hopes for happiness with their conflicted feelings about moving on from their first marriages, lending the narrative depth and resonance. Readers will look forward to the next outing from this promising new voice.”
Oh boy, oh boy!
It’s as if I hadn’t realized yesterday was Christmas, and woke up to a lovely gift I didn’t expect.
Whomever the anonymous review at Publishers Weekly is, God bless you! You’ve made me very, very happy!
