Reviews: Encircled, Practicing Murder, and The Amish Reunion

Pretty much no matter who you are, one of these books will probably suit your fancy.

Encircled: Fantasy & Science Fiction Fairy Tale Retellings

Practicing Murder: Mystery & Suspense

The Amish Reunion: Amish Romance

Read on for my reviews of these great books. If you wish to read any of my other reviews, check out my reviews page here. As I have time, I will be going back through all of the reviews I have posted in the past (within the last year or so) and adding them to this page, so they’ll be easier to find. 🙂


Experience six of the world’s most beloved stories in a whole new light! From historical to futuristic, these retellings will take you to an enchanted forest, a cursed castle, and far beyond. Uncover secrets of a forbidden basement, a hypnotic gift, and a mysterious doll. Fall in love with a lifelong friend or brand-new crush. Venture to unknown lands on a quest to save a prince, a kingdom, or maybe even a planet. With moments of humor, suspense, romance, and adventure, Encircled has something to offer every fan of fairy tales, both classic and reimagined.

This anthology features stories from S.E. Clancy, Jebraun Clifford, J.M. Hackman, E.J. Kitchens, Laurie Lucking, and Tori V. Rainn.

Review: Each of these stories enchanted me in different ways. Though I had never heard/read some of the original fairy tales, that didn’t stop me from enjoying them just the same.

Rating: 4 roses

 


Graduate student Maddie Clare is never talking to her ex-boyfriend Joze Evans or God again. Still broken from Joze’s betrayal, Mattie has to go home for her Aunt Lonna’s funeral. But after a run-in with a stalker who insists Maddie knows the secret that had Aunt Lonna investigating him, Mattie is afraid for her life and must accept Joze’s protection.

As the stalker draws closer, Maddie and Joze have to face the past and a love that never died. Maddie sees she needs God’s help to end her fears and to get through the new danger.

Can Maddie stay out of the stalker’s grip long enough to figure out who he is and what secret he possesses? And how will Joze keep Mattie from being buried with the stalker’s true identity?

Review: I enjoyed this story a great deal. Mystery. Intrigue. Romance. A hunky EMT. What’s not to like. Ms. Unger did an excellent job, and while I’m awful at figuring out who-dunnit, this one had me stumped. I look forward to more stories by this author.

Rating: 5 roses


 

From bestselling authors in the Amish genre come four stories about reuniting with those you love.

Their True Home by Amy Clipston

When Marlene Bawell moved from Bird-in-Hand ten years ago, she was in the deepest of mourning for her mother. Now her family has moved back so her father can seek employment after being laid off. To help save money, Marlene works at the hardware store owned by Rudy Swarey’s father. She knew Rudy growing up and had a secret crush on him, though he never seemed to notice her. But just as a friendship between them begins to blossom, her life is once again turned upside down. Will Marlene ever have a chance to find her own true home?

A Reunion of Hearts by Beth Wiseman

Ruth and Gideon Beiler experienced one of life’s most tragic events. Unable to get past their grief, the couple abandoned their Amish faith and went in different directions, though neither could bear to formally dissolve the marriage. When their loved ones reach out to them to come home for a family reunion, Ruth has reason to believe that Gideon won’t be there. Gideon also thinks that Ruth has declined the invitation. Family and friends are rooting for them to reunite, but will it all be enough for Ruth and Gideon to get past their grief and recapture a time when they were in love and had a bright future ahead of them?

A Chance to Remember by Kathleen Fuller

Cevilla Schlabach, Birch Creek’s resident octogenarian matchmaker, is surprised when Richard, a man from her Englisch past, arrives in Birch Creek for a visit. While he and Cevilla take several walks down memory lane, they wonder what the future holds for them at this stage of life—friendship, or the possibility of something else?

Mended Hearts by Kelly Irvin

At eighteen Hannah Kauffman made a terrible mistake. Her parents and members of her Jamesport Amish community say they’ve forgiven her. But she feels their eyes following her everywhere she goes with eighteen-month-old Evie. Thaddeus, Evie’s father, escaped this fate by running away from Jamesport. Now that Thaddeus is gone, Hannah’s old friend Phillip is stepping up to be by her side. He has waited patiently for Hannah to realize just how much he cares for her. But when Thaddeus returns after two years, Hannah can’t deny the love she feels for him. Does the fact that Phillip has waited patiently for her all this time mean that she owes him something? Can she trust either one of them? Can she trust herself? She has repented and been forgiven by the One who is most important—her heavenly Father. But is she willing to risk making more mistakes by opening herself up to love?

Review: When I started this book, I didn’t realize it was four in one. What a boon. I’m not a regular reader of three of the four authors, but I enjoyed all four novellas. I don’t know if they were continued from a series for each writer or not, but I was not lost in any of the stories. Each one stood alone and I didn’t have to guess what was going on. Loved each of them.

Rating: 5 roses


I received all of the above books from the authors/publishers for the purpose of review. All reviews are my honest opinion.

Blessings,

Ginger

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