The Caregiver by Shelley Shepard Gray

The Caregiver by Shelley Shepard Gray

Published: 2011

Publisher: Harper Collins

Series: Families of Honor(Book 1)

Goodreads Summery:

Two lives converge one stormy night on a train headed to cleveland

Lucy is traveling by herself via train to Jacob's Crossing to help care for her cousin Mattie, recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Trying to overcome the sudden death of her husband, she's glad to get away and focus on someone else for a while.

The only other Amish people on the train are Calvin Weaver and his little sister, Katie. When their train breaks down outside of Cleveland, Calvin and Lucy band together to face the outside world. But Calvin also carries the weight of past hurts. When an altercation brings both their wounds to light, they question whether they can trust each other.

Once in Jacob's Crossing, Lucy is occupied with caring for Mattie, while Calvin does his best to run his family's farm. But they can't stop thinking about those special hours spent together. Will the bond they formed last? And will Lucy and Calvin be able to put away the pain in their pasts to recognize the happiness that is suddenly in their grasp?

Lucy was abused in her first marriage. Her husband died a year before in a barn accident and now Lucky finders herself on a train heading for Ohio to spend a month caring for her cousin Mattie who is battling cancer and will be undergoing Chemo. On the train she meets Calvin who she soon finds out is also heading to Ohio in fact to the same small town! Calvin is traveling with his little sister and his Uncle John who is returning home after being in the English world for 20 years.

Will Lucy face her past so she can step into her future? Will Calvin have the patience to help her? Will cancer cause Mattie to turn away from God or will she grow stronger because of it? Will Uncle John who is now English find love when he finds himself falling for two women from two different worlds? You must read this book and find out!

This book well it was awesome. When I find an author like this who I just love I rave and well rave I will!! From the first page of this book I was sucked in. A lot of times it will take me some time to get into a book or I really have to force myself to get through parts but not this one. As soon as my eyes hit the words I found myself riding the train with these characters and soon getting to know Jacob’s Crossing and finding myself not wanting to leave!

This book touches on two subjects that has affected many people. Spousal abuse and cancer. Being an Amish book one would probably not think such a thing could happen. The way it was handled in this book was so real you felt Lucy’s pain but at the same time felt her hope and then peace as she healed from her past.

You also felt Mattie’s pain as she begins chemotherapy and the despair over her wondering if she really will get better. I can’t wait to read more about her in the next book! Uncle John you soon find also has a past that he is running from. He soon finds himself having feeling for an English lady and an Amish lady. He finds himself torn and I also look forward to seeing how this will play out in the next book.

Calvin is getting over the pain of a broken relationship when he first meets Lucy. But soon he finds himself falling for her. Calvin is also intruding us to his brothers and planting seeds for the next two books. I liked how the author did this. We start to learn about the other brothers but she does not over shadow Calvin’s story at all. Very well done.

Honestly I can’t find a fault with this book! I had trouble putting it down and found myself thinking about the story when I was not reading it.

I read lots of books and have quite a few favorite authors and this book and author grab a top spot. I read so many books and like so many of them too that I wanted to create a special award for books that really stand out and this book gets the first mention.

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DISCLOSURE: I was provided a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley to review it. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

The Search by Suzanne Woods Fisher

The Search by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Published: 2010

Publisher: Revell

Series: Lancaster County Secrets

Goodreads Summery:

Fifteen years ago, Lainey O'Toole made a split-second decision. She couldn't have known that her choice would impact so many. Now in her mid-twenties, she is poised to go to culinary school when her car breaks down in Stoney Ridge, the very Amish town in which her long-reaching decision was made, forcing her to face the shadowed past.

Bess Reihl is less than thrilled to be spending the summer at Rose Hill Farm with her large and intimidating grandmother, Bertha. It quickly becomes clear that she is there to work the farm--and work hard. The labor is made slightly more tolerable by the time it affords Bess to spend with the handsome hired hand, Billy Lapp. But he only has eyes for a flirty and curvaceous older girl.

Lainey's and Bess's worlds are about to collide and the secrets that come to light will shock them both.

Beautifully written, The Search is a skillfully woven story that takes readers through unexpected twists and turns on the long country road toward truth. Fans both old and new will find themselves immersed in this heartwarming--and surprising--tale of young love, forgiveness, and coming to grips with the past.

Lainey finds herself once again in Stoney Ridge. She still harbors a secret that could tear a family apart. She soon finds herself friends again with Bertha who unknown to Lainey has a plan of her own as well. Bertha’s granddaughter Bess comes to spend the summer and before long her father Jonah comes as well due to Bertha’s medaling.

Will the secret destroy this family or will the truth set them free?

I will be honest this book is deep. There are so many characters I am not sure where to start. Lainey’s choice when she was but a child holds many challenges. With in a few chapters you soon learn that Lainey’s secret has many branches. I don’t want to give away any  of this book so I feel limited in how much to tell.

I loved the idea of an Englisher becoming Amish I always wondered how that might work and how the community would except it. Bess is a teenager who is at first scared of her grandma but soon finds herself loving her. She get s crush on the local boy Billy who works for her grandma. I will be honest that this part of the story could almost have been left out. I felt the ending for these two left you going Wait what?? I thought at first maybe there would be another book to properly close that story but from what I have researched that is not the case.

Bertha is so much fun she seems scary at first but you soon find yourself loving her and laughing at some of her ideas to get things done her way. The love story between Lainey and Jonah was sweet and they had a lot of challenges and you wonder up to the end if they will over come them to be together(I will let you find that out for yourself!).

The downside to this book for me was how many characters there where. I know this is the writers style and she does it very well but this book had a lot of twists and turns and with so many angles at times it just felt a little to much at times.

Over all it was a great book and the series as a whole is wonderful and I would highly recommend these books to others!

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Source: I bought this book from Amazon.com 

Finally a Bride by Vickie McDonough

Finally a Bride by Vickie McDonough

Published: 2011

Publisher:Barbour Books

Series: Texas Boardinghouse Brides(book 3)

Goodreads Summery: Keep your eyes wide open for romance in Lookout, Texas. Noah Jeffers enters town determined to make up for past misdeeds. Reporter Jacqueline Davis is determined to nail her story. Will she uncover Noah’s secret before he can capture her heart? With nowhere else to go, ex-con Carly Payton returns to the Lookout boardinghouse. Garret Corbett is looking for an upstanding wife, not some jailbird. What will he do when overpowered by Carly’s unassuming appeal? Does love deserve a second look?

Jacqueline “Jack” is now 10 years older and all grown up. She wants to be a reporter for the big city of Dallas but first feels like she needs a big story for her small down of Lookout to get there. She is still the tomboy you know and love from the first two books but she is now a woman. She is hot on the trail of the Mayor as she feels he is hiding something for the city and she will do just about anything to get the story.

Noah finds himself back in Lookout now as the preacher not the troublemaker he was 10 years ago. The town does not know its him and either does Jack. Noah has never forgotten her and he hopes to show her and the town that he is a changed man and maybe he can even win her heart.

Carly who was the 3rd mail order bride is also back in the final book. She has served her time in jail and now wants to start her life in Lookout if the town’s people will except her. Garret is finally ready to settle down and find the right woman and he find’s himself with growing feelings for Carly but will he be able to put her past behind them both and find true love?

Its always bitter sweet to come to the final book in a series like this because you have come to know the characters very well and this is the final chapter. The book did not disappoint! Jack is such a fun character she had me laughing a lot and shaking my head at some of her silly attempts at getting the story. Jack also had to face her abuse from her first father in this book as she comes to care for Noah. I really like how the author touches on some sensitive subjects but includes humor and a realness that just makes the book great.

The side store of Carly and Garret was okay. Again this could have been its own book. These characters again seem to get short changed and never get to fully develop like the lead characters did. It was a good story though and I was glad to see everyone find happiness in the end.

Over all a great ending to a fun series. When I was done reading this book I felt the story had been fully told and did not leave me wishing for another book like some series I have read. If you like western romance then this is a great series and a must read! I am looking forward to reading more books from this author.

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DISCLOSURE: I was provided a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley to review it. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

Lilly's Wedding Quilt by Kelly Long

Lilly's Wedding Quilt by Kelly Long

Published: 2011

Publisher: Thomas Nelson 

Series: Patch of Heaven(Book 2)

Goodreads Summery:

She isn't looking for love. He's mending a broken heart. It will take divine intervention for these two to get together.

Local Amish schoolteacher Lilly Lapp is tired of weddings, afraid of horses, and immersed in caring for her depressed mother. But when Jacob Wyse, a handsome horse breeder from her small community rescues her from a dangerous accident, Lilly discovers a renewed interest in life and the possibility of love.

Yet Jacob has lost the one true love of his life to another man and doesn't care to expose himself to the vulnerabilities of loving again.

God works to bring this unlikely pair into a sweet romance to produce a pattern of faith, which leads to the creation and comfort of Lilly's Wedding Quilt.

Lilly is heading to Sarah and Grants wedding when a sudden rain storm hits and she seeks cover in a barn where Jacob is hiding out recovering from being shot after he stole a English mans horse. From here the adventure begins. Will Jacob over come his past feeling for Sarah and find true love? Will Lilly be able to deal with her depressed mother as well as becoming a wife? Read this great book to find out!

I loved this book! I had trouble putting it down. I love when a book starts out strong and just keeps going. With in 5 pages I was sucked into the lives of both Jacob and Lilly. There are lots of surprised in this book that I did not expect which made it even more interesting and this made it a page turner.

This book deals with a side story of Lilly’s mom who is suffering from depression. I thought the author did a great job of not letting that story line over shadow the main but at the same time it gave a interesting look into how it would be handled in the Amish community. I already can’t wait for the third book and wonder who’s story the author will tell next. I would highly recommend you go back and reading the first book of this series first. Sarah’s Garden is also a great read. You could read this book with out going back but reading the first one will better help you to understand Jacob and his broken heart.

This book will be released March 29th 2011!

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DISCLOSURE: I was provided a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley to review it. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

What the Heart Sees: A Collection of Amish Romances by Kathleen Fuller

What the Heart Sees: A Collection of Amish Romances by Kathleen Fuller

Published: 2011

Publisher:Thomas Nelson 

Series: None

Goodreads Summery:

Together for the first time, three Amish romances from Kathleen Fuller.

 

"A Miracle for Miriam" from An Amish Christmas

Miriam fell for Seth, but he broke her heart. Years later, after he's nearly killed in an accident, Miriam sees him at a Christmas party and notices something is different about him-not just how he looks, but how he acts. When Seth pursues her, she must decide whether to guard her heart or accept his love.

"A Place of His Own" from An Amish Gathering

When Josiah left Paradise the first time, he didn't even say good-bye. Now he's back, ten years later, and he's changed. Why is he so distant and bitter? Where is the boy who used to be Amanda's best friend? Amanda is learning that there are things even a capable Amish girl can't fix. But can she stand there and watch him walk away...again?

"What the Heart Sees" from An Amish Love

A tragic accident rocks a peaceful Amish community, leaving Ellie Chupp blinded and Christopher Bender's future shattered. But they find love and forgiveness in a place they least expect.

I enjoyed all three of these stories. In the first one

A Miracle for Miriam I found it interesting to read of a Amish young lady dealing with body image. Reading as these two young people fell in love was heart warming and a good reminder to be proud of who we are. Seth was learning to see everything different after an accident scared him for life and Miriam learned to love herself as she is. A great story.

A Place of His own was a little slower for me I did not feel like the characters got fully developed but it still was a fun read. Josiah had to forgive his father for the way he was treated after his mother dies and it also touched on tempers and control which is another subject one would not expect to read about in an Amish book. Amanda was a sweet girl but to me her character was kind flat. I did not feel like I really got to know her that well and the ending left me going that’s it? But I did enjoy the story over all.

I read What the Heart See’s in another collection a month or so ago. I loved is story. Ellie was blind and feared she would never marry. Christopher is still getting over the death of his girlfriend. Together they both come to better understand who they are and learn to put the past behind them and move ahead together.

Over all a great book. I enjoyed all three stories and if you enjoy Amish Romances then you should grab this book! This author is one of my favorites and I look forward to reading more of her books.

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DISCLOSURE: I was provided a free copy of this book from the publisher through BookSneeze to review it. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

The Blue Enchantress by Marylu Tyndall

The Blue Enchantress by M.L. Tyndall

Published: 2009

Publisher: Barbour Books

Series: Charles Towne Belles (Book 2)

Goodreads Summery:Get swept away in a high-tide of romance and adventure from acclaimed author M. L. Tyndall. Attempting to forget about a painful past, Hope Westcott plunges into Charles Towne society trying to find love and acceptance. Captain Nathaniel Mason is determined to build his shipping business and doesn’t need a romantic entanglement—especially with a woman like Hope. When Hope’s adventure-seeking puts her freedom—and her life—in jeopardy, will Nathaniel turn his back or follow God’s voice and sacrifice everything to save her?

The book starts off with Hope on the auction block to become a slave. She had chased after a man who did not want her. Nathaniel buys her, having to sell his ship to save her. Nathaniel has had his eyes on Hope for many years but she is from high society and he is a not. Nathaniel plans to escort Hope safely home and be done with her but much adventure awaits. Will Nathaniel see how much Hope has changed and risk everything to save her? Will Hope be able to become the true Lady she want so desperately to be?

This is book two of the series. I have not read the first one but plan to soon. I loved this book. This author is fast becoming one of my favorites. I just can’t put her books down. Hope and Nathaniel start out not getting alone very well. Hope wants to be a lady but has trouble turning away from male attention. But God soon shows her there is another way.

Nathaniel does not believe he is good enough to bring God’s word to others but after a few interesting events he finds himself being drawn to it. He also has to over come some instances of events that look different then what really is going on and this also helps to bring him closer to God.

The one character I wish we could have gotten to know more or to know the rest of her story was Abigail. I was disappointed to just see her story end so early in the book with no real closer. I went looking at the authors website hoping maybe there was a book just about her but there was not.  

Over all I loved this book. I plan to go back and read the first one soon and also read the 3rd book as well. I can not praise this author enough she is such a talented writer. I plan to read all her books at some point!

I would recommend you going back and reading the first book The Red Siren. The main character of that book(Hopes sister) shows up at the end of this book and will leave you wanting to know more about her so just start there. You can read this book with out going back but your going to have a few questions at the end.

Book Rating

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DISCLOSURE: I was provided a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley to review it. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

Surrender the Night by Marylu Tyndall

Surrender the Night by M.L. Tyndall

Published: 2011

Publisher: Barbour Books

Series: Surrender to Destiny

Goodreads Summery: Step into a breathtaking novel of adventure and romance set amid the War of 1812. During an assault by an enemy sailor, timid farm girl Rose McGuire is saved by the least likely of heroes—a British Naval Lieutenant. Now that he’s wounded, she’ll have to heal as well as hide him. Alex Reed is being aided and abetted by his enemy—albeit an innocent and attractive one. But he might be doing Rose more harm than good if his presence on her farm is discovered. As their love blooms, trouble looms. Will this couple survive another British invasion?

Rose is a young lady who lives on her farm with her aunt and uncle. Her father died at war and her mother not soon after. Because of an event in her past she rarely leaves her farm because she is fearful for her safety. The year is 1814 and America is still at war with the British. The British are into ransacking and terrorizing the country side. The British Navy is helping and we once again run into Lieutenant Garrick and Lieutenant Reed.

Garrick attacks Rose and Alex Reed saves her but ends up to wounded to return to his ship. Rose hides him while he heals. Will these two over come all odds and find love or will the march on Washington cause them to lose everything?

I loved this book! I could not put it down. The author does a wonderful job of taking history and writing a novel that draws you in. Again I loved how she wrote about God in this book. It was so real so powerful. I also enjoyed seeing Noah and Marianne again and how they played a small role in this story as well. Again I was drawn into what the people of that time must have been feeling as their capital city was burned.

I liked Alex from the 1st book so I was excited to read about him in this book. I loved how he had such high honor yet still needed to trust in God.

Rose is faced with marring someone who she does not love but also faced with falling in love with someone she can not have. She to must trust in God to help her learn her Destiny.

The 3rd book of this series will be out later this summer and I can’t wait to read it as well. If you love Historical Fiction then you will love this series! 

This book will be released March 1st 2011!

Book Rating

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DISCLOSURE: I was provided a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley to review it. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

Sharpshooter in Petticoats by Mary Connealy

Sharpshooter in Petticoats by Mary Connealy

Published: 2011

Series: Sophie's Daughters

Goodreads Summery: Aim for hours of reading pleasure with award-winning author Mary Connealy’s last book in the Sophie’s Daughters series. Mandy Keating, a wealthy sharpshooting widow, is content living in her mountain home and raising her young-uns alone. But how long can she protect herself when thieving outlaws have her surrounded? Rancher Tom Linscott can’t bear to see a defenseless woman in danger. Yet his rescue efforts end up bringing trouble right to her door. Now that they’re both trapped on Mandy’s Mountain, can they learn to live together—or will they die alone?

In the 3rd book we finally get to see how things are going to turn out for Mandy. At this point her worthless husband is dead and she is stuck living in the huge stone house he build on top of a mountain. She stays there because there is a blood war between her and the men who killed her husband. Tom who we where introduced to in the 1st and 2nd books comes to rescue her and her 3 children. Will they get out alive and will Mandy finally find the peace and true love she has wanted?

I will be honest I would not wait to get to this book. I enjoyed the entire series but Mandy was interesting to me from the beginning. I felt so bad for her in the 1st book and sad for her in the 2nd. Now I wanted to see her finally have her turn and the author did not disappoint. The author uses some characters from past series to aid in this book. I found myself wanting to go back and read all about them as well and I hope to here in the future.

Mandy has trouble trusting anyone but herself and you can’t blame her after the way her dead husband treated her. Tom works to show her she can let go of the past and start a new. We also get to see just how good of a shooter she is! I also felt the author did a good job ending the series I enjoyed reading about each of the ladies. I highly recommend all these books and the author.

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DISCLOSURE: I was provided a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley to review it. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

Doctor in Petticoats by Mary Connealy

Doctor in Petticoats by Mary Connealy (Sophie's Daughters #1)

Goodreads Summery: What happens when an idealistic student nurse encounters an embittered army doctor in a stagecoach accident? How will she react when she learns her training didn’t prepare her for tragic reality? How will he, an army deserter, respond to needs when he vowed to never touch another patient? Can these two stubborn mules find common ground on which to work and bring healing to West Texas?

Beth is heading home to Texas for her sisters wedding. She has been away at school training to be a nurse(though she wants to be a Doctor!). She ends up across from Alex on a stagecoach. She soon finders herself saving the day with Alex’s help. Alex served as a doctor in the Army but after a horrible battle he ran and has been running for years. He can’t get the horrible images out of his head but with Beth by his side he finds himself able to Doctor again. Will these two find love or will Alex not be able to over come his past?

This book was amazing! I simply loved it!! I have not enjoyed a book this much in a long time. I lost sleep reading this book I could just not put it down! Mary Connealy  is an amazing writer. I was a little worried when I saw her writing about the main character of the 3rd book in the series in the first but she did it beautifully. I was so drawn into these characters I started looking at other books of the author and found Beth was the daughter of one of the characters from a earlier book. I know want to go back and read all about her and all the other books that came before this one. The characters come across as real with problems to over come but you just fall in love with them. As soon as I finished this book I started on the 2nd in the series and found myself running for the 3rd as soon as it was done. A must read if you enjoy a good western Christian romance!

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DISCLOSURE: I was provided a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley to review it. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

Sarah's Garden by Kelly Long

 Sarah's Garden by Kelly Long

Goodreads Summery: Deep in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Allegheny Mountains, shy Sarah King is happiest when working in her vibrant Amish kitchen garden, but new family responsibilities lead her into the confusing world of the Englisch. Sarah finds her life turned around when she encounters the community’s new Englisch veterinarian, Grant Williams. His blue-gold eyes and his obvious concern for her people attract her immediately. Sarah seeks solace and direction from the Lord as she creates a quilt pattern which details her struggle between two worlds. The Lord is guiding Sarah to follow His will, but will she listen?

Sarah is a young Amish woman who has not found herself yet. She is shy and loves to spend hours in her garden growing her vegetables. Now that her older sister is married she is taking over running the road side stand which puts her out of her element. On her first day at the stand she meets Grant the new Englisch vet. There is an immediate connection but such a relationship is forbidden. Will Sarah give up all she knows for true love or will Grant find himself by becoming Amish? You will have to read this book to find out!!

I really liked this book. I admit I love a romance book where there is a bit of a block in the road for the couple. I found myself holding my breath wondering how it was going to turn out. I read this book with an online book club and some of the other members questioned the relationship between the two. I guess I found it so fun to read because I liked how true love was crossing a line. Over all a great book and I can’t wait for the next one in the series.  

Lilly's Wedding Quilt by Kelly Long due out March 29th 2011!!

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Rugged and Relentless by Kelly Eileen Hake

Rugged and Relentless by Kelly Eileen Hake

Goodreads Summery: Roll into Hopesfall, Colorado, where three women are seeking mates to help them establish a sawmill. Evelyn Thompson never dreamed their husbands-for-hire ad would bring so many bachelors to their tiny town. How will she ever figure out which feller to choose? Jacob Granger, a logger-turned-bounty hunter, is hot on the trail of his brother’s killer. When a clue leads him to Hopesfall, he has no choice but to pretend to court Miss Thompson while waiting for the killer to show his hand. Will Jacob’s unexpected adoration of this sweet cook prompt him to speak vows before getting vengeance?

This is the kind of book that makes a great movie! The characters where well developed and the plot was solid. The book opens with Cora Thompson grieving the death of her fiancé. Evie is her older sister who is a chef at a local café. Lacey is Cora’s fiancé’s sister and Naomi is Lacey’s close friend.  With Cora’s fiancé dead they are out a great deal of money because he was out in Colorado getting a mining company going. Lacey comes up with a new plan head to the now ghost town and get a logging company going. In order to do this they will need husbands and Lacey has the brilliant idea of hiring husbands. Jacob is after vengeance after the death of his brother and he is on the hunt for his killer.

This is the first book in the series and focuses on Evie(Evelyn). It was a wonderful book I loved it I look forward to reading about the other ladies and who they will end up with. 


This book will be released on March 1st 2011 and I highly recommend you grab it!

The steamy scale is a 1.

I received this Ebook for free through NetGalley for this review.

A Simple Amish Christmas by Vannetta Chapman

Goodread’s overview: Annie Weaver always planned to return home, but the 20-year old RN has lived in Philadelphia for three years now. As her time of rumschpringe is about to come to an abrupt end, bringing for Annie an overwhelming sense of loneliness. She returns home and finds herself face-to-face with a budding romance with an Amish farmer and Annie has several important choices to make.
I really enjoyed this book. Annie left home because she was not content and while in Philadelphia she went to school to become a RN. She is working at a children’s hospital when she gets the call that her dad had been in a bad buggy accident and she goes home to take care of him. She does not tell anyone what she went to school for because she was worried what they would say. When she returns home her dads good friend also the Amish’s go to guy for medical issues is not so sure about Annie yet he can’t help be attracted to her.
     I found this book to be an easy read. I felt the story line was not hard to get into and I was sad when it came to an end. This is Vannetta Chapman’s first novel and I can’t wait to read more of her work.

I give it 5 stars