Naomi King

I loved reading Emma Blooms At Last. It is part of the 'One Big Happy Family' series. I believe it is better to read them in order, so you don't get lost in who is who, but also because story lines get carried over. I love the fact that the previous stories are woven into the new ones. I love being able to visit with old friends and catch up with them while reading the new chapter. I think it is the way the author leaves no one behind that makes this series so special to me. In this book we get the story of Emma. Emma is living at home taking care of her parents. She had been in love but the man married someone else. Now she feels there is no one for her and, due to her hurt at being rejected, fights the prospect of someone else. I think that is a reality for many. You get so caught up in the love you thought was yours that you can't see the love being offered to you. While reading Emma, (and really the other books in this series), I felt like I was there, visiting family. I love when an author can draw you into the story so that you feel a part of it. The story has plenty of emotional moments, some happy and some sad with some where you want to shake someone in frustration. Just like real life. I think what I took from this book is sometimes you need to let go of a dream that isn't working for you so you can embrace your reality. We all need that push at some point. We get so stuck on what we think our life should be that we don't see the opportunities for a new dream, a realistic one. We carry hurts with us and project them unto those who have not hurt us. The fear we hold distorts the reality offered. I really love the way Naomi King brings that message to us in Emma. Another thing I love about this story is that the characters are flawed and not just Emma. Jerome has broken engagements and hasn't committed to the church. Hmm commitment issues for him? I can certainly see why Emma would think twice before trusting him. He may be a good man but he has his issues too. Which is the point...don't we all have issues? It doesn't make us good or bad only human. I think when we look for the "perfect" mate we get in trouble. Emma brings home the message that a perfect mate isn't perfect. As flawed as Jerome and Emma are together they make the perfect couple. Sigh. Isn't that what we all want?

I would highly recommend This book and series, (as well as any written by Charlotte Hubbard/Naomi King), for anyone interested in the Amish lifestyle and/or clean romance. These are books you can trust to make your heart flutter without the pressure to add sex to every date. I love the way the author writes in the sexual feelings we all have but leaves out the falling into bed as soon as I know your name. It is refreshing to know we can have the feelings and longings and not die if we decide not to have sex on the first date. We can say no to ourselves and others without dying. It is a worthy message for many young women who get caught up in the pressures of sex with no commitment. There may be no commitment but there is always a consequence.

I received a copy of this book for review purposes. Thoughts and opinions of the book are my honest feelings of what I read.… (meer)

Amanda Weds A Good Man was everything I hoped it would be ...and more. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the author kept the story very real. Amanda has children. The man she marries, Wyman, also has children. Blending families is a difficult task no matter the circumstances. Yet somehow we think for the Amish it may be different. They lead, what one imagines, very peaceful lives with obedience being a major factor. I think we do that because in our lives everything is hurried and electronic. We stress ourselves out. Then we see the Amish and we think how great it would be to live life so peaceful and slow. We forget they are just people like us, with the same emotions, thoughts and similar issues. The author brings that into focus in this book. It is what I enjoyed most about it. We hear the story from multiple views so we experience the love and joy but we also get the doubts and the fears. We see the blending of the family and the issues. We also experience the blurring of worlds. Wyman has friends who are Mennonite. He is from a strict community while Amanda is not. Seeing them question things and stay true to their relationship with God is inspiring and realistic. I was also very happy to see Abby and so many friends from that book play major roles in this one. You do not need to read the other book to enjoy this one, (I believe they are 2 different but related series), but I would recommend it...for your enjoyment.

*I received a copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions stated are my honest feelings about the book. I was not compensated for the review. *… (meer)

Suzanna "Zanna" Lambright fails to show up for her wedding day to James Graber. When her sister Abby finds her the next day, she realizes her sister is pregnant. Although she initially insinuates James is the father, the truth finally comes out of her. Zanna must face the consequences of her choice. The story is one of forgiveness and restoration, but it goes far beyond the main story and is woven throughout the different pieces of the story. King writes with better skill than many writers of the Amish fiction genre, providing a story likely to resonate with readers and provide encouragement and food for thought for years to come. While its message of forgiveness is faith-based, it is delivered in such a manner which is likely to be non-threatening to unbelievers. I look forward to the next installment in the series.… (meer)