I love when I come across a book that I can not put down. Stitched with Love is a collection of well written stories by prolific authors. Several of the stories go hand in hand and allow the reader to return to the characters and town that are brought to life by this group of writers. 

This book is perfect for anyone that enjoys reading historical romances. 

 

Book Description

Penned by an exclusive selection of Christian fiction authors—including Cathy Marie Hake and Vickie McDonough—this keepsake collection of nine romances is a true treasure. Faced with finding the right fit in life and love, are nine courtships destined to be stitched with romance?

The Guardian by Beverly Lewis

The Guardian catches your attention from the first page. What I particularly liked about this story was the fresh approach to a popular genre. Two romances are taking place on English and the other Amish and no one is questioning their beliefs.

The characters grow on you and their journey touches the heart. We all face trials in life regardless of who we are or what we believe. Each person finds our own way to cope. In The Guardian we learn struggles are much easier to bare with family and God.   


Book Description:
When schoolteacher Jodi Winfield goes for a morning run, the last thing she expects is to find a disheveled little girl all alone on the side of the Pennsylvania road, clad only in her undergarments, her chubby cheeks streaked with tears. Jodi takes the preschooler home with her, intending to find out where she belongs. But Jodi is mystified when no one seems to know of a missing child, and the girl herself is no help, since she can't speak a word of English. It's as if the child appeared out of nowhere.

As the days pass, Jodi becomes increasingly attached to the mysterious girl, yet she is no closer to learning her identity. Then an unexpected opportunity brings Jodi to Hickory Hollow--and into the cloistered world of the Lancaster Old Order Amish. Might the answers lie there?

Accidentally Amish by Olivia Newport

 Not your topical Amish story, Accidentally Amish intertwines two tales of romance and how our hearts motivate our decisions. I enjoyed learning about the origins of the faith.  Our lives are so much more complicated than they need to be and I wonder how hard it would be to walk away from all the technology and live a simpler life. Olivia Newport does a wonderful job of presenting both sides and her author notes at the end made the story that more impressive. I would highly recommend this book to those who like Amish and historical novels.

Book description:

Escape the helter-skelter of the modern culture and join software creator Annie Friesen, hiding at the home of an Amishman. With her high-tech career in jeopardy, Annie runs from fast-paced Colorado Springs—and straight into the hospitality of San Luis Valley’s Amish community. There she meets cabinetmaker Rufus Beiler, and the more time she spends with him, the more attracted she becomes. When Annie finds she shares a common ancestor with Rufus, she feels both cultures colliding within her. But is her love for Rufus strong enough for her to give up the only life she’s ever known?

The Bartered Bride Collection

 Nine historical romance stories of arranged marriages written by prolific writers - how can you go wrong?  I enjoyed each story. There's something about mail order brides or marriages of convenience that stirs the romantic at hearts imagination. Love can bloom anywhere two hears are joined.

I highly recommend this book. It would make a great gift as with nine individual stories it's a book you can enjoy at leisure. No one wants to see a good read end and this one will last quite a while.

Book 1 Joie De Vivre by Lynette Sowell
Josée has been brought up by LaBlanc family. The family custom is that the father pick a spouse for his daughter when she reaches 18. Josée is surprised when she finds herself engaged to wed Edouard, the older aloof brother.

Book 2  Button Strong Bride by Cathy Marie Hake
Traveling on a wagon train to Willomet Valley, a widower with two small children needs help.Charity's parents pass away and the wagon Master insisting she can't travel alone. Ethan and Charity combine their wagons and resources which leads to  a happy ever after for both them and the young children.

Book 3 The Wedding Wagon by Cathy Marie Hake
Another wagon trail story. Bethany's friend Penny's brother asks her to be his wife and travel with the family across country. She accepts and their relationship grows.

Book 4 From Halter to Altar by Cathy Marie Hake
  A misunderstanding in a advertisement starts this great four part story. James Collingsworth orders 4 horse bridles, and ends up with four mail order brides! Four sisters needing husband arrive in a town without women.

Book 5 From Carriage to Marriage by Janelle Burnham Schneider
 This is the second of four sisters finds herself widowed, about to deliver her first baby and in need of a husband.

Book 6 From Pride to Bride by JoAnne A. Grote
Will the third sister find happiness as well. You never know where love and romance may pop up.

Book 7 From Alarming to Charming by Pamela Kaye Tracy
The fourth and final sister is a tomboy at heart. Can the return of horse wrangler Thomas Harding tame her?

Book 8 A Vow Unbroken by Amy Rognlie
When an aunt tricks her very pregnant and widowed niece into taking her place as a mail order bride the mix up leads to love and peace with God.


Book 9 Finishing Touches by Kelly Eileen Hake
Jilted at the alter  Captain Gregory Royce marries his intended's sister instead. Short but sweet this story was one of my favorites in the book.

Book Description:

Treasure this beautiful collection packed with all the angst of romance founded upon practical arrangements. Four sisters travel in answer to an ad before even corresponding with potential husbands. Two women bend to the will of their parents in taking husbands. A widow commits to a stranger in name only. And two women on the Oregon Trail hitch their lives to men they’ve just met. Will love blossom for convenience sake?