This is the first of Cara Lynn James' books I've read but not the last. I happy to discover a new author that I plan to keep on my must read list.

Set in the 19th century, A Path Toward Love, is well written and hard to put down. Through Katherine and Andrew's journey we are reminded of forgiveness, and accepting God's will for our lives! Independent and widowed after a bad marriage Katherine is determination to keep her orchard in Florida - something that just isn't done back when women were expected to know their place.Her wealthy parents try to keep her from her dream as well as the man she loves. 

Book Description

Katherine came home to forget her past.
The last thing she expected is a hopeful future.
Young widow Katherine Osborne returns to her family’s rustic camp on Raquette Lake in the Adirondack Mountains. She’s determined to live a quiet life, but her socialite mother is equally determined to push her into a new marriage while she’s still young.
Andrew Townsend has known Katherine since they were children. An attorney who is successful, but not wealthy, he knows she is socially out of his reach. But he’s curious what changed the free-spirited girl he once knew into this private, somber young woman.
Katherine has kept hidden the details of her unsuccessful marriage. When past sins come to light, she must turn to God for the courage to be honest. But how can she trust the God she feels has let her down? When she confides in Andrew, their relationship takes a dramatic turn into uncharted territory.
Amid impossible obstacles, two young people must learn to trust enough to walk the path that God has cleared for them. A path that leads to healing and restoration. A path toward love.

A Promise for Miriam by Vannetta Chapman

I enjoy reading stories about the Amish and though familiar with Vannetta Chapman's work, A Promise for Miriam is the first of her books I've had the pleasure of reading. I'm hooked. The characters and backdrop for the story are skillfully written and draw the reader into the story. I found the book both enchanting and hard to put down. The best part - it's the first of a series so I get to go back!


 Book Description:

A Promise for Miriam, the first book in a brand-new romantic series from popular author Vannetta Chapman, introduces the Amish community of Pebble Creek and some of the kind, caring people there. As they face challenges to their community from the English world, they come together to reach out to their non-Amish neighbors while still preserving their cherished Plain ways.

Amish schoolteacher Miriam King loves her students. At 26, most women her age are married with children of their own, but she hasn't yet met anyone who can convince her to give up the Plain school that sits along the banks of Pebble Creek. Then newcomer Gabriel Miller steps into her life, bringing his daughter, an air of mystery, and challenges Miriam has never faced before.

Will Gabe be able to let go of the past that haunts him? He thinks he just wants to be left alone, but the loving and warm community he and his daughter have moved to has other plans for him. After a near tragedy is averted, he hesitantly returns offers of help and friendship, and he discovers he can make a difference to the people of Pebble Creek--and maybe find love again.

Groom Wanted by Debra Ullrick

Love Inspired Historical author Debra Ullrick has once again created a delightful tale of romance in the old west. I love books that take us back to an era when family and faith were foremost. Leah and Jake are best friends searching for love through the mail. They grow closer, feelings change and we meet some very interesting characters in this sweet mail-order bride story.

As in any well-written romance there  are obstacles to overcome and Leah and Jake both have past experiences that need to be resolved before they can truly be happy. The book had me rooting for them to find their way and cheering by the time I reached the happy ending.

From the back cover:

It's a perfect plan—best friends Leah Bowen and Jake Lure will each advertise for mail-order spouses in the papers, and then Jake will help select Leah's future husband, while Leah picks Jake's bride-to-be! Surely the ads will find them what they seek: a wife who'll appreciate Jake's shy charm and a groom who'll take Leah away from the Idaho Territory she detests. When the responses to the postings pour in, it seems all Leah's and Jake's dreams will soon come true. But the closer they each get to the altar, the less appealing marrying a stranger becomes. Is it too late to turn back—or to turn around and find the happiness they truly seek together, at last?

Through Rushing Water by Catherine Richmond

Don't you just love the cover! Through Rushing Water is one of the best books I've read in a while. This is the first of Catherine Richmond's books that I've read and I was impressed with her writing skills. As a reader I was pulled right into the story and enjoyed every word. The characters growth throughout the story is believable and commendable. The love story is sweet and touching.

Book Description

Sophia has her life all planned out—but her plan didn’t include being jilted or ending up in Dakota Territory.
Sophia Makinoff is certain that 1876 is the year that she’ll become the wife of a certain US Congressman, and happily plans her debut into the Capitol city. But when he proposes to her roommate instead, Sophia is stunned. Hoping to flee her heartache and humiliation, she signs up with the Board of Foreign Missions on a whim.
With dreams of a romantic posting to the Far East, Sophia is dismayed to find she’s being sent to the Ponca Indian Agency in the bleak Dakota Territory. She can’t even run away effectively and begins to wonder how on earth she’ll be able to guide others as a missionary. But teaching the Ponca children provides her with a joy she has never known—and never expected—and ignites in her a passion for the people she’s sent to serve.
It’s a passion shared by the Agency carpenter, Willoughby Dunn, a man whose integrity and selflessness are unmatched. The Poncas are barely surviving. When U.S. policy decrees that they be uprooted from their land and marched hundreds of miles away in the middle of winter, Sophia and Will wade into rushing waters to fight for their friends, their love, and their destiny.

Tapestry of Trust by Mary Annslee Urban

This is a well written love story that I would highly recommend. Young lovers kept apart by those who believed they know best are reunited years later but not until dealing with the pain from the past and correcting misunderstandings. I loved the strong believable characters and cheered for them to find
their way back to one another. Great ending to a story I fully enjoyed.

Surrendered Hearts. Interwoven Grace

Isabelle had always envisioned Charlie Hamilton as the hero depicted in the romantic tapestry hanging in the Hamilton home. Then Charlie abandoned her to make decisions no one should make alone. Now, six years later, Charlie's back, and despite Isabelle's best efforts, she can't ignore the longing his presence reignites. Charlie wants a second chance, but can Isabelle trust the man he's become? Can she surrender her threadbare heart long enough for God to weave Isabelle's own happily-ever-after tapestry?

Another excellent book by Susan Sleeman

When photographer Jennie Buchanan's life becomes threatened she has to rely on an old flame to keep her safe. From the first chapter, no first page, you are pulled into the breath taking chase. As Jennie discovers who is after her and why she becomes more dependent on the Justice Agency to keep her alive.

The Justice Agency is a family dedicated to law enforcement and they work together to protect their client. Ethan Justice takes the lead in this case and he's determined to keep Jennie safe at all cost. He's just one of the five member team, I can't wait to see what Susan Sleeman has in store for us in the next addition to this excellent series.

Overview

Photographer Jennie Buchanan unknowingly captures a drug-cartel meeting on film. And now she has become a killer's next target. Even worse, her only protection from the danger that threatens her life is the man who threatens her heart. Dodging bullets almost seems safer than facing the feelings stirred up by seeing former FBI agent and ex-boyfriend Ethan Justice again. Ethan vows to safeguard Jennie from the deadly men on her trail. And for a second chance at Jennie's love, he's willing to risk anything to expose the truth—about the drug smugglers, the past and the future together he still wants.

Arms of Love by Kelly Long

"Arms of Love" by best-selling author Kelly Long is not your typical Amish novel. Set in Lancaster Pennsylvania during the American Revolution of 1771 Ms. Long gives us real life problems that people dealt with at the time. The gripping writing lets the reader feel the character’s pain as they keep promises that go against their hearts true desire. Their faith strengthens as they deal with the turmoil of war and faith.

As a fan of historical fiction and Amish stories I highly recommend this book.

 

Book Description

The year is 1777. America is in turmoil. And Amish life is far different than today.
Pennsylvania in the late 18th century, once called William Penn’s Woods, was an assortment of different faiths living together for the first time in American history. Included in this tapestry was a small and struggling population called Amish.
Surrounding this peaceful people were unavoidable threats: both Patriots and the British were pillaging land and goods for the sake of the war, young Amishmen were leaving the faith to take up arms and defend freedom. A simple walk in the untamed forests could result in death, if not from bullet or arrow, then from an encounter with a wild animal.
Amid this time of tumult, Adam Wyse is fighting a personal battle. To possibly join the war efforts and leave his faith, which would mean walking away from the only woman he’s ever loved: Lena Yoder. But for that love he’s made a promise that may keep them apart permanently.