Mailbox Monday - June 11

Mailbox Monday is a meme started by Marcia of To Be Continued. Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. It now has a permanent home at the Mailbox Monday blog.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles, and humongous wish lists.

You ever have plans--really great plans? You ever look forward to those plans and then get miffed when they get messed up? That was me yesterday. All I wanted to do was get back in my garden and put up the crop cover and finally plant everything. Did I do that? No. I showed houses instead. Now, don't get me wrong. I love my job. I just wish it hadn't taken over my life.

I'm probably grumpy. I missed all last week blogging because I was...working. That came on the heels of me spending a few days doing the most depressing thing I've done in a long time--cleaning out my in-laws' house. I'm not sure I fully appreciated how difficult it is to pack up the lives of your parents or in-laws until doing it. Gosh, they aren't even gone yet and I was crying over finding things like family photos and art projects from the boys' school years. There are two big things left to clean out--the basement and my husband's old room. Not looking forward to either.

On to lighter and brighter things...my mailbox. This weekend brought with it something I've been waiting for. Author Vannetta Chapman, one of my favorite Amish fiction authors, opened up a store on her website. So I bought something because I firmly believe in supporting my fellow authors as much as I can.

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.

I also picked up two Kindle books by my friend Marilyn Meredith. She writes the Rocky Buff P.D. (under F.M. Meredith) and the Deputy Tempe Crabtree series.

Based on the author’s family stories, three generations of dauntless women follow their hearts across the western plains.
1858 - Mary, the gentle eastern schoolteacher, loses her heart to a handsome trapper. They overcome the hardships of frontier life in Wisconsin to establish a family dynasty.
1880 – Wilhelmina, Mary’s flame-haired daughter, kidnapped as a child by Indians, is renamed “Indian Paintbrush.” She marries Taihinco, a Menominee brave, who teaches her the meaning of unbridled passion.
1908 – Desdemona Diana, nicknamed “Minnie,” the fiercely independent daughter of Wilhelmina’s older sister, defies family and convention to wed the man of her choice. They journey to Southern California to make a new life, where she founds a dynasty of her own.

Based on the real lives of two families, Two Ways West, chronicles the journey of the Crabtrees through Mexico and by steamboat to California; and the Osborns by wagon train along the Mormon Trail.

That's it for me this week. Hope you had a great mailbox.

Book Review: Who the Bishop Knows by Vannetta Chapman

Who the Bishop Knows by Vannetta Chapman is a stellar end to a superb series.

In the final installment of Chapman's Amish Bishop Mysteries series, Henry Lapp and Emma Fisher are attending the rodeo when Jeremiah Schwartz is fatally injured. In the past, Henry's special gift has helped the local authorities solve mysteries. This time, however, he wasn't in the arena when Jeremiah was killed, so drawing what he saw won't work. When other members of his community are threatened, Henry will need to rely on his keen sense of human character and observation to crack the case.

I'm sorry to see this series end; but if it must end, I am so glad it went out in such a spectacular way. Beloved characters blend with new characters and a plot filled with twists and turns to create an engaging mystery. Chapman has always been talented in creating that vital sense of community that is indicative of the genre. Her books highlight the challenges and blessings of working alongside the Englisch members living nearby. This series has been as much about building bridges between the two worlds as it is in solving the mysteries.

Though this is a stand alone novel, I highly recommend starting with the first book, What the Bishop Saw. It's nice to watch the relationships evolve throughout the three books. Faith, friendship, and learning to accept our talents are recurrent themes. If you like Amish fiction and enjoy mysteries, you won't want to miss Who the Bishop Knows by Vannetta Chapman.


Series: The Amish Bishop Mysteries (Book 3)
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (March 6, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 073696651X
ISBN-13: 978-0736966511


I purchased a copy of this book from Amazon. This review contains my honest opinion, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Book Review: When the Bishop Needs an Alibi by Vannetta Chapman

Bishop Henry Lapp, Emma Fisher, and more familiar faces return in When the Bishop Needs an Alibi, the second book in Vannetta Chapman's Amish Bishop Mystery series.

Henry and Emma find themselves in the middle of another mystery when he discovers the body of a young woman while visiting the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge to witness the annual arrival of 20,000 sandhill cranes to the San Luis Valley of Colorado.

When Henry quickly becomes the primary murder suspect, it seems like God is calling him to use his special talent to help in the investigation. He realizes his involvement in discovering the truth could put those he cares about in the path of a dangerous killer who will stop at nothing to make sure Henry is framed for murder.

As much as I enjoyed the first book in this series, What the Bishop Saw, I loved this one more. Faith, friendship, and courage blend together to create an engaging story that pulls you in immediately. It's wonderful to watch Henry and Emma's relationship evolve in the second novel. In addition, the strong ties that bind this community together add a meaningful dynamic to the story. Chapman continues to fascinate me with her ability to weave an amazing story that keeps you riveted and also touches your heart.

I can't wait for Who the Bishop Knows, which is due out this spring. I highly recommend this series to lovers of Amish fiction and cozy mysteries.

Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (September 1, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736966498
ISBN-13: 978-0736966498

I received a copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Book Review: What the Bishop Saw by Vannetta Chapman

If you like Amish mysteries, you need to grab a copy of What the Bishop Saw by Vannetta Chapman. This first book in a new series features a bishop with an extraordinary talent that could be the key to finding a murderer.

Bishop Henry Lapp rushes to the scene of an out of control fire in the San Luis Valley of Colorado. He soon learns the fire was no accident and that Vernon Frey was killed. Considering Vernon's reputation in the Amish and Englisch communities there is no end to potential suspects.

When police suspect someone Henry knows is innocent, he must decide if he will use his mysterious, God-given gift to set the record straight.

When I heard Chapman was releasing a new series that blended two of my favorite genres--Amish fiction and mystery--there was no doubt I would read it. What the Bishop Saw hooked me right from the Prologue and didn't let go until the Epilogue was done. I'm already planning to beg to review the next book in the series when it comes out.

Her trademark of "Christian Fiction Full of Grace" is front and center throughout this exciting story, while the romance between Henry and Emma percolates slowly like a good cup of coffee. The ending is superb and I loved the Epilogue. The novel is filled with characters I hope we will see again in the next book.

I have enjoyed everything I've ever read by Vannetta Chapman, but What the Bishop Saw is my new favorite. I can't wait to see what happens next in The Amish Bishop Mysteries series.


Series: The Amish Bishop Mysteries (Book 1)
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (May 1, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736966471
ISBN-13: 978-0736966474

I received a copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Coming in May: What the Bishop Saw by Vannetta Chapman

Somewhere in the Embers Lies the Truth

A fire blazes out of control in the San Luis Valley of Colorado, leaving an elderly Amish bachelor dead. Bishop Henry Lapp rushes to the scene, and he learns the fire was no accident. Someone intended to kill Vernon Frey. But who would want to kill Vernon? Well, practically everyone—Amish and Englisch alike.

When the police point the finger at a suspect Henry knows is innocent, the bishop must decide whether or not to use his mysterious, God-given gift—one he's tried desperately to ignore all these years—to try and set the record straight. His close friend and neighbor, Emma, encourages Henry to follow God's leading.

Could the clue to solving the case be locked somewhere deep in his memory? Will Henry find the courage to move forward in faith and put the right person behind bars? Is his friendship with Emma becoming something more?


What the Bishop Saw is a story of extraordinary talents, the bonds of love and friendship, and the unfailing grace of God.

Series: The Amish Bishop Mysteries (Book 1)
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (May 1, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736966471
ISBN-13: 978-0736966474

Pre-order here!

E-book On Sale This Weekend: An Amish Market by Vannetta Chapman Et al.

Graphic from Vannetta Chapman's Facebook page

Love Birds by Amy Clipston

While Ellie Lapp and her mother are still mourning the loss of her brother, Seth, Ellie starts working at one of the gift shops in town. Seth’s friend Lloyd is talented at carving wooden birds, but his father disapproves and expects him to take over the family farm someday. Ellie sees the beauty in Lloyd’s creations and insists Lloyd sell the birds in the gift shop where she works. As Ellie and Lloyd spend more time together, they begin to develop feelings for one another, but she accidentally betrays his trust. Will she lose any hope of a future with him?


A Bid for Love by Kathleen Fuller

Every week, Hannah Lynne brings her home-churned butter to the local market. And every week Ezra stops by to purchase some. Hannah Lynne knows not to read too much into it—Ezra is a confirmed bachelor and barely even glances her way, despite any hope to the contrary. But when Ezra bids an exorbitant amount to win the quilt she had her heart set on, Hannah Lynne can’t stop her heart from taking over her mind. Could Ezra finally be in the market for love?


Sweeter Than Honey by Kelly Irvin

Shattering a jar of pickled beets wasn’t the impression Isabella hoped to make on her first trip to the local Combination Store of Bee County, Texas. But as embarrassed as she was by the accident, she didn’t think it warranted the frosty reaction from the handsome manager of the store, Will Glick. As she soon learns, though, Will’s heart has been broken one too many times. And now, for some reason, Isabella finds herself determined to be the one to repair that broken heart and renew his faith in love.


Love in Store by Vannetta Chapman

Stella Schrock works at the Old Mill in Nappanee, Indiana, with new employee David Stoltzfus, a recent widower. When strange happenings begin occurring around town, it appears as if someone wants to close the mill. Stella and David have to work together to solve the mystery of what is happening at the Old Amish Mill, and in the process they might just find that God has more in store for their future than they would ever have dreamed possible.

Purchase at:

CBD

Amazon

B&N

Mailbox Monday - August 22

Mailbox Monday is a meme started by Marcia of To Be Continued. Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. It now has a permanent home at the Mailbox Monday blog.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles, and humongous wish lists.

When you read this, I'll be spending some time with the family in NYC: a short overnight trip before school starts. I'm actually not planning on doing anything real estate related while we are away. Gasp! Can you believe it?

This past Friday, we attended my little brother's wedding. After my mother passed away, my dad remarried, so I have two baby brothers--both much taller than I. Brother Dave has served in the military and currently runs a non-profit organization to help disabled veterans. He got married at The State Room in Albany, NY.

As for reading materials, I haven't wanted to request too many things because I am so far behind. There are two authors, though, whose books I try never to miss: Charlotte Hubbard and Vannetta Chapman. Here's Vannetta's latest:

Sarah Yoder belongs to a Plain community in Oklahoma, but her days are far from simple. Life suddenly gets complicated when a series of tragic events unfold, leaving her in charge of the household.

Alone with her younger siblings, Sarah is exhausted but finally at peace. Then she nearly runs over a small Hispanic boy with her buggy...and somehow finds herself sheltering two more orphans.

Paul Byler moved to Cody's Creek to help his brother in a time of need. But now that Joseph has recovered from his heart attack, Paul's ready for a quiet place of his own. The only problem? His new property lands him next door to the orphaned Yoder family—and a calling from God he can't seem to ignore.

A story of extraordinary grace and love in the face of desperate need, Sarah's Orphans is the third standalone novel in the Plain and Simple Miracles collection by Vannetta Chapman.

What did your mailbox hold this week?

Mailbox Monday - June 20

Mailbox Monday is a meme started by Marcia of To Be Continued. Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. It now has a permanent home at the Mailbox Monday blog.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles, and humongous wish lists.

Happy Monday, everyone! It's been a busy week of introducing people to their new homes and lots of personal decisions. My mind is filled to the point of exploding but, in many ways, it's also a relief.

The Lil' Diva and Lil' Princess are now 14 (soon to be 15) and 12 (turning 13 in November). My time remaining with my babies is limited. My in-laws are in declining health. As such, I've given up some volunteer commitments and might be giving up one more. My hectic work schedule has forced me to make some changes so I have more time to spend with the ones who matter most.

One other decision I made is to stop paying for my domain here and go back to a free blog. Since returning to work, I don't blog as much as I used to.

Originally, I was going to maintain just my Facebook page for The Busy Mom's Daily. Instead, I am going to do what all the organizations tell me not to do: combine my busy family life and my career into one blog: Busy REALTOR® Mom. I'm going to keep it a free blog and talk about things that are important for homeowners and buyers, in addition to all the stuff I talk about here: books, tips for busy moms, travel memories, and more. If the blog is successful, I'll probably buy a new domain, but that's not in the cards right now.

I hope you'll visit Busy REALTOR® Mom and like it just as much--if not better than--The Busy Mom's Daily.

Now, on to books. Here's what arrived in my mailbox last week. I hope you'll share some of yours too.

Author… storyteller… nice guy…

Award-winning author Mark Binder writes and performs in this upcoming fun audio book that engages young readers. Scheduled release date is September 16, 2016. You can find out more at http://markbinder.com/

I'm part of Vannetta Chapman's street team this year. As such, I've received three books of hers to review so far. I'll be posting reviews at The Book Connection, Busy REALTOR® Mom, and Cheryl's Christian Book Connection soon. Thank goodness for summer vacations.

Life in Abney, Texas, is predictable and safe—until the night a massive solar flare wipes out all modern technology.

Shelby Sparks, novelist and single mom, had one goal: to provide for her diabetic son. In the wake of this global disaster, her mission hasn't changed. Only now, medication is a priceless commodity and the future resembles an apocalyptic nightmare.

Max Berkman and Shelby were once sweethearts, but he lost his chance at claiming her love years ago. When the abrupt loss of power ushers him into a leadership role, he rises to the occasion. But his highest priority—to keep Shelby and her son safe—could prove to be the biggest challenge of all.

As the brilliant northern lights give way to deep shadows, Max and Shelby's faith will be tested like never before. Only one rule remains: Find a way to survive.

* * *

In this first book in an eerily plausible dystopian series, a memorable cast of characters must navigate a familiar world thrown into chaos.

That's all from my corner of the world. Hope you all have a great week.