The Haven by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Back Cover:

Spring brings new life, young love, and second chances to Stoney Ridge. On a warm spring day, Sadie Lapp returns home to her quiet, unassertive life in Stoney Ridge after spending the winter in Ohio.
Gideon Smucker, an awkward schoolteacher, has been in love with Sadie since childhood and eagerly awaits her return. But does Sadie feel the same about him?
Will Stoltz, a charming and impetuous college student, has been banished for a semester and sent to babysit endangered peregrine falcons nesting at the Lapp farm. He'd rather be anywhere else . . . until he befriends Sadie.
As the hopes and ambitions of these three young people converge, life in Stoney Ridge may never be the same.
Once again, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher intrigues and delights with a story that explores the bonds of friendship, family, and true love in this captivating series.

Review:

If I had to describe this book in a few words, I would say: A very cute romance novel, with an Amish twist. It is a story about young love, friendship, family, and discovering who you are and what you want in life.

This is a second book in a series, but it is a good stand alone novel. I could gather enough from the second book to figure out what had happened in the previous book, without being confusing or guessing.

This was a very down to earth story – nothing was over exaggerated, and I didn’t find anything too unbelievable. Suzanne Woods Fisher tells her story with a perfect balance of humor and seriousness.

I really enjoyed the story and characters. Sadie is having difficulty deciding between two very different boys, the tension is growing between the two potential beaus, and of course a mischievous little sister to stir up trouble!

And of course, this story leaves off with a few huge questions – guaranteeing that I will be picking up the next book in the series, not to mention the first book as well!

It was a lovely summer read, light but not boring, and overall an enjoyable read.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Whispers in the Wind by Lauraine Snelling

Back Cover:

After fleeing North Dakota and the now defunct Wild West Show, Cassie Lockwood and her companions have finally found the hidden valley in South Dakota where her father had dreamed of putting down roots. But to her dismay, she discovers a ranch already built on her land.

Cassie's arrival surprises Mavis Engstrom and forces her to reveal secrets she's kept hidden for years. Her son Ransom is suspicious of Cassie and questions the validity of her claim to the valley. But Lucas Engstrom decides from the start that he is in love with her and wants to marry her.

Will Cassie be able to build a home on the Bar E Ranch and fulfill her father's dream of raising horses, or will she be forced to return to the itinerant life of her past?

Review:

This book starts off right were the first in the Wild West Wind series ends. I had recently reread the first book in the series (click here for my review of Valley of Dreams - the first book in the series!) so I was able to pick up the book and know what was happening.

In this book, Cassie deals with coming to grip of having part ownership of a ranch, providing for her family, trying to find her place in the community, dealing with the past, and romance problems! It was fun to read about how Cassie learned how to run a homestead and ranch, and all the problems or unpleasantness that came along with it.

The character development is wonderful in the book. Lauraine Snelling introduced the characters from the first book, and now develops them into something special. There are a lot of characters in this series, but they all a wonderful addition to the story.

The second book definitely answered questions left unanswered from the first, but the only thing I though when I finished the book was, is this all? I have so many more questions – I want to know what happens next! I will definitely be waiting for the third installment of the Wild West Wind series. Lauraine Snelling has done a wonderful job!



Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.