Beginnings by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Book 1 had Beth Quinn moving to Sommerfeld with her mother to claim an inheritance. Marie, Beth's mother, has rejoined the Mennonite church community, married former beau Henry and they are expecting twins. Beth, meanwhile, has opened a small stained glass workshop and has hired Andrew Braun to help her part time. A small sun-catcher has drawn the attention of Sean McCauley, co-owner of McCauley Church Construction, and he has contracted with Beth to complete a window piece as a possible consignment project. If they like it, she's hired. If not.... Beth and Andrew have a lot to learn about learning to work together as boss and employee and there are some tense moments when priorities get in the way. All in all a good second book for Sawyer, continuing the lives of Marie, Henry and now Beth, with the introduction of Andrew and Sean. A good read. Sandy Penton

Bygones by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Marie Koeppler Quinn is startled when Henry Braun, whom she hasn't seen for 23 years, arrives at the restaurant where she works and says he needs to talk to her. From a Mennonite family, Marie's father shut her out when she left and married out of the church. Now Marie and her daughter Beth go back to Sommerfeld, Kansas to live for 3 months to satisfy the stipulation in Aunt Lisbeth's will. Marie finds coming to the community difficult and finds herself falling into the pattern she learned in her early years, of praying to God for His help and His will to be done. Sawyer writes a heartfelt tale, the first of three in a series. A good read. Sandy Penton

Fields of Grace by Kim Vogel Sawyer

This is the story of Reinhardt and Lillian Vogt and their family, including Eilas Bornholdt foster brother of Reinhardt, Mennonite German/Russians in 1870-71 who leave the steppes of Russia to immigrate to Kansas in the United States. During the voyage Reinhardt and their youngest son die leaving Lillian no choice but to marry Elias in order for them to travel together. This is a compelling tale of immigrants arriving in Kansas, determined that with God's help they would survive, despite the difficulty of language, weather, and hard work. I liked this book very much. Sandy Penton

The Amish Gathering: Life in Lancaster County by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller & Barbara Cameron

These three Amish Novellas complement each other in that they are about neighbors in the same community. This great technique visits Leah Petersheim and her family. Leah, at eighteen, wants to write stories about the Amish and the Englischer. She isn't interested in the duties of a proper wife and this is distracting her daed and mamm to no end. Arron Lantz has other ideas. An uplifting beginning to this tale.

Rebecca Miller's story began five years ago when her sister Lizzie fell through the ice while skating and drowned. She has been grieving ever so long and is only now making head-way towards healing. Ben Weaver has cared for her for a very long time and hoped to sometime be able to ask Rebecca to marry him. Rebecca is coming out of her depression with an attitude and Ben as well as her family aren't sure what to do. Ben and Rebecca have a rocky journey through this well-written story but alls well that ends well.

Amanda Graber and her family live next door to the abandoned Bontrager homestead. Ten years prior, a young Amanda and next door neighbor Josiah Bontrager were close friends. Without warning or a goodbye, Josiah and his father were gone, leaving Amanda wondering what had happened to them. Josiah has returned to sell the home-place and Amanda wants to re-establish their friendship. Josiah's reluctance mystifies Amanda and their working together makes a great ending to this series of novellas. If you like stories about the Amish, this is a very good read. Sandy Penton

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

Jesse Oliver Aarons, Jr is caught in the middle of four sisters and often feels like the odd man out. When "hippie" neighbors move in across the pasture, Jess finds himself becoming friends with Leslie, a girl no less, who is in his grade. This is the story of friendship, of imagination, of responsibilities and the angst of a 10-year young boy. The book is labeled for junior reading but is good reading for readers of all kinds. A Newbery Medal Winner, the story is timeless. Sandy Penton

The Wheel of Darkness by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child

FBI Agent Pendergast and his ward Constance Greene are on a retreat to a Tibetan monastery high in the mountains when it is discovered that a sacred relic has been stolen. Pendergast is asked to find the relic, yet the monks can't seem to give a satisfactory description, only that is is very evil and can cause great harm in the wrong hands. A murder leads Pendergast and Greene to sail on the maiden voyage of the Britannia, confidant that the murderer and the relic are aboard. Preston and Child weave a complicated and frightening tale of suspense. A good read. Sandy Penton

Dead Wrong by J. A. Jance

One of Jance's best. Sheriff Joanna (Brady) Dixon is very pregnant and still on the job. A homicide victim is discovered, fingers have been cut off and no clues until she receives a missing person report. Dealing will staff shortages, her Animal Control Officer is determined to investigate a rash of dead, mutilated pit bull dogs, when she finds one still alive. Joanna tells her they are too short-handed to take this on. Jennifer ends up beaten to within an inch of her life and ends up in the hospital critical. Joanna and her officers are determined to find the perpetrators. Midst all this, her in-laws show up with their RV and park next to the garage to await the birth of this baby. Joanna has her plate full. This reader had to stay up to finish the story. Great writing Ms. Jance. Sandy Penton

The First Rule by Robert Crais

Joe Pike at his baddest. Friend and former business associate Frank Meyer and his family are murdered and Joe wants the murderers bad. The cops think Frank was dirty, but Joe says no. His investigation and with the help of sidekick Elvis Cole, uncover a twisted connection to organized crime gangs of the former Soviet Union. This is a great tale, this reader did not want to put it down until the last page! Sandy Penton

I, Sniper by Stephen Humter

It took me 6 chapters to get into this sniper-packed information tale before I got to read about Bob Lee Swagger, and then the story gets interesting. Someone has killed four prominent people who used to be active during the sixties and seventies. Hunter leads the reader and Bob Lee on a merry chase and a few more deaths, confounding the FBI and creating chaos in general. All in all a good read. It'll take more than a sniper to take down Bob Lee Swagger. Sandy Penton

October Song by Beverly Lewis

Lewis has written many stories about the Amish and their community. In October Song she ties up loose ends and brings the community together in a heart-felt story. A comforting read, good to the end. Sandy Penton

Flabbergasted by Ray Blackston

Stock broker Jay Jarvis has just moved to the east coast leaving behind an old girlfriend (by her choice). The real estate lady recommends one of the local churches if he is looking for female companionship and so Jay starts with the Presbyterians. A striking brunette catches his eye and he spends an inordinate amount of time pursuing Allie Kyle, discovering she is a missionary in Ecuador, South America. Determined to deepen the friendship, he joins the singles group in the church and they all spend a quirky weekend on the beach. A good read, leading the reader to fellowship with God and his amazing grace. Sandy Penton

Sanctuary by Beverly & David Lewis

Melissa James is on the run. Seeking someplace to hide, Mellie heads for Lancaster County in Pennsylvania and meets Amish woman Lela Denlinger. Lela offers a room and a shoulder. Mellie struggles with her past. Her life in danger, pieces of the puzzle start to fall together. Her father was not what he seemed. Her husband is not what he seems. Mellie turns to God for comfort and answers. All in all, a pretty good story. Sandy Penton

The Goodnight Trail by Ralph Compton

A little peek into the history of the west about 1865-6. Benton McCaleb and a couple of his Texas Ranger friends decide to try rounding up and driving unbranded longhorns north to make some money. Encountering Charles Goodnight they join up and face murderous Indians, crooked whites and a bunch of good people, too. I liked the approach to historical fiction, gives some good facts, peppered with excitement of life as it must have been then. I would recommend. Sandy Penton

The year of fog by Michelle Richmond

This book is about Abby Mason. She is a photgrapher and her life if trying out great. She is engaged to a wonderful man (Jake) who has a daughter, Emma. They live San Francisco. Then one day at the beach on a foggy day, Abby takes her off of Emma just long enough to take a picture and Emma disappears. This is a book about the following year. It's one of those books that I wanted to know how it ended as soon as Emma disappeared. I couldn't wait to find the answer of whether they will find Emma again and whether Jake and Abby can survive the crisis. I would recommend this book. It does throw a lot about Abby's past. Sometime that got a little long for me, but I still enjoyed the book. Pat M

Alice's Tulips by Sandra Dallas

Newlywed Alice Bullock has waved good-bye to her young husband Charlie as he is off to battle the Confederates during the Civil War. Life with her mother-in-law on a farm for capricious Alice is not what she expected when she married Charlie. Times are hard and Alice finds comfort in quilting. A series of letters to her sister, Lizzie, the reader is privy to the thoughts, fears, and hopes of a Midwestern family during this time. Sandy Penton

Hothouse Orchid by Stuart Woods

Holly Barker, Special Agent with the CIA, is on vacation at her hometown of Orchid Beach, Florida. A series of murders, linked to a former associate, has Holly focusing on him as a possible suspect. This is a so-so murder-mystery-suspense tale, great if you are a Stuart Woods fan. Sandy Penton

Dream When You're Feeling Blue by Elizabeth Berg

The Heaney family of Chicago is portrayed during the war years of the 40's. Sisters Kitty and Louise are saying good-bye to their boyfriends Julian and Michael who are going to fight overseas. The whole family is involved in patriotic acts during this time and their feelings are explored. This reader felt author Berg gives a fairly authentic description of this era and liked the book very much. Thoughtful reading. Sandy Penton

Swimsuit by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro

Ex-cop, now crime reporter for the L A Times, Ben Hawkins is sent to Maui to cover the murder of supermodel Kim McDaniels only to find himself enmeshed in a horrific psychopathic nightmare. Patterson disappoints. You can only kill/murder so many people. An ok read if you are a fan. Sandy Penton

The Chili Queen by Sandra Dallas

Addie French is not who she seems at all. When she meets Emma Roby on the train in dusty Kansas while traveling to Nalgitas, New Mexico, her life will undergo changes she only dreamed about. A quirky, entertaining historical fiction of a madam of the old west and the characters who populate her life. A quick read, a page turner. Sandy Penton

Where Grace Abides by B. J. Hoff

1856, Amish settlement near Riverhaven, Ohio. Rachel finds herself strongly attracted to Englisher Jeremiah Gant who investigated the possibility of joining the Church in order to marry Rachel. When the Bishop gave a resounding "No" Rachel and Jeremiah feel their love may be doomed. Her mother Sarah and betrothed Dr. David Sebastion encourage the couple to not give up. Bad things are still happening in the settlement with Fannie being attacked, horses stolen out of the barn, and Malachai's wife is abducted. Jeremiah is still active in the underground railroad. All in all this was a pretty exciting book. The reader is anxiously awaiting book number three Gideon's Hope, due to come out in the fall 2010. Sandy Penton

Rachel's Secret by B. J. Hoff

Rachel Brenneman, young widow, no children, Amish in the 1850's, is startled when there is a pounding on her door at night during a terrible rainstorm. An injured Englisher, a black man and a large black dog are on her porch seeking help. So begins a story of the Amish near Riverhaven, Ohio. A compelling tale of the underground railroad and the tensions that are created when the wounded Jeremiah Gant, an outsider, is forced to spend several weeks recuperating in Rachel's home to the dismay of her mother and the bishop and one Deacon Samuel. I liked it. Sandy Penton

Enslaved by Ducks by Bob Tarte

True story. Well, the author might have exaggerated a bit, but I can believe it. Bob and Linda start out in the city with one cat. Then.... they buy a 100 year old house in the country with a few acres and a barn, a fenced in yard and the potential for tranquility.... not. The desire for a cute little bunny leads to birds, duck, more rabbits, geese, another cat, turkeys... True animal lovers will get a kick out of Bob and Linda Tarte's experiences with their animals. A good read for a cold winter day. Sandy Penton

Leah's Choice by Marta Perry

Teacher Leah has decided she is no doubt going to be an old maid and is accepting of it. When widow Daniel Glick moves to Pleasant Valley with his 3 young children, the matchmaking begins. Daniel is adamant that his children be raised under the rules of the church and Leah is volunteering with an Englisher clinic researching family histories for clues that will help the sick children who are born to the small gene pool of Amish. This creates tension between the two as well as Leah's ex-fiance Johnny Kile who has reappeared and her sister, Anna, who is doing some heavy duty rumspringa(ing). All in all, makes a good story and a bit of insight on some of the genetic problems facing the Amish. I liked it, am looking forward to book 2, Rachel's Garden. Sandy Penton

The Doctor's Wife by Elizabeth Brundage

Busy Dr. Michael Knowles doesn't have enough time for his family, yet he takes on yet one more job moonlighting at a women's health clinic. His wife Annie's role as mother/teacher is becoming stale. She begins a love affair with notorious painter Simon Haas, who is married to Lydia, who has problems of her own. Thus begins a tale of intrigue, suspense, and cheating spouses. The author keeps the reader entertained to the very end. Sandy Penton

The Outlaw's Twin Sister by Stephen Bly

Julianna Oritz, the aunt of Paco, runs the Lordsburg jewelry store. Her twin brother, Guillermo, is in a Mexican jail due to be executed in three days. Refusing his appeals to help him escape, Julianna returns to Lordsburg encountering DelNorte, mysterious and charming. Bandit Ramona Hawk has yet again escaped from prison and is terrorizing the countryside, determined to even the score with Guillermo, DelNorte and Julianna. The sometimes humorous dialogue captivates the reader, entertaining to the end. A good read. Sandy Penton

The General's Notorious Widow by Stephen Bly

Lixie Miller, secluded in Lordsburg, New Mexico, meets Jefferson Carter and finds her interest piqued. Annoyed by "famous writer" Charles P Noble of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania who wants to write her autobiography as the notorious General's widow, Lixie is determined that he will not write about her. When a young, injured Apache girl is brought to her for care, her maternal instincts kick in. All this makes for an interesting story in a western setting. Not a bad read. Sandy Penton

vid Heyman

This book is about Robert Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy. It tells about their relationship after John F. Kennedy's death. I have read other biographies about the Kennedy. Some of it was in these books, but most of the book hits on new information. If you are interested in the Kennedys, this book would be good to read. Pat M

The Senator's Other Daughter by Stephen Bly

Grace Denison is a trail blazer. Banned from home by her politically ambitious father, she arrives in Lordsburg, New Mexico to be the night-shift telegrapher. Certainly not shy, she rubs Colton Parnell the wrong way leading to a rocky relationship. A secret from her past is eating at her causing her to consider her life and where she wants to go with it. A nice little read. Sandy Penton

The Paper Man by Michael Frederick

Floyd Harvey Deason is a product of a broken home. On the road with his paper-products salesman father, he is expected to take over when dad retires. When he is 12-13 years old, he meets Josie, who he calls Ms Sun, the girl with the golden eyes and is determined to find her again when they are both older. This story contains hope, loss, regret, love, betrayal and forgiveness. An intriguing mix of emotion keeping the reader's interest to the end. Frederick is honing his writing skills. I really liked the book. Sandy Penton

Forgiven by Shelley Shepard Gray

Amish Winnie Lundy is severely injured during a barn fire. During her hospitalization she is visited by Englisher Samuel Miller, a childhood friend. Their friendship is renewed and Winnie discovers she cares for Samuel but fears her dream of marriage to him will never be because she will not leave her church. Samuel, raised by Amish parents, has chosen to further his education and teaches at a university close by. He knows he is attracted to Winnie but can't seem to decide if he can give up all the advantages of living as an Englisher. We also read of the struggles of Winnie's brother, Jonathan, who seeks revenge on the individual who possibly set fire to his barn. Of course in a community founded on grace and forgiveness, Jonathan isn't getting much sympathy. Another interesting story of Amish life. Sandy Penton

Wanted by Shelley Shepard Gray

Katie Brenneman has her eye on widower Jonathan Lundy. With two small children, she feels she would be a good mother and helpmate to Jonathan, but he doesn't seem interested. When circumstances arise that require someone to step into Jonathan's home and care for the children a couple of months, Katie is eager to do so, hoping to catch his eye. A message from a friend from her past rumspringa threatens Katie and causes her alarm. A good story that relates the peace that comes with turning things over to God. Enjoyed it. Sandy Penton

Hidden by Shelley Shepard Gray

Anna Metzger finds she is out of her league when smooth talking boyfriend Rob lets her know he "is in charge." When her parents don't believe her accusations, she runs to childhood friend, Katie Brenneman, who is Amish, believing that Rob will never think to look for her there. Anna tries to blend in by pretending to be Amish, finds she is drawn to Katie's brother Henry, and is fearful of being found out by Rob. When a friend of her mother spys Anna, she feels it is time to get in touch with her parents and possibly return home. This is an interesting story of how an Englisher considers becoming Amish. A good read. Sandy Penton