Plain Pursuit by Beth Wiseman

Englischer Carley Marck needs some time away after recovering from an auto accident that resulted in the death of her mother. Traveling to Lancaster County to visit her friend Lillian Stoltzfus for a month, Lillian and Samuel's son David falls ill, resulting in a visit to the hospital emergency room and shunned brother Dr. Noah Stoltzfus. Samuel's faith is tried, Lillian is compliant and Carley can't understand the unfairness of the shunning. Wiseman creates a story of love and compassion as well as forgiveness, a joy to read. Sandy Penton

Virginia Brides - Three Complete Novels

Spoke of Love by Cathy Marie Hake.

Garnet Wheelock is rescued from a life of misery by widower Samuel Walsh. Needing someone to care for his children and keep up the home, Samuel hopes Garnet will stay. Garnet is grateful for the opportunity to lead a life sheltered by Samuel. Then the neighbors begin to talk.... Need I say more. Set in the 1750's, makes for interesting reading.

Spinning Out of Control by Vickie McDonough.

Continuing the saga begun in Spoke of Love, it is 1803 and Micah Walsh had been gone for seven months, during this time his wife has died in childbirth. Amy Rogers, a cousin of his now deceased wife, had arrived in time to witness the birth of Micah's daughter and has stayed on to help keep the family together. Micah doesn't have a clue as to who Amy is or even if he should trust her and is also having trouble accepting the baby. Again another good story about relationships and learning to communicate.

Weaving a Future by Susan Page Davis.

Harry Cooper is looking to buy horses from Sadie McEwan's father. When he returns to collect them, Sadie is quite distressed and seems to have a secret. Soon events occur that cause Harry to stay at the McEwan place to help out. Being attracted to Sadie (of course) Harry pursues. Another interesting and convoluted ending to this series of novels. Sandy Penton

Summer of Light by W. Dale Cramer

Mick Brannigan, high rise construction worker, loses his job after an accident (might or might not be his fault) on the job. His wife Layne has wanted him to take some time off and keep the kids while she works so to her way of thinking, this is perfect timing. Four-year-old Dylan needs some extra attention because of sensory integration dysfunction and it is up to Mick to give it to him. Should be a snap thinks Mick and after a few mishaps he feels maybe it is in the cards for him to do this. With the help of neighbors Hap and Aubrey and his homeless friend "The Man With No Hands", Mick finds fulfillment and meaning in his life. Some laugh-out-loud moments, Mick entertains with his down-to-earth philosophy of life and Layne is a good-humored caring mom/working woman. I greatly enjoyed this story, could see it happen in real life. Sandy Penton

Duma Key by Stephen King

Edgar Freemantle is putting his life back together after a work-related accident costs him his arm and his wife. He is pulled to Duma Key, Florida where he leases Big Pink (a salmon colored beach house) owned by elderly Elizabeth Eastlake who has a tragic past. A doodler in the past, he decides to take up painting. With a compulsion that can't be explained, he furiously draws and paints. When the paintings and the painting itself seems to have a power that puzzles and frightens him, he turns to neighbor Eastlake and her companion Jeremy Wireman. King creates another spell-binding tale of suspense and mystery. A good read. Sandy Penton

Bad Ground by W. Dale Cramer

Seventeen-year-old, Jeremy Prine, grieving his mother's death, is fearful, lost in spirit and hitchhiking to his uncle Aiden's in Atlanta (who has no idea he is coming). Aiden (known as Snake) suffered grievous burns over much of his head and body in the accident that killed Jeremy's father and has become a recluse because of the scarring, working as a miner on the night shift. Jeremy, seeking Snake's help, is a catalyst for the redemption of his uncle, the men he works with and in the process meets a young lady who encourages him. This is a heart-warming story of faith, good to the very end. Sandy Penton

Plain Perfect by Beth Wiseman

Lillian Miller is returning to her grandparents after seventeen years, feeling lost and looking for answers and peace. Of Amish heritage, her mother Sarah Jane Miller left home at nineteen moving from one job, one man, one heartache to another neglecting Lillian. Grandparents Irma Rose and ailing Jonas are looking forward to having her and hope she will become Amish despite having been raised Englisch. Lillian meets widower Samuel Stoltzfus and his son David. Seeking friendship, their feelings for each other grow, causing more complications. This is a good story about making choices, good and bad, and growing up. I liked it very much. Sandy Penton

Quaker Summer by Lisa Samson

Heather and Jace Curridge are living high on the hog. He is a successful cardiac surgeon and she, with one child fifteen-year-old Will, spends a lot of time on meaningless committees and baking cakes for meaningless meetings. Jace has a secret and Heather knows what it is, but he isn't aware and is not talking to her about it. Will is not the most popular kid on the block but he does have friends and is showing an interest in doing something more meaningful with his life other than being popular. Eating her way through cakes, Heather has a distasteful childhood memory that is punching all her guilt buttons, and wants to do something about. When she has an accident that covers her with cake, breaks a few ribs and gives her some bruises, elderly, Quaker sisters Anna and Liza step in offering her a place to stay while she recuperates. She has also become acquainted with Sister Jerusha who administrates The Hotel, a half-way house for recovering addicts, abused women, pregnant teenagers, and vagrants. This is a somewhat tedious story (the first part anyway) that has some great insights if you can get to Part Two and get to the meat of the tale. A good read. Sandy Penton

Sutter's Cross by W. Dale Cramer

Jake Mahaffey recognizes the jeans with the ink stain on the back pocket. But how did the tall, disheveled stranger get them? Thus, the introduction to Harley, an individual who is to bring about changes in the small town of Sutter's Cross. Many lives are affected as Jake and his wife Lori befriend Harley, Miss Agnes boards Harley, Web Holcombe's plans for Sutter's Cross get derailed and two young boys, Eddie Holcombe and Marcus Banks have adventures Tom Sawyer would enjoy. A heartfelt story of people's faith and their growth in that faith. I recommend. Sandy Penton

Blood of the Prodigal by P. L . Gaus

Ten-year-old Jeremiah Miller has disappeared. His bishop grandfather and grandmother, who have raised him since a baby, want the boy's father found but don't want to go to the authorities whom they don't trust. Grandfather Eli goes to an Englisher he trusts and asks him to help find Jonah, his son, who was banned ten years earlier. This book gives a good example of how the Amish community thinks and works and what we, as Englishers, might want to remember when meeting someone from the Amish community. This reader found the fictional tale, An Ohio Amish Mystery, very interesting and was sympathetic to the characters. Recommend. Sandy Penton

Audio: Above the law by Tim Green; narrated by Bernadette Dunne

When an illegal migrant worker is shot on a prominent senator's Texas rance, the incident is quickly declared a tragic hunting accident. The wife of the dead man's wife comes to Casey Jordan because her baby is taken away from her and she is being sent back to Mexico with the baby. Casey is a lawyer who represent those people who can't defend themselves. Casey feels that something else is going on, and that it wasn't an accident. This book has everything: a huggard and heroic lawyer, a corrupt cop, international intrigue, human trafficking, border-security issues, a drug-running operation, murder, vigilante juctice, a wrongful death lawsuit, and more. There is even some romance. I enjoyed listening to this book. I have heard two other books by Bernadette Dunne and enjoyed them, too. I would recommend this in book form or audio form. Pat M

True blue by David Baldacci

This book is about Beth Perry, the chief of the District of Columbia's Metropolitan Police and her younger sister, Mace Perry, who was once a police officer and sent to jail for two years. She is now out and trying to crack a big case on her own, hoping to get back on the force. The story begins with a lawyer in a top law firm being murdered and placed in a refrigerator. Also working at this law firm is Roy Kingman. Mace and Roy try to solve the murder without getting murdered themselves. I enjoyed this book. I would recommend it to people who enjoy murder mysteries with a little romance thrown in. Pat M

The Civility Solution by P. M. Forni

The book is about how to confront the rudeness that we face everyday. This could be at work, in stores, on transportation, or with our family and friends. He tells us that how we react to rudeness can make a difference on whether the situations gets worse or better. I really liked this book. I think that everyone should read it.

Levi's Will by W. Dale Cramer

Based on the author's father's life experiences, Cramer gives life to William Mullett who runs away from home at 19 years of age, when it appears that he will have to marry pregnant Mattie. The chapters skip from Will's current life, to the time he left home through events that happened in between, causing the reader to understand that Will is reminiscing. grieving, feeling guilty, looking back on his life, trying to understand himself, his children, his wife and most of all, his father. When Will asks his friend Barefoot what the purpose is of their life here on earth, he discovers answers as they are played out over the days following. A closeness to God is discovered and peace seems to be on the horizon. A wonderful and memorable story. Sandy Penton.

See Jane Die by Erica Spindler

Jane Westbrook and her estranged sister Police Detective Stacy Killian are brought together when a murdered woman is found to have ties to her plastic surgeon husband Ian Westbrook. Circumstantial evidence points to Ian as more bodies are found, but Jane is certain that Ian is innocent. Spindler creates a twisted tale of murder, suspense and fear that keeps the reader turning the pages to a surprise ending. Great read. Sandy Penton

Courting Trouble by Lisa Scottoline

Attorney Anne Murphy is off to the coast for the weekend leaving Mel, the cat, in the care of house-sitter Willa. Awaking to the news that she, Anne, has been murdered, Anne rushes back to the city determined to find the killer by remaining "dead." She soon realizes that this is a job she can't do alone and will have to depend on people she hardly knows. Scottoline does a bang-up job of keeping up the dialogue, the pace and the action. A really great read. Sandy Penton

Outsider by Diana Palmer

Colby Lane, retired CIA operative and mercenary, has been hired to beef up security at Ritter Oil Corporation. His first day on the job he meets a sassy little six-year-old and surprise, surprise, an ex-wife to whom he had been married one day! Concerned about a drug ring operating on the company premises, Colby's boss gives him some information yet seems to with- hold other information, leaving him puzzled. Palmer gives the reader a tasty little tale of romance, action and suspense. Sandy Penton

The Hope Chest by Wanda E Brunstetter

Rachel Beachy loves fishing, watching birds and being outdoors. Silas Swartlely, whom she has a crush on, is enamored of Rachel's sister Anna. Anna is interested in Rueben. Brother Joseph is interested in Pauline who is older than him. This story, mainly about Rachel and Silas, revolves around the lives of her brothers and sisters and the people they love and the problems they encounter. Another touching story. Sandy Penton

Plain & Fancy by Wanda E Brunstetter

Englischer Laura Meade enrolls in the Lancaster School of Design to further her education and get ideas from the Amish community for her work. When she encounters Eli Yoder at a farmer's market, she is smitten and Eli finds her compelling. When they meet a second time, Eli offers to give her a ride in his buggy which she accepts. Her friend, Darcy, tells her to be careful and not get too attached to the Amish man. Eli feels he can just remain friends with this girl who is so interesting to him. Well, as you can imagine, things heat up and the plot thickens. Laura decides to become Amish in order to get Eli to marry her. A good story of the trials of becoming Amish rather than being born Amish. A good read. Sandy Penton

Looking for a Miracle by Wanda E Brunstetter

Rebekah Stoltzfus, injured as a child and now pretty much confined to a wheel chair and struggled to accept her lot in life. Her friends are pairing up and getting married and she feels she is bound to be an old maid. Seeking some kind of employment that would make her self- sufficient, she decides on raising and selling plants and flowers. Shy Daniel Beachy, also interested in gardening, is attracted to Rebekah and attempts to get to know her better. When Rebekah's Grandmother Stoltzfus, who has been her main caregiver, dies, Rebekah is challenged and is determined to not be dependent on anyone. Brunstetter deals with the limitations of the handicapped and their families very well. A good story. Sandy Penton

A Merry Heart by Wanda E Brunstetter

Miriam Stoltzfus, jilted by her betrothed, is bitter and her students know it. Widower Amos Hilty has an eye on Miriam, who thinks he only wants a housekeeper and mother for Mary Ellen, so she isn't so friendly. This story is about Miriam forgiving William and moving on with her life as well as Amos' struggle to make his needs and wants known to Miriam. A touching story. Sandy Penton

In Silence by Erica Spindler

Journalist Avery Chauvin returns to hometown of Cypress Springs, Louisiana, to make funeral arrangements for her father who has committed suicide. She is puzzled by the fact that no one seemed to realize that her dad was so despondent and Avery begins to question why her father, a doctor, chose this bizarre manner of death. Going through the house, she discovers a box of old newspaper clippings that seems curious for him to have kept. Convinced her dad hasn't committed suicide, Avery begins asking questions and getting no answers. Grieving, feeling alone, she is contacted by a stranger who has questions of her own. Spindler writes a suspenseful, convoluted story of life behind the scenes in a small southern town. A great read. Found it hard to put down.

From Cradle to Grave byPatricia MacDonald

Morgan Adair comes to West Briar on the Long Island shore to become a godmother to her best friend, Claire's, baby. While there, Morgan discovers Claire in a deep depression, Claire's husband, Guy, worried, and the grandparents not altogether helpful. A surprise visit by Guy's daughter from a previous marriage, a complete surprise to Claire, creates turmoil. Morgan completes her stay and is at the airport to catch a flight to England when she receives a call from Claire from the jail in West Briar. Guy and baby Drew are dead and Claire is the number one suspect. Nonplussed, Morgan heads back to West Briar to help Claire as best she can. Quite a twisted and convoluted plot. A so-so story with a somewhat surprising ending. Sandy Penton

Not My Daughter by Barbara Delinsky

A modern tale of mother's angst for her daughter. Three seniors (actually four, but that comes later) agree to get pregnant and have babies. It'll be lots of fun, right? Then Susan Tate's daughter Lily finally tells her mother that she's pregnant, doesn't want the father to know, it'll be a piece of cake, and after all, Susan is an unwed mother isn't she? Susan, high school principal, a respected member of the community, is devastated. A good read for mother's, mother's to be and daughters. Dads might like it, too. Delinsky is not this readers favorite author, but this is a pretty good book. Makes you think. Sandy Penton

The Book of Lies by Brad Meltzer

If you are a superman buff, you might find this entertaining. Cal Harper cruises the streets of Fort Lauderdale picking up the homeless to take them to shelters. On this particular night, the vagrant he helps is none other than his ex-con father who was imprisoned for murdering his mother. Cal is reluctant to be with his father who seems to be involved in something unsavory, but Cal is drawn into the puzzle anyway. Meltzer leads the reader on a merry chase looking for the world's oldest murder weapon. So-so read. Sandy Penton

Blessings by Kim Vogel Sawyer

This third book in the Sommerfeld trilogy picks up with Beth and Sean married and Trina Muller as the main character. At nineteen, she wants to marry Graham Ortmann, but her forbidden desire to go to college to become a veterinarian causes frustration and confusion for Beth herself, her friends and family. We get a peek at a woman's life in a patriarchal society. I found the book interesting reading and a good close for this series. Sandy Penton