On My Reader

Currently on my reading list:

The Husband Tree & Wildflower Bride both by Mary Connealy

Roses by Leila Meacham (this is a re-read of my favorite book from last summer!)

North Star Brides by Erica Vetsch (this is a 3-in-1 collection)

I have ordered my next review book and cannot wait for it to get here! I've chosen a historical fiction, but not a Christian romance.

I normally go for the faith-based novels, but sometimes a girl just wants something else. The library is getting to know me quite well as this is my third visit in as many days. I'm not the least bit embarrassed.

Several summers ago, I was on a first name basis with my local librarian and she actually would get worried if I didn't come in at least twice a week;) The best part about learning the librarians is that they'll often recommend something to me that I never would have thought to read.

Before Stephenie Meyer became super popular, my librarians had recommended The Host to me. I began to read it but couldn't really get into it until I had watched the movie; and even then it made for a dull read. Regardless, I love the idea that my librarians feel bold enough to recommend books to me. It's been awhile since I buried my nose into something other than yarn and a crochet hook!

until next time,
keep reading!

Book Review: The Scent of Cherry Blossoms

The Scent of Cherry Blossoms

by Cindy Woodsmall

Annie Martin loves the Plain ways of her Old Order Mennonite people, like those revered by her beloved grandfather. Retreating from a contentious relationship with her mother, Annie goes to live with her Daadi Moses in Apple Ridge.

But as spring moves into Pennsylvania and Annie spends time among the cherry trees with the handsome Aden Zook, she wishes she could forget how deeply the lines between Old Order Amish and Old Order Mennonite are drawn.

Can Annie and Aden find a place for their love to bloom in the midst of the brewing storm?

- text taken from the back of the book's cover.

I recently re-read this book by Woodsmall and fell in love all over again with the rich text. For a moment, I was transported into Apple Ridge again. Having read another book by Woodsmall in regards to the quaint Amish town, it was a pleasure to catch up on old characters while being introduced to new ones.

From the moment I began this book, I instantly drew parallels from my own life to Annie's. Annie has a difficult relationship with her mother and I with my father. It almost felt as though I could be Annie. She faces immense struggles as she is reintroduced to an old friend from summers past. Both are unsure of what the future will hold as they creep into treacherous territory of becoming more than friends.

To make matters worse. Annie's grandfather holds the power to turn Aden and his family out of their job and home. While both families mean well, neither side can possibly understand the struggle of forbidden love.

I won't spoil it, so I'll say no more. I did enjoy this book more this time around. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Amish fiction. I often forget just because I see someone dressed Plainly doesn't necessarily mean he or she is Amish. This book is well written to address those differences between Mennonite and Amish. I hope Woodsmall continues to write about the characters of Apple Ridge as she left the book open-ended for another sequel. I'm interested in learning about Aden's brother, Roman and his budding relationship with the outspoke Marian Lee.

I rarely give a bad review and I'm pleased to have added another successful read to my book list.

Up next are some library rentals that I can hardly wait to begin!

until next time,

keep reading!

I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for my honest review.

Getting Started

I am Bri. I love to read and years ago I was introduced to a fabulous website called Blogging for Books. Over the years I have blogged about their books. I get the books, read and review them, and then get to keep the book for free!

As I've grown older, times have changed and I no longer have my old blog public. I still want to receive books so I've created this new space to foster my love affair with books.

Believe it or not, some of the books that have been sent to me have become some of my favorites. I've developed a love of new authors and realized my truest passion lies within historical romance novels (the faith based kind).

Most of my reviews will be likely positive and my goal is to have one or two reviews a month, in addition to posting about books on my current readers list.

Feel free to jump in with discussion at any time about what I've posted. I'll try to not post spoilers, but if I do, I'll be sure to notate SPOILER wherever possible.

Over the growth of this blog, I'll revisit some of my favorite books, share my old reviews, and post about some of what I consider to be my childhood classics (namely Harry Potter).

I'm a young woman who loves to read and crochet, so I may from time to time post about my projects. I want to create a positive atmosphere in my corner of the blog world, so we'll see what happens.

Can't wait to dive in with you!

-Britta