Love in Disguise by Penny Zeller

Who knew asserting one’s independence would cause such embarrassment? If only Almira “Emilie” Crawford Wheeler hadn’t insisted upon carrying her own stack of parcels, she wouldn’t have landed in an unladylike heap on the boardwalk. And what about the half-truth she told the handsome stranger who came to her aid? The stranger she never expected to see again?

Thad Alexander Evanson should have been paying closer attention to the boardwalk, rather than the newfangled automobile motoring down the street. Had he been more astute, a collision with the beautiful parcel-laden stranger might never have happened. And if it never had happened, he wouldn’t have told a partial-truth he figured wouldn’t matter.

Before long, Emilie and Thad are arranging to meet for a noonday meal each weekend in Missoula under the guise of different names. But what happens when their true identities are revealed? When half-truths are exposed? Could God have a plan even in the midst of a tangled web of lies?

Love in Disguise begins with a light-hearted, happy story. I found it especially interesting to read about how people of the time likely viewed grand new inventions, the automobile and the aeroplane in particular. Women’s suffrage was mentioned many times in the story, as well as the different views on it at this period. Watching how the romance and affection between Emilie and Thad developed was enjoyable. It also had me always wondering, “When will they discover the other’s true identity?” However, when true identities were uncovered, the tone of the book changed. The story did not become depressing, but it did address some difficult subjects.

Honesty was one of the big focuses of the story. I found it interesting how Thad and Emilie continuously justified their lying to one another, always pushing aside the nagging thoughts of it not being God’s will. The story perfectly expressed the power of misplaced assumptions and believing/being influenced by other people’s ideas and opinions. Also shown was pride and the sorrow it brings. The characters were constantly not being forthright with one another, and then mourning the result of it. Wrong ideas were never corrected, but rather, characters decided to stew about the result of their silence. The moral of the book, as I see it, is to always be honest and forthright with people in order to avoid heartbreaks like those that are seen in the book.

The main characters were very likeable. I enjoyed the ways in which Emilie and Thad treated their staff as friends, not as people of lower station. Each of their spiritual journeys were followed, and it was wonderful to see how they grew in their love for the Lord. Emilie’s journey to learning God’s love for her is wonderful to read. Often spoken of was the heartbreak of a stillborn child and how peace can only be found in Jesus. Emilie’s struggle to accept a God Who would allow such a heartbreak was very real and emotional. At times, I wanted to cry with her.

Overall, this was a great read. Following along on Thad and Emilie’s spiritual and romantic journeys was enjoyable and caused me to pick up this book when I had other things I should have been doing. 3.5/5 stars

Over the Horizon by Penny Zeller

Wow! I am so glad I picked up this book. The worst part about reading this was discovering that I have to wait for book two, which won’t be released until June of next year. It will be a long wait! Here is the storyline:

A most unusual proposal...

Alone in 1870s Idaho Territory, Paisley Abbott has nowhere to turn. With no other options, she finds herself consenting to an unconventional, but mutually beneficial agreement.

During an unplanned return to his family’s farm, prodigal Tyler Shepherdson inherits three children. When Tyler finds a woman hiding in the back of his wagon, an idea begins to form and he makes a rash decision that results in perhaps one of the most spontaneous marriages of convenience ever.

Despite an unorthodox beginning to their marriage, will Paisley and Tyler trust God as they forge ahead to create a home for three orphans? Will love arise from a desperate situation?

In the first book in the Horizon Series, travel to the late 1800s to the town of Horizon in the Idaho Territory with a cast of unforgettable characters, journeys of faith, and abundant humor.

This is a story that is about as sweet as they come. I was sympathetic to both Tyler and Paisley for the entire book. They were characters that were hard for me not to cheer on. The three orphans were characters I wanted to reach through the pages and give a hug, especially little Mae. Seeing their relationship with Tyler and Paisley develop was a wonderful journey to follow. Ivan was the one character it was hard not to dislike and hope to get what was coming to him quickly.

The writing style was perfect for me. There were some serious moments in the book, yes, but for the most part, the tone of the book was cheerful and easy-going. There was not a lot of arguing and unhappiness. After only reading for a little while, I decided I would like to visit the town of Horizon. It was easy to like the characters who lived there; yes, even Miss Greta.

I found it both interesting and heartbreaking to learn how Alzheimer’s was viewed at this time of history. I was sympathetic to Paisley’s father and the entire family. To think that people were once ostracized from communities because of such a difficult illness was not a pleasant thought.

I enjoyed seeing the spiritual journey both Tyler and Paisley were on for the entirety of the book. The struggles and worries they experienced were difficult, yet they still clung to God and trusted in His goodness to guide them.

If you need a feel good, sometimes humorous, entirely enjoyable book to read, this is one you should place at the top of your list. 4.5/5 stars. Very recommended!

The Amish Matchmaking Dilemma by Patricia Johns

They’re not compatible on paper…

But might be the perfect match.

Amish bachelor Mose Klassen knows what he needs in a wife—someone quiet and traditional, the exact opposite of Naomi Peachy. His lifelong stutter has made him reserved, but when his childhood friend volunteers as his speaking tutor, Mose can’t help but be drawn to the outgoing woman. Naomi’s progressive views mean she’ll never make his matchmaker’s list…but could an unexpected match be his perfect fit?

    Wow! I was not expecting this book to be what it was. It was hard not to like Mose and his stutter. I was so sympathetic to him the entire book. I hadn't ever considered what that must be like, to have that kind of a struggle to speak, but I think it was presented very well in this book. Naomi was a lovable character, as well. She wasn't such a headstrong character that I kept thinking, "Why did you do that?!" throughout the story. No, she was someone who I truly wanted to find her match. The story progresses at a great pace. Humor was found at times, and the tone was never overly serious. All around, this was a book I did not want to put down. 

    For a couple reasons, I think the Amish community in this book is different than most other Amish books I've read. One of those reasons is found with Naomi and her desire to not block out the English from their world so much. She believed that in order to truly show them Christ, they needed to be shown the world of the Amish by allowing them to take more of a part in their way of life (for example, by offering classes on basket weaving/quilting/baking, as well as allowing at risk youth to work on their farms). Her ideas made perfect sense, yet I don't believe there are many Amish in reality who have such views. Still, I found Naomi's beliefs to be refreshing. Another difference I saw was in the bishop. He was very forgiving of everyone and their faults, and while I always encourage forgiveness, I don't believe bishops are typically that lenient with their congregation. SPOILER: the way the bishop seemingly thought there was no sin to be repented of with Claire having a child out of wedlock- and then encouraging her to get back together with the father after he had abandoned her for three years- was not very realistic to me. That is just my personal opinion, and that part of the plot did not ruin the story in any way. 

    Overall, this book was a wonderful read. I give it 4/5 stars. Recommended! 

Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer

No one steps on Archer land. Not if they value their life. But when Meredith Hayes overhears a lethal plot to burn the Archer brothers off their ranch, a twelve-year-old debt compels her to take the risk.

Fourteen years of constant vigilance hardens a man. Yet when Travis Archer confronts a female trespasser with the same vivid blue eyes as the courageous young girl he once aided, he can't bring himself to send her away. And when an act of sacrifice leaves her injured and her reputation in shreds, gratitude and guilt send him riding to her rescue once again.

Four brothers. Four straws. One bride. Despite the fact that Travis is no longer the gallant youth Meredith once dreamed about, she determines to stand by his side against the enemy that threatens them both. But will love ever be hers? Or will Travis always see her merely as a short-straw bride?

This is the first book in the Archer Brothers series, and it is a great start! All the characters are ones you fall in love with at the beginning. Humor was woven into the story in perfect ways. The story pulls you in and makes it difficult to put the book down, so warning: if you don't have a lot of time to read, don't pick up this book! I have read this book twice (so far!). I am a fan of Karen Witemeyer, and I am so glad she did not disappoint with this book, either. Highly recommended! 

Escape to Books

Hello everyone! Thank you for checking out my blog. I love reading, and I thought it would be fun to create a blog to share that love of reading with other readers. I will be blogging about books that fall into the Amish and historical fiction genres. So, if those books are what you enjoy, too, grab a snack, get comfy, and let's talk books!