Inside the Simple Life by Susan Hougelman

 Inside the Simple Life

Book Summary

A simpler way of life is possible. In this fast-paced and ever-changing world full of chaos and uncertainty, many seek a place where steadfast truth, godly values, and biblical principles are being lived out. That world exists among the Amish. Inside the Simple Life welcomes readers into a tight-knit community where peace and tranquility abound, where love thy neighbor means more than just waving hello, and where all needs are taken care of by each member of the community. Be inspired by real stories paired with stunning photographs of Amish life as told by an Englisher who has been welcomed into the private and fascinating world of the Old Order Amish. Let author Susan Hougelman's heartwarming stories of their simpler way of life stir you to embrace meaningful change through biblical principles lived out by the Amish people.

My Thoughts

Inside the Simple Life:  Finding Inspiration among the Amish by Susan Hougelman gives a look at the Amish through the eyes of an Englisher.  We get to see the true sense of community.  If someone is sick, for example, and they are unable to do their chores or plow their feeds.  The rest of the community will help them.  They will also provide meals, take care of their animals, do laundry, and clean their home.  They will also help with the medical bills.  If someone loses their barn or home, the community will come together to rebuild it.  Susan Hougelman gives us an inside look at Amish life and shares her memories.  There are beautiful photographs throughout the book as well.  I enjoyed reading Susan Hougelman’s recollections as she met the Amish people in her area and developed relationships with them.  We learn about some of the rules, rituals, and philosophies of the Amish in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania.  I liked that while the Amish may dress differently and live differently from us, there are many similarities.  The author’s writing style is like she is sitting next to me chatting.  I can tell that Susan Hougelman respects the Amish and genuinely cares for them.  Inside the Simple Life only portrays the positive side of the Amish.  It is not a balanced perspective.  I did find that there was some repetition of details.  I would have liked the author provide information about the Amish that is not common knowledge.  I think our society and families would be better if we adapted some of the ways of the Amish.  Technology may help improve our lives in some ways, it can also be detrimental to families (less together time).  Overall, I enjoyed reading Inside the Simple Life.  Those readers who enjoy Amish fiction, will like getting to learn more about the Amish people of New Wilmington.  Inside the Simple Life is an interesting book filled with the author’s reminiscences of how she started her business and got to know the Amish of New Wilmington.

Inside the Simple Life publishes December 7 (originally it was November 16) and is available for pre-order from Amazon*.  Thank you for stopping by today and reading my review.  I will be back tomorrow to share my thoughts on But Knot for Me by Betty Hechtman.  It is the 8th A Yarn Retreat Mystery.  I hope everyone has a joyful day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Down a Dark Road: A Kate Burkholder Novel

Happy Book Release Day!  Some of the novels that are available today are The Writing Desk by Rachel Hauck, 30 Second Death by Laura Bradford, Two Nights by Kathy Reichs, To Kill a Hummingbird by J.R. Ripley, A Basket Full of Bargains by Lorraine Bartlett and Down a Dark Road by Linda Castillo.  If you like to read historical, Christian novels, Tamera Alexander publishes a new novel in August.  It is titled To Wager Her Heart and it is the third novel in A Belle Meade Plantation series.  

Down a Dark Road by Linda Castillo is the newest A Kate Burkholder Novel.  Kate Burkholder is the chief of police in Painters Mill, Ohio.  Kate receives a call from Deputy Warden Jerry Murphy at the Mansfield Correctional Institute saying that Joseph King has escaped.  Joseph was convicted two years prior of murdering his wife.  His five children now live with their aunt and uncle on a farm outside Painters Mill.  Kate grew up with Joseph until his family moved away when she was thirteen.  She remembers the crush she had on Joseph and how he changed after his father passed away.  Kate does not think Joseph will return to town, but she sets up a watch on Rebecca and Daniel Beachy’s home.  Around 3 a.m. Kate is checking the perimeter when she is attacked.  Joseph gets the drop of Kate and forces her into the farmhouse.  Joseph is holding Kate along with his five children hostage.  Joseph swears to Kate that he is innocent, but he refuses to give himself up.  He does not want to go back to prison and he will not let the children go.  Joseph wants Kate to investigate and prove he did not murder his wife, Naomi.   Kate is set free and faces the criticism of her colleagues.  She remembers what Joseph was like as a young boy.  Kate sets off on her quest for answers.  Did Joseph kill Naomi as the evidence suggests?  Kate is in for a bumpy ride in Down a Dark Road.

I look forward to reading the latest Kate Burkholder book each year and Linda Castillo did not let me down with this tome.  Down a Dark Road captured and held my interest.  I found the book to be well-written and have a steady pace.  The mystery is complex with many twists and turns along the way (you can feel the suspense building up).  I did solve the mystery early in the story, but I enjoyed reading on to see how it would unravel. I would find dealing with the Amish very frustrating if I was a police officer (Kate is so patient).  Their reluctance to talk and help the law astounds me.  Kate Burkholder is a complicated person.  I liked that more of her youth was revealed to us (Kate looks back remembering her time with Joseph).  It is nice to see how Kate was as a girl (she grew up Amish).  I also appreciated seeing a more vulnerable side of Kate.  My rating for Down a Dark Road is 4.5 out of 5 stars.  While Down a Dark Road is the ninth book in the series, it can be read alone.  Personally, I am glad to have read the whole series, because each volume builds upon the previous. A new layer of Kate’s character is exposed and we discover a little more about Kate.  The epilogue was lovely and heartwarming.  I look forward to reading the tenth book in A Kate Burkholder series when it releases next year.  

I appreciate you stopping by and reading my review.  I am currently read Killer Party by Lynn Cahoon.  May you have a pleasant day and find some delightful new books to read.  I will be reviewing A Crime of Passion Fruit by Ellie Alexander next.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

An Amish Summer: Four Novellas

Happy Book Release Day!  I just love waking up with new books on my kindle.  A few of the books released today are Naomi's Hope by Jan Drexler, Once Upon a Spine by Kate Carlisle, Only Skein Deep by Maggie Sefton, With You Always by Jody Hedlund, French Fried by Kylie Logan, Patterned After Death by Elizabeth Lynn Casey, An Amish Summer by various authors (see below) and The Black Cat Sees His Shadow by Kay Finch. 

An Amish Summer is a collection of four novellas by Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, Kelly Irvin and Shelley Shepard Gray.  A Reunion in Pinecraft by Shelley Shepard Gray takes readers to Pinecraft, Florida where Graham Holland and Sherry Kramer have agreed to meet.  The two have been corresponding for six months after meeting at a wedding in Shipshewana.  Sherry is joined by her sister, Sharon and their friends, Vera and Carla.  Upon arrival Graham realizes he has made a mistake.  Graham has been writing to the wrong sister.  He met both sisters at the wedding very briefly, but one made a bigger impression (he just got their names mixed up).  How does Graham tell Sherry about his error?  He decides to keep it a secret for the time being (not a good idea).  During the vacation, Graham spends time with both sisters, and he ends up more confused.  When Graham finally figures out his feelings, Sherry discovers his secret (about the mix-up). How will this story end?

Summer Storms by Amy Clipston is set in Maryland at Cascade Lake.  Arianna Smucker is looking forward to her wedding to Jesse Zook in November.  But then Jesse tries to help Tobias, his best friend and Arianna’s brother.  Jesse and Tobias have a buggy accident that lands Jesse in trouble with Marvin Smucker, Arianna’s father.  He calls of Jesse and Arianna’s engagement.  Can Jesse repair the damage and get back in Marvin and Arianna’s good graces?  Will there be a wedding for this couple in November?

Kathleen Fuller contributed Lakeside Love.  Esther Coblentz lives on Coblentz Farm with her parents, brother and sister.  Esther has liked Judah King for years, but Judah only has eyes for her pretty sister, Sarah.  Rhett Davidson, an Englischer and college student, is staying with the family for a month.  Esther makes friends with Rhett as she introduces him to Amish life.  Judah starts to notice Esther in a different light and it confuses him.  Is there a chance for Esther and Judah?

One Sweet Kiss by Kelly Irvin takes readers back to Bee County, Texas.  Martha Byler is attracted to Jacob King, but he has yet to put his rumspringa behind him.  One night Jacob is taking Martha home when they are stopped by a very drunk Dwayne.  Dwayne wishes to go alligator hunting in the dark and out of season.  Jacob cannot leave Dwayne to his own devices and assists him much to Martha’s dismay.  Martha helped raise her younger siblings for the last ten years, and she wants a responsible person for her partner.  Over the summer, Martha spends more time with Jacob and starts noticing a change within him.  There just might be a future for Jacob and Martha.

An Amish Summer contains four well-written and engaging stories.  I liked the characters and the different settings.  All the stories have the familiar theme of love and enjoying the summer months.  Each story has a different moral or life lesson which include forgiveness, faith, power of prayer, trust, commitment, confidence in yourself, and responsibility.    I thought each novella was just the right length.  I found the stories to be uplifting, and I was left with a good feeling when I finished this book.  I give An Amish Summer 5 out of 5 stars.  My favorite story was A Reunion in Pinecraft.  It had a lighter feeling to it and it was nice to revisit the Orange Blossom Inn in Pinecraft (The Pinecraft Brides series).  One Sweet Kiss had a slower pace than the other novellas, but it was nice to catch up with characters from The Amish of Bee County series.  All of the stories can be purchased separately or together.  An Amish Summer contains charming, tender stories that will appeal to your romantic side.

I hope you also added some new books to your TBR pile.  I am currently reading Ghostal Living by Kathleen Bridge (just received it from publisher).  May you have a very special day!  Make sure to take time out for yourself.  I will return on Wednesday to review Only Skein Deep by Maggie Sefton.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

Interview with Amy Clipston and a Giveaway!

The Beloved Hope Chest by Amy Clipston releases today.  It is the final book in An Amish Heirloom Novel series.  In The Beloved Hope Chest, Mattie Fisher is revealing a piece of her past to her three daughters. In anticipation of Mother's Day on Sunday (May 14), I asked Amy a few questions.  

What was your most memorable Mother's Day gift or action?

When Joe and I were living in our first house and before we were parents of human children, we had two cats named Les and Gracie whom we loved dearly. My first Mother’s Day after we adopted the kitties, Joe gave me a gold charm necklace with two cats on it and he said, “Happy Mother’s Day.” It meant so much to me! That was my first Mother’s Day.

Do you have any special traditions you used to do with your mom when you were a little girl on Mother's Day?

I remember making my mother gifts at school, and no matter how terrible my artwork was, she still loved it.

Do you get any book ideas from your sons' shenanigans?

I haven’t really included any of their shenanigans, but I did model a character after Zac. In my young adult book Roadside Assistance, Logan, who is Whitney’s younger brother, was inspired by Zac. Logan likes Star Wars and video games, and his room is decorated similarly to how Zac’s room used to look.

Out of all of your novels, who is your favorite mother?

Mattie Fisher from my Amish Heirloom series is my favorite! She’s modeled after my mother with her patient, loving heart. My mom and I sit together and have a cup of tea every night, just like Mattie and her daughters do.

Amy Clipston is giving away a wonderful prize package.  You can enter below!  I hope you have a wonderful day.  I will return tomorrow when I review Bad to the Bone by Linda O. Johnston. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

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The Ebb Tide: The Latest Novel by Beverly Lewis

Happy Sunday!  On Tuesday, April 4 some new novels will be available to read.  They include Of Books and Bagpipes by Paige Sheldon, A Frying Shame by Linda Reilly, The Last Chance Olive Ranch by Susan Wittig Albert, Occult and Battery by Lena Gregory, Ruddy Gore by Kerry Greenwood, The Ebb Tide by Beverly Lewis, Dying on the Vine by Marla Cooper, Behind the Scenes by  Jen Turano, Caramel Crush by Jenn McKinlay, Southern Fried by Tonya Kappes, Cut in Darkness by Heather Sunseri, Silence of the Jams by Gayle Leeson, Miss Julia Weathers the Storm by Ann B. Ross, Town in Maple Madness by B.B. Haywood, The Chapel Car Bride by Judith Miller.  That is quite a list.  I have pre-ordered several of these books.  Now I just need time to read them!

The Ebb Tide is a new Amish novel by author Beverly Lewis.  Sallie Riehl is just shy of twenty years old and lives with her family in Paradise Township, Pennsylvania.  Sallie has yet to join the Old Order Amish community, because she has dreamed of traveling for years.  Her goal is a trip to Australia, and she has finally saved up enough money.  Sallie purchases her trip and announces to her family that she will be leaving in two weeks.  The Riehl family receives news that Aaron, Sallie’s four years old newphew, has a heart murmurer.  He needs tests and possibly surgery.  Vernon, Aaron’s father and Sallie’s brother, is worried about the costs.  Sallie knows what she most due and cancels her trip.  The money is put towards Aaron’s tests.  But when God closes a door, he opens a window.  Sallie is asked to be a nanny for the summer for young Autumn Logan in Cape May, New Jersey.  This will be Sallie’s chance to travel.  It would mean, though, putting off her baptism instruction classes for another year (much to her mother’s dismay).  Sallie’s parents agree, and she is quickly off to the seashore.  Sallie takes Autumn to visit the Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center and meets intern, Kevin Kreider.  Kevin is studying to be a marine biologist and is a Mennonite.  Kevin and Sallie start spending time together.  Sallie knows she can only be friends with Kevin, but she greatly enjoys his company.  At the end of the summer, Sallie returns home.  But she is not content upon her return.  Sallie needs to reflect and decide what she wants for her future. 

The Ebb Tide is a well-written and engaging novel.  I liked the characters and the setting.  Cape May sounds just beautiful.  I felt that the book had a good flow and was well-paced.  The religious aspect of the novel is not as light as in other Amish novels, but it is not dominant or overwhelming.  We are shown how prayer, love, faith and reflection can help (benefit) a person’s life and those around them.  I appreciated that the author included an epilogue that nicely wrapped up the story.  I give The Ebb Tide 4 out of 5 stars.  I found The Ebb Tide to be a lovely novel.  It is a nice break from what is going on in the world.  I did feel that it was a little too long, but, otherwise, I liked it.   I look forward to reading the next Beverly Lewis novel when it releases.  You can follow Beverly Lewis on Amazon and get email updates on her new releases.  If you enjoy Beverly Lewis' novels, check out the Beverly Lewis Book Club on Facebook.  The Ebb Tide will be available on Tuesday, April 4.

Thank you for stopping by and reading my review.  I am off to enjoy the Home Fires marathon on PBS.  May each of you have a special Sunday. I am currently reading Cut in Darkness by Heather Sunseri.  I will be back tomorrow to review The Promise Girls by Marie Bostwick.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris 
The Avid Reader

A Mother's Love: A new novel by Charlotte Hubbard

I hope everyone is having a lovely and relaxing Sunday.  It is a chance for you to recharge your batteries before a new week begins.  Heather Sunseri has a new book coming out on April 4.  It is titled Cut in Darkness and it is the second book in the In Darkness series.  Exposed in Darkness is the first book in the series and is currently $2.99 on Amazon.  

A Mother’s Love is the newest book by Amish author Charlotte Hubbard.  Rose Raber lives in Cedar Creek with her daughter, Gracie and her mother, Lydia.  The previous summer Rose lost her father, Myron and her husband, Nathan in a fire at their mill.  Now, Rose is losing her mother.  Lydia’s cancer has returned after thirty years.  The chemo was ineffective this time and Lydia is dying.  Her mother has one last bit of information to share with Rose before she passes on.  She tells Rose about a stationery box in her dresser that has letter addressed to Rose.  Rose reads the letters and discovers that she is adopted.  Her birth mother, Roseanne was sixteen when she discovered herself with child and her aunt, Nettie found Lydia.  Lydia was unable to have children due to the cancer treatments.  A second letter tells Rose that Roseanne (now Anne) is being courted by a good man, but he is unaware of her past.  She asks Rose to not look for her and Bishop Gingerich agrees.  Rose and Gracie are at the mercantile when they bump into Matthias Wagler, a widower, who is opening a harness shop in nearby Morning Star. Rose is lucky to find a cooking position at Morning Star Senior Center.  Rose and Matthias spend more time together (thanks to Gracie), and she confides in him about her birth mother.  In Anne’s letter, she had mentioned that Saul Hartzler was courting her.  Matthias is aware of Saul and the Hartzler Carriage Company in Morning Star.  One day Anne Hartzler walks into the senior center and meets Rose.  Rose lost one mother, but she is getting a chance to know the woman who gave birth to her.  It a town as small as Morning Star it is inevitable that Saul runs into Rose and Gracie when he is out with Anne and his mother.  What happens when a thirty-year-old secret springs forth disrupting several lives?  To see what happens, pick up A Mother’s Love.

A Mother’s Love is well-written and is an engaging novel.  I found A Mother’s Love to be an emotional novel (you might need to keep a tissue handy).  I give A Mother’s Love 4 out of 5 stars.  I did have a little trouble with Gracie.  She is a gregarious and active child who can easily get on a person’s nerves (she would wear me out in less than thirty minutes).  She comes across as a little spoiled (of course, I am sure my Doozy does too).  Her mother gives her what she wants and Gracie does not seem to get punished when she eavesdrops on adult conversations (she snuck out of bed).  You just know that this child is going to spill the secret (small children cannot keep secrets).  A Mother’s Love is full of activity.  It is amazing at how much the author packed into one novel.  I thought A Mother’s Love has several good messages.  They include that none of us are perfect (all of us have flaws), God has a plan for our lives, good things come to those that wait (aka God’s timing not our own).  We see how important it is to forgive a person, to have love in our lives, and the importance of faith.  The ending is very special and leaves a person with a good feeling in their heart.  I liked A Mother’s Love and look forward to reading more Charlotte Hubbard books in the future.  

A Mother's Love will be released on Tuesday, March 28.  Thank you for your visit.  I am going to go relax and enjoy the day.  I will see you when I return to do another book review.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader