A Hope for Healing by Jo Ann Brown

 A Hope for Healing

Book Summary

 

Sometimes the greatest act of courage is trusting your heart…

After loving and losing the perfect husband, widow Rosemary Mishler can’t imagine ever marrying again. Yet the small Amish community of Bliss Valley keeps playing matchmaker—and the arrival of newcomer Gideon Wingard only makes things worse. But when a little Englisch girl is abandoned in her kitchen and is discovered to be her late husband’s child, Rosemary realizes that her perfect husband clearly had some secrets of his own…

Gideon left his community to escape the matchmakers—only to stumble upon more. And he can’t quite steel himself against the pull of Rosemary’s somber gray eyes and his need to help her with the small kind who’s been left to her care. With his feelings for Rosemary and the little girl growing stronger every day, Gideon can see himself putting down roots in Bliss Valley. But is the hope of love enough for him to plan a future…and a family?

My Thoughts

A Hope for Healing by Jo Ann Brown is a poignant and engaging story.  I was immediately drawn into the book.  I thought the story was well-written with realistic, friendly characters.  I enjoyed getting to know Rosemary Mishler and Gideon Wingard.  Both Rosemary and Gideon are trying to avoid the local matchmakers.  Gideon knows his large, gregarious family means well.   Rosemary is still grieving the loss of her husband and is not ready to marry again (if ever).  When a little Englisch girl is left in Rosemary’s kitchen, Rosemary learns that her husband had secrets.  I enjoyed the surprises in the story.  It kept things interesting.  Some of them are good and will warm your heart while others will astonish you.  I like how Gideon and Rosemary kept getting thrown together.   A Hope for Healing is the fourth book in Secrets of Bliss Valley series.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series.  I enjoyed the humor sprinkled throughout the story.  A Hope for Healing has romance, forgiveness, family, new beginnings, a touch of mystery, and faith.  We also get a glimpse of everyday Amish life.  A Hope for Healing is a touching Amish tale with well-meaning matchmakers, a quiet child, a startling revelation, a cryptic past, beautiful leatherwork, and a cheerful future.

A Hope for Healing is available from Amazon*.  The other Secrets of Bliss Valley novels are A Wish for Home, A Promise of Forgiveness, and A Search for Redemption.  Jo Ann Brown has Caring for Her Amish Neighbor coming out August 22.  It is the third book in the Amish of Prince Edward Island.   You can find Jo Ann Brown's other novels here.  Two other books that came out today are Take the Honey and Run by Jennie Marts and The Block Party by Jamie Day.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return tomorrow with my thoughts on Take the Honey and Run by Jennie Marts.  It is the first book in A Bee Keeping Mysteries.  It is a scorcher out there (you sweat just getting the newspaper from the end of the driveway).  I hope that you keep cool today (a good day to visit the pool).  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

A Promise of Forgiveness by Jo Ann Brown: Review, Excerpt, and Giveaway!

 The Promise of Forgiveness

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Promise of Forgiveness by Jo Ann Brown, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: A Promise of Forgiveness 

Series: Secrets of Bliss Valley #2 

Author: Jo Ann Brown 

Publisher: Love Inspired 

Release Date: November 30, 2021 

Genre: Christian, Amish, Contemporary Romance 

“Jo Ann Brown’s writing is both powerful and charming. She provides a respite from the cares of the day and gives the invitation to join her for a journey of peace that lingers in the heart.” —Kelly Long, national bestselling author 

Every little secret is a chain to the past… 

For Amish widow Naomi Ropp, moving back to her parents’ Bliss Valley home—with her boisterous twin toddler boys—is a chance to start over and bury the painful secrets of her marriage forever. But her life is turned upside down once again when she learns she’s not the only one hiding things. The parents she believed were always open and honest have been keeping a secret her whole life. And now her only confidant is her father’s new employee—a handsome Amish man who was once her childhood tormentor. 

Samuel King knows more than anyone should about mistakes—and the way he treated Naomi is at the top of his list. But the shock of seeing her pretty face again is quickly overshadowed when they find a slumbering boppli abandoned on his porch. Caring for the sweet newborn together is finally bringing some peace to their troubled pasts. But when a spark leads to growing feelings as they start to look toward the future, Samuel must find a way to convince Naomi to trust the man he's become…and the promise of new love. 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Walmart Exclusive | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound | BookBub 

The trade paperback version of A Promise of Forgiveness is available now exclusively at your local Walmart or Walmart.com. Preorder available everywhere.

MORE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

A Wish for Home

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jo Ann Brown has published over 100 titles under a variety of pen names. A former military officer, she enjoys taking pictures and traveling. She has taught creative writing for more than 20 years and is always excited when one of her students sells a project. She has been married for more than 40 years and has three children and two rambunctious cats. She lives in Amish Country in southeastern Pennsylvania. She enjoys hearing from her readers. Visit her at www.joannbrownbooks.com.

CONNECT WITH JO ANN: Website | Facebook

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My Thoughts

Naomi Ropp is a recent widow with twin two-year-old mischievous boys.  After a recent change in circumstances, Naomi is returning to her father’s home in Bliss Valley.  She is shocked to learn that her father has Samuel King working for him and living in the dawdi haus.  Samuel and two of his friends were her tormentors when she was a teenager.  Samuel started a rumor that sent her straight into the arms of her deceased husband.  Still reeling from the fact that Samuel will be living and working nearby, Naomi is confronted by a woman who tells an extraordinary tale.  She does not know what to make of the information she has been told and decides to put it on the back burner for now.  Then a newborn is found on the porch of the dawdi haus. Thankfully, Naomi is certified as a foster parent and takes in the boppli.  Another tragedy forces Samuel and Naomi to work together to care for the members of the family.  Feelings begin to develop between them, but Naomi does not trust Samuel.  Samuel must find a way to show Naomi that he has changed and is sorry for what happened in the past.  Can Naomi forgive Samuel in order to have a bright future?

A Promise of Forgiveness by Jo Ann Brown is the second novel in the Secrets of Bliss Valley series.  It can be read as a standalone if you have not read A Wish for Home.  I thought this touching story was well-written with developed, realistic characters.  A Promise of Forgiveness is a multiplot novel.  I liked how everything worked together into one complex tale.  The story moves along at a good pace and the book held my attention.  Bullying and verbal abuse are addressed in the book. Verbal abuse as well as bullying can be devastating to an individual and It can have long term effects. I like how the author addressed this topic.  We get to see how Naomi, who remembers everything, deals with both of these topics.  The smallest thing can bring it all to the forefront.  It can be hard to forgive a person who has caused such lasting damage.  I appreciated the epilogue that nicely wrapped up the story and left me smiling.  A Promise of Forgiveness is an uplifting tale with an abandoned baby, busy buggy business, a poorly papa, a memorable memory, a lost sister, bad bullies, and finding forgiveness.  

Excerpt

Who was the man? The last time she’d been home, almost two months ago, Daed had been talking about getting an as­sistant. Had he hired one?

“Naomi, what’s this?” called Daed.

Instead of replying, she threw her arms around him. She didn’t sob, though she wanted to. She wanted to be held as she hadn’t been in too long, knowing she was loved. When he murmured how happy he was to see her, she closed her eyes and drew in the special scent of him. It was a mixture of wood shavings and the lubricating oils he used in his shop, and it was her favorite aroma.

Eager shrieks coming from where the boys were playing on the tire swing brought up Naomi’s head. A quick check told her they were safe. When Daed asked again what was going on, she said she hoped he’d take her and his kins-kinder into his home.

“We can live in the dawdi haus, so we won’t be in your way,” she ended without telling him they’d been evicted. She didn’t want to air her dirty laundry in front of the stranger.

“In the dawdi haus?” Daed shook his head. “No, you’ll live in the main house. My assistant is living in the dawdi haus until the chicken barn is rebuilt.” Motioning toward the other man, he said, “Komm and say hello to Samuel.”

“Samuel?” Her voice sounded distant in her own ears as if the single word had been caught by a storm wind.

She took another look at the man who was limping toward them. No wonder he’d looked familiar. Samuel King had shared her first kiss and then told everyone about it, making her the laughingstock of Bliss Valley and ruining her reputa­tion. How could she even attempt to forget the worst parts of her past when Samuel King stood right in front of her now?

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight December 6, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on December 13, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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A Promise of Forgiveness publishes February 22, 2022 and it can be pre-ordered from Amazon*.  The first book in Secrets of Bliss Valley is A Wish for Home.  The third book Secrets of Bliss Valley is A Search for Redemption which releases August 23, 2022.  You can find Jo Ann Brown's other novels here.  Do not forget to enter the giveaway and visit the other stops for more chances to win (link to schedule is below).  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return tomorrow to share my thoughts on How to Book A Murder by Cynthia Kuhn.  It is the debut of A Starlit Bookshop Mysteries.  I hope that you have a merry day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

An Amish Mother's Secret Past by Jo Ann Brown

 An Amish Mother's Secret Past

Book Summary 

Can an Amish widow’s past cost her a future filled with love?

Widow Rachel Yoder has a secret: she’s a military veteran trying to give her children a new life among the Amish. Though she’s drawn to bachelor Isaac Kauffman, she knows she can’t tell him the truth—or give him her heart. With her forbidden past, Rachel can never be the perfect Plain wife he’s looking for…

My Thoughts 

An Amish Mother’s Secret Past by Jo Ann Brown is the 3^rd novel in Green Mountain Blessings series.  Each book in this series can be read as a standalone.  I liked that this was a unique Amish novel.  It is always a delight to visit Evergreen Corners where Amish, Mennonite, and Englisch volunteers are working to rebuild the town that was devastated by Hurricane Kevin.  Rachel Yoder is a widow with two young girls.  She has returned to her Amish roots in the hopes of providing the girls with a stable life.  Rachel does not want anyone to know about her past.  Isaac Kauffman is an Amishman leading the building of the new homes.  He finds himself drawn to Rachel and believes she would make the perfect Amish wife.  Rachel knows she is not the right woman for Isaac, but fate keeps bringing them together.  She finds herself falling for Isaac knowing that they cannot be together.  What happens when Rachel’s past comes to light?  I enjoyed reading An Amish Mother’s Secret Past.  It has realistic, developed characters.  I loved Rachel’s little girls.  They are such sweethearts (at times).  The author made them act like real life children.  Rachel and Isaac both have troubled childhoods.  It reflects on the choices they have made and the decisions they continue to make.  A person from Rachel’s past visits, and it upsets her family’s world.  It is nice to see Evergreen Corners coming back to life.  These wonderful volunteers have rebuilt a town.  I think it is wonderful that people will take time out from their home and work to assist others in their time of need.  I like that we get to catch up with the characters from An Amish Christmas Promise and An Amish Easter Wish.  The romance progressed at a nice pace, and I like that Isaac included the children.  An Amish Mother’s Secret Past is a story about hope, forgiveness, love, and faith.  There is a chance for Rachel and Isaac to overcome the past and have a bright future together (if they are brave enough).  This is a sweet, heartwarming story that is enjoyable to read.  I am looking forward to reading An Amish Holiday Family which is the 4^th Green Mountain Blessings Novel.  My favorite line from the book is, “Everything is possible when we give our lives and our hearts over to God.”  An Amish Mother’s Secret Past is a special Amish tale with cute kids, a bossy brother, helping hands, tasty treats, husband hunting, and a surprising secret. 

An Amish Mother's Secret Past is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other Green Mountain Blessings novels here.  You can find Jo Ann Brown's other novels here.  Jo Ann Brown has Building Her Amish Dream publishing February 22, 2022.  Thank you for reading my review today.  Tomorrow I am featuring Stolen Ones by Angela Marsons.  It is the 15th Detective Kim Stone Crime Thriller.  I hope that you have an enjoyable day.  Take care of yourself, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

A Wish for Home by Jo Ann Brown

A Wish for Home

Book Summary

A Wish for Home by Jo Ann Brown has Lauren Nolt stranded in Bliss Valley when her car breaks down during a snowstorm after hitting a large pothole.  Lauren’s family left the Amish just before her fourteenth birthday and she has been living Englisch since then.  She is only in the area on an important business deal that could get her a promotion she wants so she can take care of her parents.  Lauren stays with her great aunt Sylvia Nolt at The Acorn Farm Inn.  Unfortunately, Lauren runs into her childhood tormentor, Adam Hershberger who lives next door to Sylvia.  Adam is a widower with a young daughter to raise.  He also takes care of the family farm, his great-grandfather, and two teenage cousins.  Lauren receives some startling news from her parents that leaves her reeling.  She finds herself confiding in Adam and spending time with his adorable little girl.  Then Lauren’s business deal threatens Adam’s farm which has Adam needing her help.  What does God have planned for Lauren and Adam?

My Thoughts

A Wish for Home by Jo Ann Brown is the first book in Secrets of Bliss Valley series.  I have read several of Jo Ann Brown’s books, and I have enjoyed each one of them.  I thought A Wish for Home was well-written with relatable characters.  A Wish for Home is more than “a girl-and-boy who dislike each other and later realize they are in love” story.  Someone is setting fires in Bliss Valley that is causing significant damage as well as costing the Amish a large amount of money to rebuild.  Also, Lauren receives some unexpected news from her shunned parents.  It turns her world upside down.  Sylvia Nolt and Grossdawdi Ephraim are delightful characters as well as Adam’s daughter.  They provide humor and sweet moments.  I appreciated the epilogue that nicely wrapped up book.  My favorite phrase from the story is, “To trust God knows the best path for my life, especially when I don’t have the slightest idea what it is.”  I am eager to read the next Secrets of Bliss Valley novel.  A Wish for Home is a charming Amish tale with a mischievous moppet, a grumbling grossdawdi, an astute aunt, surprising secrets, a cunning cousin, and baffling fires.  

A Wish for Home is available from Amazon*.  You can find Jo Ann Brown's other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today and reading my review.  There are some great new books out today.  They include:  A New Love for Charlotte by Amy Lillard,  Phantoms and Felonies by Lucy Ness, Pine Creek Courtship by Amity Hope, Bodies and Bows by Elizabeth Penney, A Patchwork Past by Leslie Gould, Fresh Brewed Murder by Emmeline Duncan, Under the Cover of Murder by Lauren Elliott, For All She Knows by Jamie Beck, Checking out Crime by Laurie Cass, No Way Out by Fern Michaels, Murder at the Taffy Shop by Maddie Day, and Mrs. Morris & the Sorceress by Traci Wilton.  So many books and so little time to read. Tomorrow I am featuring Bodies and Bows by Elizabeth Penney.  It is the 3rd book in The Apron Shop Series.  I hope that you have cheery 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.

An Amish Holiday Family by Jo Ann Brown

An Amish Holiday Family

Book Summary

An Amish Holiday Family by Jo Ann Brown has Beth Ann Overholt in Evergreen Corners, Vermont helping to repair the damage done by the last floods.  She is feeling a little lost after the loss of her job as a midwife when her boss retired and the death of her grandmother who raised her.  Beth Ann is out walking when she encounters Robert Yoder by the broken covered bridge.  It is his desire to repair the damaged bridge, but he has been met with resistance.  On her way to dinner at the community center, Beth Ann comes across a boy panhandling.  She takes him inside for a hot meal and to learn more about him.  Robert helps her to learn that Douglas has two younger siblings, and he is taking care of them on his own.  Beth Ann gets temporary guardianship of the threesome which she finds overwhelming.  She is pleased when Robert begins helping her with the kids, though, Beth Ann as well as the children notice that he holds himself back.  As time passes, Beth Ann cannot imagine her life without the three kids nor Robert in it.  Beth Ann wishes that this temporary arrangement could become permanent.  

My Thoughts

An Amish Holiday Family by Jo Ann Brown is the fourth installment in the Green Mountain Blessings series.  Each book can be read as a standalone, but they are a pleasure to read as a whole.  I thought An Amish Holiday Family was well-written with developed, realistic characters.  Beth Ann Overholt is a remarkable woman.  She is at a crossroads in her life.  Beth Ann had been a midwife helping Amish women deliver their babies under the care of a physician.  Circumstances have left her without a job and then her grandmother passed.  Beth Ann was raised by her grandmother and feels the loss heavily.  She is in Evergreen Corners to help with the reconstruction which is in the final phase.  Robert Yoder came to town to visit the sister he has not seen in twenty years.  She escaped their abusive father as soon as she was able and never returned.  Robert is carrying a heavy burden and it is not something he wishes to share.  He does, though, want to find a way to rebuild the damaged covered bridge.  Then comes along three children who need Beth Ann and Robert’s help.  They are living in squalid conditions without adult supervision.  Douglas, Crystal, and Tommy Henderson were delightful especially little Tommy.  They provided humor in the story.  There are some sections, though, that are sad (have your tissues handy).  We get to see if Beth Ann and Robert can come together to help these three children.  With a little help from God and the good people of Evergreen Corners, there might be a Christmas miracle.  There is a mystery in the story as well.  Tools and decorative items are disappearing from the job sites.  The individual is sneaky and manages to disappear quickly. I liked that the characters from the previous three books are in An Amish Holiday Family.  We get to see what is happening in their lives.  I like that Evergreen Corners is a close-knit community.  I can see why people who are visiting chose to stay.  I loved the epilogue that wrapped up the story beautifully.  An Amish Holiday Family is an emotional novel with a covered bridge conundrum, a tricky thief, a grocery gift giver, a surplus of laundry, and holiday happenings. 

An Amish Holiday Family is out in paperback on October 27 and ebook on November 1.  The other novels in Green Mountain Blessings series are An Amish Christmas Promise, An Amish Easter Wish, and An Amish Mother's Secret Past.  I hope you enjoy this book and the series as much as I did.  Thank you for stopping by today and reading my review.  I will return next time with Bending the Paw by Diane Kelly.  It is the 9th A Paw Enforcement Novel.  I finished clearing out one of the sheds on our property.  It was a harrowing experience.  I lifted an item out of the box and a slimy, scaly head popped out.  I shrieked and ran into the house.  It was just my luck that the creature decided not to leave the box right away.  I still had several items to get to the curb for trash night and the green creature was not cooperating.  My mother stood guard with a shovel while scurried by with the items for the trash (we laughed about it afterword).  The snake emerged after we were done and in the house.  I am hoping it has left the yard.  I did not have a restful night (it was over four feet long).  I am glad the rest of the shed was uneventful.  I hope you have a non-frightening 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.

An Amish Christmas Promise by Jo Ann Brown

Welcome!  I am featuring author Jo Ann Brown today.  Jo Ann Brown is a lifelong storyteller and the award-winning author of numerous romantic novels.  Jo Ann Brown also writes under Marianne Ellis*.  Jo Ann is a former U.S. Army officer and she taught creative writing at Brown University.  She lives in Nevada with her family which includes one spoiled cat.  You can find a list of books here on Amazon and on her website.

An Amish Christmas Promise by Jo Ann Brown takes us to Evergreen Corners, Vermont.    Carolyn Wiebe along with her nice and nephew live in this small Mennonite town where thanks to Hurricane Kevin flood waters decimated many of the buildings.  Reporters descended upon the town filming the destruction along with interviewing people.  Carolyn is worried that Leland Reber may find them now that he is living as an Englischer.  Carolyn promised her sister that she would keep the kids safe from their abusive father plus she does not want them growing up in toxic atmosphere as she and her sister did.  Michael Miller, an Amish carpenter, comes to town with Amish Helping Hands to help build homes in conjunction with Mennonite Disaster Services.  Michael is going to use the next three months to help him decide upon his future.  He steps off the bus and encounters Carolyn whose lovely smile captivates him. As Michael works on Carolyn’s new home, they grow closer.  Carolyn is wary of trusting a man after her father and Leland.  Michael holds himself back after recently having his heart broken.  Is it possible for this two to have a future together considering the obstacles?

An Amish Christmas Promise by JoAnn Brown is the first installment in Green Mountain Blessings series.  I enjoyed reading this touching Amish story.  Carolyn Wiebe is a woman who is doing what it takes to keep her niece, Rose Ann and nephew, Kevin safe from their abusive father.  Kevin and Rose Ann are active, kind children.  I like that Carolyn is teaching them about God, the Bible and how to live a life of faith.  Michael Miller is an Amish carpenter from Harmony Creek Hollow is not sure what he wants to do.  He feels unsettled and unsure if he wishes to become baptized in the Amish faith.  He had a woman break his heart and is wary of trusting another with his heart.  Carolyn and the kids were doing well until the flood waters destroyed their home.  They lost everything but Carolyn manages to stay upbeat and calm (she is a better person than me).  Carolyn believes that God does things for a reason and that He will provide for them.  There are good life lessons and messages in An Amish Christmas Promise.  We get to see the devastating effects of hurricane floodwaters and how a community can come together to help each other in a time of need.  We see how life can change in an instant.  It was interesting to learn about Mennonite Disaster Services and Amish Helping Hands.  These are wonderful organizations with thoughtful, hardworking volunteers.  There are three phrases that I wanted to share from the An Amish Christmas Promise.  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart” and “God is always watching over you” are two that I want to remember.  The third one is “It’s not an easy task to ask others for help”.  I am guilty of this because I dislike asking for assistance.  An Amish Christmas Promise is a poignant story.  

An Amish Christmas Promise is available in paperback now and comes out in ebook version* on December 1 (Amazon UK).  The next book in Green Mountain Blessings series is An Amish Easter Wish which comes out April 1, 2020 and is available for pre-order.  Thank you for joining me today.  I hope you have a chipper day. I will return tomorrow to share my thoughts on Meg and Jo by Virginia Kantra.  Take care, stay warm and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.