Kensington Books – Vickie's Book Nook and Meditation Corner

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781496748881 Publisher:Kensington Publication date:01/21/2025 Series:Amish ABCs , #2 Pages:288

Raised by their divorced, lapsed-Amish father and English mother, siblings Jonny, Martin, Kelsey, and Beth can’t wait to reinvent their lives. The four don’t have much in common, but they long for the stable sense of family they felt when visiting their New Order grandparents, Josiah and Sylvia Schrock, in peaceful Holmes County, Ohio. And the Schrocks couldn’t be more surprised when the grandkids want to try living with them—and joining their faith . . .

When Jonny hears startling news about his health, he knows it’s past time to change his life. Quitting college, he unexpectedly finds the fulfilling job of his dreams. And he’s instantly smitten with cafe owner Treva Kramer, whose baked goods are as warm and delicious as her lively personality. But no matter how hard Jonny tries, he can’t seem to get past her secret sadness and distrust. Can he prove that his feelings for her are for real—and forever—in time?

A bad breakup left Treva heartbroken—and resolved to be independent without relying on anyone ever again. Exhausted from pouring everything she’s got into her cafe, she’s stunned by Jonny’s easygoing ways—and drawn to his optimistic nature. But when she thinks his real interest is in becoming Amish, she’s even more determined to stay focused—and keep her heart safe . . .

Soon, deep secrets and hidden family truths will test Jonny and Treva in unexpected ways. And with help from his warm-hearted grandparents, he and Treva might gain the happiness they secretly long for—with each other.

My Thoughts

Jonny Shrock is not sure that he wants to be Amish, but he is sure that he enjoys coffee, so every day he goes to Treva Hershberger’s coffee shop before he goes to the bicycle shop where he works. The attraction between the two is predictable, but so much fun to read. I was completely absorbed in the drama surrounding them, especially Treva’s former relationship that left her feeling unlovable and Jonny’s health issues that made him wonder how long a future he would have. I fell in love with the characters and the setting, but the plot kept me reading to find out how they would work out all of their problems together. My favorite character was a secondary one, Matt Schrock, Jonny’s dad, who is a man seeking his own second chance at love as well as reconciliation with his children and parents. I admired his determination and humility as well as his deep love for family. This story is heartwarming and a lovely romance that is a fast and enjoyable read.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley as a member of the author’s advanced review team. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

About the Author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray writes Amish and Inspirational romances for Simon & Schuster, and Kensington, Harlequin, and contemporary women’s fiction for Blackstone Publishing. With over a million books in print, and translated into more than a dozen languages, her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists.

Shelley has been featured in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on NPR as well as numerous regional radio stations. Publishers Weekly calls her Walnut Creek series “A slow-burning, enjoyable romance… Embedded in this quaint story is a poignant message about the importance of community, compassion, and doing what’s right rather than what’s easy.”

Shelley has hosted several well-attended ‘Girlfriend Getaways’ for Amish reading fans. Her most recent Girlfriend Getaway, hosted with bestselling novelists Amy Clipston and Suzanne Woods Fisher in Sugarcreek, Ohio, was filmed by BuzzFeed and highlighted on NetFlix’s Follow This episode on the popularity of Amish fiction.

Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned her bachelor’s degree in English literature and later obtained her master’s degree in educational administration. She now lives in southern Colorado near her grown children, walks her dachshunds, bakes too much, and writes full time.

To Connect with Shelley:

Facebook|Instagram| Pinterest| Twitter/X

Purchase Links for B Is For Bonnet:

amzn.to/4g14b8M (Amazon)

bit.ly/3E5Hh2T (Barnes and Noble)

bit.ly/3PI4r1B (Target)

bit.ly/40HQtDx (Christian Book)

bit.ly/3E4SBfH (Kensington Books)

bit.ly/3PQ3fJz (Books-a-Million)

apple.co/40GUGY4 (Apple Books)

bit.ly/42smQr7 (Kobo)

bit.ly/4g64HCC (Google Play Store)

bit.ly/4g7vnTa (Powell’s Books)

adbl.co/42tTOae (Audible)

I hope you will purchase and enjoy this sweet Amish romance! I am thoroughly enjoying getting to know the Schrock family and I think you will, too.

Synopsis

It’s a Wonderful Life meets Groundhog Day in USA Today bestselling author Annie Rains’ new novel, as a woman dangerously close to losing it all receives an unexpected Christmas gift that prompts a surprising journey of self-discovery . . . and another chance at happiness.

What if you could have one more day with someone you lost?

Diana Merriman, a physical therapist, is probably the only person in the small town of Snow Haven, North Carolina, who isn’t looking forward to Christmas. It’s been three weeks since her fiancé
Linus was critically injured when a car hit him as he biked home from the toy store he owns and manages. Watching him open his eyes is the only gift she wants, but she can’t help losing a little more hope every day.

But an unexpected visit from a friendly neighbor and finding a snow globe of Snow Haven—a gift Linus had hidden in the closet—the night before Christmas Eve changes things in ways Diana never would have imagined. Because on Christmas Eve Diana wakes up to find that it’s not—Christmas Eve, that is. Instead, it’s somehow December 4 all over again, the day Linus got hurt, and as mystified as Diana is, she immediately starts a plan to save her partner from his fate.

Nothing is that simple, of course. Instead of a single repeat of that day, Diana finds herself in an endless loop of December 4, experiencing every possible variation of events. Along the way, she uncovers startling truths about herself, her relationship, and even her career that illustrate the ways she’s retreated from her life—and in the face of life’s slights and outright blows, from her deepest feelings. Suddenly hope is second only to joy as Diana opens her heart to the people she loves in every way she can.

My Thoughts

This is one of the best Christmas books that I have ever read and it is perfect for reading anytime you want to read a sweet romance with a lot happening to thwart the loving couple. Diana Merriman and Linus Grant are engaged but Diana is dragging her feet about setting a wedding date. Then Linus gets into a terrible accident and Diana wants a “do-over.” Her mystical neighbor Mrs. Guzman gives Diana her wish so that she can spend another day with Linus before he goes into a coma. Unfortunately, Diana can’t figure out how to change things and to get out of the cycle of constantly repeating that day. The story is heartfelt and tugged at all of my emotions. I felt so bad for Diana and her desire to make things right with Linus and her frustration that she just can’t. I fell in love with the characters in this magically realistic book that transported me to a life where wishes may come true, but they may not be what you want or expect. I enjoyed getting to know the lovable characters, especially Linus with his quirky ties and his happy-go-lucky acceptance of life. I also enjoyed meeting Dustin, the little boy who frequents Linus’s toy store without much hope of having a good Christmas since his foster mother thinks he is a bad boy who deserves nothing. There are sub-plots that are intricately woven into the central story and they all dovetail together beautifully in this cleverly written and enchanting story. I loved every minute that I spent with Diana, Linus and the rest of the cast of characters and hated to see the story end. This novel was brilliantly written and completely captivating!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington Books via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

All audiences will enjoy this book and be captivated by the characters.

About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Annie Rains lives in a small, coastal North Carolina town, full of lovable folks, scenic downtown areas, and breathtaking nature—similar to the towns she writes about in her books. Annie’s love of reading and writing grabbed hold of her at a young age and never let go. Her first book was published in 2015, and she’s been writing heartfelt, page-turning stories ever since. When Annie isn’t writing, she’s reading from her never-ending TBR stack on her bedside table, taking long walks while plotting her characters’ happy endings, and living out her own happily ever after with her husband, three children, feisty rescue cat, and mischievous dog.
For more information, visit Annie’s website at http://www.annierains.com