In the Land of Milk and Honey {+ Giveaway}

◊ IN THE LAND OF MILK AND HONEY by Jane Jensen

◊ Series: Elizabeth Harris Novel, Book #2

◊ Paperback: 304 pages

◊ Genre: Cozy Murder Mystery

◊ Publisher: Berkley (August 2, 2016)

◊ Language: English

◊ ISBN-10: 0425282902

◊ ISBN-13: 978-0425282908

SYNOPSIS:

          With its peaceful, hardworking Amish population, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, is a rural paradise. But former NYPD homicide detective Elizabeth Harris knows that evil lurks there—it’s just easier to hide...
 

By solving the murders of two local girls, Elizabeth has gained some trust in the Amish community. So, she’s the first person its members turn to when a fast and fatal illness takes hold, though many believe that the sickness stems from a hexerei—a curse placed by a practitioner of old-world folk magic. Elizabeth doesn’t believe in curses, and when an entire Amish family is found dead, she begins to suspect something far more sinister...

As the CDC is called in to investigate, customers of a Philadelphia farmers market selling Amish raw milk start dying. Amid rapidly escalating panic, Elizabeth must peel away layers of superstition and fear to save the livelihood—and lives—of an entire community. Because what has happened isn’t an accident of nature or an act of God, it’s the handiwork of someone who has only just begun to kill...

Author Jane Jensen shows the good and evil in the world in her latest release, IN THE LAND OF MILK AND HONEY.

Jensen easily draws readers into her unique and God-fearing Amish community. She creates a community of hard-working families living off the land taking care of their own. With an eye for detail, the author explores the Amish way of life and how it co-exists with modern English ways. At the same time, she skillfully exams the cruelty one person can inflict on strangers attributing what they’re doing to what they see as their own injustice.

This story moves quickly with twists, turns and stumbling blocks to keep you in suspense. The tense is high as the unknown spreads across the community. The author holds you spellbound in anticipation of the next tragedy.

Jensen expertly blends the Amish way of life with police procedures for a well-balanced story. She mingles in bits of fun and a touch of romance to complete the circle.

The characters are well thought out, realistic and easy to like. The protagonist is strong, dedicated and determined in her pursuit of justice. At the same time, she’s compassionate, caring and vulnerable on a personal level.

This is a nail-biting mystery that plays on the fear of evil possibilities when it comes to our food sources.

In the Land of Milk and Honey by Jane Jensen, An Elizabeth Harris Novel (Book #2), Berkley, @2016, ISBN: 978-0425282908, Paperback, 304 Pages

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks to the wonderful folks at Berkley, I have a print copy of IN THE LAND OF MILK AND HONEY by Jane Jensen to giveaway. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only and will end at 12 a.m. (EST) on Wednesday, Aug. 10.

To enter the giveaway, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient. A winner will be selected by the Rafflecopter widget and I’ll send an email with the subject line “Thoughts in Progress Giveaway.” The winner will have 72 hours to reply to the email or another winner will be selected. PLEASE be sure to check your spam folder from time to time after the giveaway ends to make sure the notification email doesn’t end up there. If you win and you’ve already won the book somewhere else or you just decided for whatever reason you don’t want to win (which is fine), once again PLEASE let me know.

Thanks so much for stopping by. Do you find books with Amish themes interesting? Do you ever think about what could happen if our food sources are tampered with even on a small scale?

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Kingdom Come {+ Giveaway}

*This post contains affiliate links
 
Murder in an Amish community isn’t a new concept in mystery books, but author Jane Jensen puts an interesting spin on it in her new Elizabeth Harris Mystery series.  

KINGDOM COME is the first installment in Jensen’s new series. In this new release Jensen has created an intriguing protagonist and a cast of characters readers will want to follow for a long time. The vivid Pennsylvania setting draws you in.
 
Detective Elizabeth Harris returns home to Lancaster County after her husband is murdered. Giving up her NYPD badge to work law enforcement in the remote Pennsylvania Dutch country doesn’t lead to the quiet life Elizabeth was hoping for. The discovery of a dead ‘English’ girl in a prominent Amish family’s barn leads Elizabeth to uncover dark secrets in the community When a second body is found, Elizabeth is determined to find the killer no matter how deep their ties are to the community.
 
Jensen combines the somber, quiet world of the Amish with murder for a fast pace read that keeps you guessing. She blends in suspense, a touch of romance, and a dash of friendship for a well-balanced story. Jensen created Elizabeth as a strong-willed cop, good at what she does. At the same time, she allows Elizabeth to be a woman who battles with her emotions when confronted with feelings for an Amish man.
 
KINGDOM COME is a spellbinding mystery that is a wonderful beginning to a fascinating new series.
 
Kingdom Come by Jane Jensen, An Elizabeth Harris Mystery (Book #1), Berkley, @2016, ISBN: 978-0425282892, Paperback, 304 Pages 
 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

Thanks to Danielle and the great folks at Berkley, I have a print copy of KINGDOM COME to giveaway. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only and will end at 12 a.m. (EST) on Sunday, Jan. 17.

To enter, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and following the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient. A winner will be selected by the Rafflecopter widget and I’ll send an email with the subject line “Thoughts in Progress Kingdom Come Giveaway.” The winner will have 72 hours to reply to the email or another winner will be selected. PLEASE be sure to check your spam folder from time to time after the giveaway ends. If you win and you’ve already won the book somewhere else or you just decide for whatever reason you don’t want to win, once again PLEASE let me know.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Are you a fan of books with Amish-themes? What do you look for in new protagonists?

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A Surprise For Lily by Suzanne Woods Fisher and Mary Ann Kinsinger

The delightful sage of an eleven-year-old Amish girl continues in A SURPRISE FOR LILY, the fourth installment in the Adventures of Lily Lapp Series by authors Suzanne Woods Fisher and Mary Ann Kinsinger.

While Lily wants things to stay just as they are, life has a way of changing no matter what. This time around she’s faced with a new school teacher, her cousin and best friend moving away, triumphs and tragedies in her family, and changes in her schoolmates. In addition, the family learns you can’t always trust what another promises but lessons can be learned from it.

Lily faces each new challenge with the love and faith of her family. She comes to realize people can change and a crazy mutt of a dog can be a hero. Lily biggest surprise comes with a new addition or two to her family she never expected.

A SURPRISE FOR LILY is an enchanting story that teaches youngsters the way of the Amish showing the similarities and differences. The story is a quick read that flows smoothly and is told from Lily’s point of view. In addition, the authors have included a short section answering questions about the Amish that will help explain some of the activities in the story.

The book is geared toward youngsters ages 8 to 12, but can be enjoyed by all ages. Older youngsters can read the adventures on their own, while the book is divided into chapters that make for easy bedtime reading to younger children. In addition, there are several beautiful pencil sketches throughout the book that highlight various aspects of the story.

This is the fourth installment in the series, but can be read as a stand alone. However, reading the series in order gives a better look at the Amish way of life and the exciting adventures Lily has encountered growing up.

A SURPRISE FOR LILY is a heartwarming story of family, love, faith and friendship as seen through the eyes of a young girl. An irresistible read from a compelling series.
A Surprise For Lily by Suzanne Woods Fisher and Mary Ann Kinsinger, Adventures of Lily Lapp series Book 4, Revell, @2013, ISBN: 978-0800721350, Paperback, 272 Pages 

“Available August 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

FTC Full Disclosure - I requested this book as part of a blog tour and it was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
 
ABOUT THE AUTHORS…..

Mary Ann Kinsinger was raised Old Order Amish in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. She met and married her husband, whom she knew from school days and started a family. After they chose to leave the Amish church, Kinsinger began a blog, A Joyful Chaos, as a way to capture her warm memories of her childhood for her own children. 

From the start, this blog found a ready audience and even captured the attention of key media players, such as the influential blog AmishAmerica and The New York Times. She lives in Pennsylvania.

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of The Choice, The Waiting, The Search, The Keeper and The Haven, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. 

Fisher is a Christy Award finalist and a Carol Award finalist. She is the host of internet radio show Amish Wisdom and a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California. For more information, please visit www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and connect with her on Twitter @suzannewfisher.

Thanks for so much for visiting today. I hope you found this review intriguing enough to check out the book and series further. Wishing you a wonderful weekend and happy reading!

Sunday Salon: A Big Year For Lily

Here we are at another Sunday Salon where we can relax, socialize and talk about the wonderful books we’ve read and hope to read.

This week I have a charming book to share with you as part of the author’s virtual book tour. While it’s the third in a series, it can be read alone. It may be considered a YA book, but is entertaining for all ages. I’ll share my thoughts on the book and then a bit about the authors.

A BIG YEAR FOR LILY by Suzanne Woods Fisher and Mary Ann Kinsinger

The gentle ways of the Amish are seen through the eyes of nine-year-old Lily Lapp as she goes about her daily living in their new Pennsylvania home.

Life in the new area has been filled with surprises, both good and bad for Lily. She enjoys living near her cousin Hannah, but she has some problems with Effie Kauffman, a girl in her school who likes to play pranks. And then there’s Aaron Yoder, a boy she’s not sure about anymore. In addition, Lily’s life takes on new problems and adventures when she turns 10.

A BIG YEAR FOR LILY is a charming story geared toward children ages 8 to 12, but is entertaining for all ages. It combines the fascinating life of the Amish with a good balance of humor for an enjoyable and quick read. In addition, there are beautiful line drawings throughout the book that capture various moments of the story. The story flows smoothly and holds the readers attention from beginning to end.

This enchanting book is a combined effort of bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher and author Mary Ann Kinsinger. Kinsinger, who relies on real-life stories of her childhood growing up Amish.

The third of four installments in the Adventures of Lily Lapp, A BIG YEAR FOR LILY can be read alone. This a fun and informative read that will delight and inspire. You may want to read the previous books to catch up on Lily’s prior fun and learning adventures. Can’t wait to see what Lily’s up to next.

A Big Year For Lily by Suzanne Woods Fisher and Mary Ann Kinsinger, Adventures of Lily Lapp Series Book 3, Revell, @2013, ISBN: 978-0800721343, Paperback, 272 Pages 

Available July 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

FTC Full Disclosure - I requested this book as part of the author’s virtual book tour and it was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
 
ABOUT THE AUTHORS: 
Mary Ann Kinsinger was raised Old Order Amish in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. She met and married her husband, whom she knew from school days and started a family. After they chose to leave the Amish church, Kinsinger began a blog, A Joyful Chaos, as a way to capture her warm memories of her childhood for her own children. 

From the start, this blog found a ready audience and even captured the attention of key media players, such as the influential blog AmishAmerica and The New York Times. She lives in Pennsylvania.

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of The Choice, The Waiting, The Search, The Keeper and The Haven, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. 

Fisher is a Christy Award finalist and a Carol Award finalist. She is the host of internet radio show Amish Wisdom and a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California. For more information, please visit www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and connect with her on Twitter @suzannewfisher.

Thanks everyone for stopping by today. Hope you’re having a great Sunday. Do you enjoy learning about other ways of life, religions, cultures, etc. through reading?

Life With Lily by Mary Ann Kinsinger and Suzanne Woods Fisher

When looking for books to share with young family members, I try to find something that is wholesome and entertaining that they will enjoy.

LIFE WITH LILY by Mary Ann Kinsinger and Suzanne Woods Fisher fits this bill perfectly. This delightful story begins as 5-year-old Lily Lapp is whisked to her grandparents just before the arrival of her baby brother. The Lapps live on a small Amish farm in upstate New York. The story follows the escapades of the young girl detailing the Amish lifestyle through her eyes.

LIFE WITH LILY is the first installment in THE ADVENTURES OF LILY LAPP series featuring four novels. The book is recommended for ages 8 to 12, but is a charming story readers of all ages will enjoy. While the writing may be more advanced than younger readers (under 8) can handle, it is a great book for parents to read from to their youngsters. The short chapters makes it perfect for a nightly read as youngsters get ready for sleep.

Combining Kinsinger’s stories from growing up Amish with Fisher’s style of writing and you have a new series that will delight readers of all ages for years to come. 

LIFE WITH LILY gives readers a glimpse at a lifestyle ma

ny know little about. There is even a short section in the back of the book answering questions about the Amish. Throughout the book there are beautiful illustrations that depict Lily’s life.

In addition, the authors have created a website where youngsters and fans of Lily can find out more about her and her family. Visitors can also play games, download coloring pages from Lily’s books and much more. The site is www.adventuresoflilylapp.com.

Lily is a cheerful character readers will want to follow as she grows and learns.

Available October 2012  at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Life With Lily by Mary Ann Kinsinger and Suzanne Woods Fisher, Book One of The Adventures of Lily Lapp, Revell, @2012, ISBN: 978-0800721329, Paperback, 288 Pages

FTC Full Disclosure - I requested this book as part of a blog tour and it was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
 
Do you enjoy books that have some bases in fact? Do you enjoy learning about different lifestyles? Thanks so much for visiting today.