Book Review: Secrets of Harmony Grove by Mindy Starns Clark/3.5 Stars

About the book:

From the bestselling author of Shadows of Lancaster County comes an exciting new romantic mystery set in Amish country.


Sienna Collins, owner of the Harmony Grove Bed & Breakfast in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, learns that she is under investigation by the federal government for crimes she knows nothing about. A few hours later she finds her ex-boyfriend, Troy, dead, and her life and livelihood begin to spin wildly out of control. She begins to doubt everyone around her, even the handsome detective assigned to the case.

As Sienna tries to clear her name, she is forced to depend on her faith, the wisdom of the Amish, and the insight of the man she has recently begun dating. She’ll need all the help she can get, because the secret she uncovers in Harmony Grove end up threatening not just her bed-and-breakfast, but also her credibility, her beliefs, and ultimately her life.

My thoughts:

Readers familiar with Mindy Starns Clark know that she is an incredible writer that can weave an intricate story together in a phenomenal way. Her plots are always complex and her characters believable. It is also very difficult to put down one of her novels because the action is always non-stop.

That said, Secrets of Harmony Grove was a rather complicated story. The plot, while interesting from the word "go," had way too many twists and turns. It was a mystery within a mystery, with a few other mysteries served on the side.  With all of the subplots, it was not a surprising experience to find several lagging portions in the book.

Knowing that Clark has written another Amish/mystery story, it was a given that the two books were easy to compare against each other.  While neither book was overtly Amish, each book featured parts of the Amish lifestyle that are not commonly mentioned in strictly Amish novels.  For example, this novel dealt with mental illness and Amish ancestry, while her other novel explained the intricacies of DNA research and diseases among the Amish.

Readers who enjoy lighthearted stories may wish to bypass this particular novel.  Clark is a very talented mystery author, but this novel, in particular, had a few scenes that were darker than her usual fare.  It will be interesting to see how she has used this novel, as well as her previous Amish/mystery novel, as she branches out with co-writing Amish novels.

3.5 Stars

Southern?  No
Sass?  No

Book Review: Plain Wisdom by Cindy Woodsmall and Miriam Flaud/5 Stars

About the book:

Two friends from different worlds—one Old Order Amish, one Englischer—share the truths that bring them together.

Best-selling novelist Cindy Woodsmall might seem to have little in common with Miriam Flaud, a woman immersed in the culture of Old Order Amish. But with nine children and almost 60 years of marriage between them, Cindy and Miriam both have found the secrets to facing life with strength and grace. Whether enduring financial setbacks, celebrating new babies and times of prosperity, grieving the crushing losses in the deaths of family and friends, or facing disappointments with their respective communities—through it all they find guidance for each day by looking to God.
With poignant recollections, unexpected insights, and humorous tales, the two women welcome you into their unique friendship. You’ll also gain a rare glimpse into the traditions and ways of the Amish as Miriam recalls special occasions and shares family recipes throughout the book.

Plain Wisdom is a heartwarming celebration of God, womanhood, and the search for beauty that unites us all. So grab your cup and your quilt and settle in for a soul-comforting read with Plain Wisdom.

My thoughts:

Let me just say that I enjoyed this book way more than I ever expected to!  When I first started reading it, I would read a couple of pages here, a couple there, and I didn't invest a lot of time with it in the very beginning.  I finally decided to pick it up again a couple of days ago, and really allowed myself to enjoy it fully. 

Well....the rest was history!  In no time flat, it became nearly impossible to put down!  I soaked up each chapter, and the wisdom contained within.  Some chapters spoke to me more than others, and some had morsels of wisdom that I would go back and read again. 

Even though Miriam and Cindy are from two completely different worlds, they share how similar they really are.  Whether it was the daily tasks of being a mother, their commitments to their husbands, or their devotion to their friends, their goals were the same.  They've trusted God to lead and direct their lives, and let Him shine through them to bless others.

I think that anyone that reads this book will have something that speaks to them.  My moment came almost at the very end in the chapter called "Opportunity for the Taking."  Now, I have been a procrastinator all my life, and no, it's not something that I'm proud of.  I've missed deadlines, had to eat some crow on a few occasions where I didn't step up to the plate like I should have, and missed opportunities for all sorts of things that I would've enjoyed being a part of, whether it was a benefit to me or a benefit to someone else.  Well, this one little statement that Miriam made in this chapter brought it all into perspective for me--"One little deed done in time is worth more than a thousand good intentions."  I had to stop right there and say a little prayer that God would help me take action quicker on the things that are important, and to focus my time on things that are meaningful.

This book was such a blessing to me, and I have no doubt that it will be to so many people.  For folks that are fans of Amish fiction (like me), this book provides a handful of insights into the daily routines of the Amish.  It's a very quick read with short chapters, and there's even a few tasty recipes scattered throughout.  I hope you'll take the time to read Plain Wisdom, and I pray it will be a blessing to you as it was to me.

5 Stars

Southern? No
Sass?  No

**Many thanks to Waterbrook Multnomah for providing a copy for review through their Blogging for Books Program.  If you enjoyed my review, please visit this link to rate it (I'd really appreciate it!).