Carla's Book Crush

A Mother’s Gift by Lee Tobin McClain & Kathryn Springer
Publisher: Love Inspired
Release Date: April 23, 2024
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This Mother’s Day, they’re finding new moms
…in these two irresistible novellas

Friendship could blossom into more in Lee Tobin McClain’s A Mother for His Child when single dad Blake Evans’s six-year-old daughter announces she wants her babysitter, Zoey Grey, to be her new mommy. And in Kathryn Springer’s The Mommy List, a little girl plays matchmaker between her dad, Gage Lawrence, and their next-door neighbor, Megan Albright…but are they ready to take that leap?

The Mysterious Amish Bachelor by Vanetta Chapman
Series: Indiana Amish Market – Book 4
Publisher: Love Inspired
Release Date: April 23, 2024
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He has a secret.

She’s set on discovering it.

After paying the price for a crime he committed ten years ago, Noah Beiler wants a fresh start—which means hiding where he’s been for the last decade from his Amish community. But Sarah Yoder is determined to uncover his past. As Noah and Sarah work together and grow close, Noah’s history is the only thing standing in their way. Will revealing the truth set them free, or are some secrets best kept buried?

The Widow’s Unexpected Suitor by Lenora Worth
Series: Pinecraft Seasons – Book 2
Publisher: Love Inspired
Release Date: May 21, 2024
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She thought she’d never find love again

Until he built a foundation for it…

Amish widow Lilah Mehl wants to make sure her daughter has the wedding she’s always dreamed of—even if it means building a new gazebo. Hiring widowed carpenter Noah Lantz to work on the project is easy, but ignoring their attraction proves more challenging than expected. As the gazebo takes shape, so do new feelings…but is love more than they bargained for?

Her Pretend Amish Beau by Patricia Johns
Series: Amish Country Matches – Book 5
Publisher: Love Inspired
Release Date: July 23, 2024
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Falling for each other was never part of the plan.

With four sons and a flower farm, widow Delia Swarey has little time for courtship. But that doesn’t stop her boys from rejecting every potential suitor. And widowed dad Elias Lehman is in the same boat with his daughter. They hope that pretending to court each other will teach their children about opening their hearts. But Delia and Elias could soon learn their own lessons about love…

Risking Her Amish Heart by Jackie Stef
Series: Bird-in-Hand Brides – Book 2
Publisher: Love Inspired
Release Date: July 23, 2024
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Can an unexpected friendship…

Turn into a happily-ever-after?

After being jilted, Grace Ebersol moves to Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania, to care for her ailing grandfather—and avoid any future heartache. Good thing the only eligible Amish bachelor nearby is her grandfather’s standoffish employee. But Grace quickly sees that Aaron King’s awkwardness hides a gentle, caring spirit. Can Grace learn to trust again…or will a secret Aaron is keeping destroy her second chance?

An Unwitting Match by Laura Beers
Series: The Lockwood Family – Book 1
Publisher: Laura Beers LLC
Release Date: August 20, 2024
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Lady Edwina Lockwood grapples with the loss of her father when her cousin extends an invitation to Lord Hilgrove to visit Brockhall Manor. She intends to avoid this houseguest, but he quickly becomes a constant presence, much to her annoyance. Despite her initial reluctance, Edwina discovers she can offer support to Lord Hilgrove as he copes with his own grief.

Miles Burke, the Earl of Hilgrove, remains consumed by sorrow after losing his wife and brother nearly a year ago. Accepting the invitation to visit a friend seemed like a good idea at the time, but upon arrival, he immediately regrets it. The only bright spot is Lady Edwina, who offers him unexpected solace.

As Edwina and Miles spend more time together, they find comfort in each other’s company and begin to heal. Together, they unearth secrets that were meant to remain buried. Delving deeper into the mysteries surrounding them, Miles finds himself risking everything to protect her. But can he give her the one thing that she desires the most- his heart?

The Burning of Rosemont Abbey byNaomi Stephens
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: October 15, 2024
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Everyone in Wilbeth Green has something to hide, but she’s about to uncover their secrets.

1956: In a quiet English village, the smoldering ruins of Rosemont Abbey have set the residents’ tongues wagging, and everyone is quick to accuse troublemaker Paul Everly of the crime of arson. Paul has vanished without a trace, leaving only his plucky twin sister, Louisa, certain of his innocence. Fueling her conviction is an inexplicable connection–she felt her twin’s death an hour before the abbey went up in flames.

Armed with nothing but her wit and her keen sense of intuition, Louisa embarks on her own investigation, challenging the dubious townspeople and the disdain of her aunt and uncle. Even Inspector Malcolm Sinclair, once Paul’s closest friend, warns Louisa to abandon her pursuit. But Louisa is determined to solve a murder no one else believes was committed, even if it means unraveling secrets that could shake Wilbeth Green to its core.

The Cowboy’s Forgotten Love by Tina Radcliffe
Series: Lazy M Ranch – Book 4
Publisher: Love Inspired
Release Date: October 22, 2024
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He finally found the love of his life

Now if only he could remember…

After an accident, rodeo rider Lucas Morgan is shocked to discover his memories of the last six months are gone. He remembers his best friend, Harper Reilly, but recent events are a blur—like the fact he’s opening a rodeo school with her…and who he bought an engagement ring for. With Luc under strict orders to rest and not stress, Harper can’t tell him about the kiss they shared or the feelings that blossomed—and with big career decisions to make, she fears they’ve missed their chance. Is it too late to fall in love all over again?

A Husband for an Amish Bride by Christina Rich
Publisher: Love Inspired
Release Date: November 26, 2024
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She’ll do anything for her family…

Even if it means marrying the man who broke her heart.

Naomi Lambright has only two months to find a husband. According to her father’s will, she must marry—or lose her family home, the farm…and be separated from her cherished siblings. But the only bachelor who will take on an Amish maed with a disabilityand her seven younger siblings is Abe Dienner, Naomi’s once-betrothed. She’s been let down by Abe before, and trusting him might be the ultimate act of faith. But can a marriage of convenience be the answer to Naomi’s prayers…or put her family—and her heart—at risk?

What I Left for You by Liz Tolsma
Series: Echoes of the Past – Book 3
Publisher: Barbour Fiction
Release Date: December 1, 2024
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A Family’s Ties Were Broken in Poland of 1939

1939
Helena Kostyszak is an oddity—an educated female ethnic minority lecturing at a university in Krakow at the outbreak of WWII. When the Germans close the university and force Jews into the ghetto, she spirits out a friend’s infant daughter and flees to her small village in the southern hills. Helena does everything in her power to protect her family, but it may not be enough. It will take all of her strength and God’s intervention for both of them to survive the war and the ethnic cleansing to come.

2023
Recently unengaged social worker McKenna Muir is dealt an awful blow when a two-year-old she’s been working with is murdered. It’s all too much to take, so her friend suggests she dive into her family’s past like she’s always wanted. Putting distance between herself and her problems might help her heal, so she and her friend head on Sabbatical to Poland. But what McKenna discovers about her family shocks everyone, including one long-lost family member.