Amish Front Porch Stories by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Amish Front Porch Stories by Wanda E. Brunstetter
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

For some reason, I just could not get into this book. I really wanted to enjoy it, especially because I normally love Amish fiction, but unfortunately, this one just didn’t work for me.

The biggest issue I had was that the stories were simply too short to allow me to become invested in the characters. The book is made up of 18 “short tales,” but most of them felt more like very brief essays or snapshots than fully developed stories. Many were only around 5–8 pages long, which didn’t give the characters, relationships, or situations enough time to develop. Just as I started getting interested in someone’s story, it seemed to be over and another one would begin.

I also struggled with the fact that the stories didn’t seem to have much connection to one another. I kept waiting for the different pieces to come together or for there to be a larger storyline tying everything together, but that never really happened. Because of that, I found it difficult to feel emotionally connected to the book as a whole.

I rarely stop reading a book before finishing it, but I ended up putting this one down about halfway through. There just wasn’t enough substance to keep me engaged, and I found myself wishing the individual stories had been longer and more developed.

That being said, I know that every reader is different, and someone who enjoys very short, simple stories may appreciate this collection much more than I did. Unfortunately, this one was a miss for me. Not every book is for everyone, and this just wasn’t my book.

If you would like to read this book, you can find it here. 

August 9, 2026 – Started Reading

August 10, 2026 – Shelved

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 Happy Reading! ~*~ The Bookworm Geek ~*~

At Morning's Light by Lauraine Snelling (Book 2 of Home to Green Creek Series)

At Morning's Light by Lauraine Snelling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Continuing on with the *Home to Green Creek* series by Lauraine Snelling, Book 2 picks up where Book 1 left off. It continues the story of Amalia, a Norwegian immigrant who came to Iowa to start a new life. She is raising Ruthie, an orphan in her care, while also running a boardinghouse until Ruthie comes of age. In this book, Amalia’s cousin makes the journey across the ocean to immigrate to Iowa and help her with the boardinghouse. We see more characters in this book to fall in love with as well as book 1 characters to continue reading about their journeys.

This book was just as good as the first—and I loved it! There is quite a bit more sadness and heartache in this story, but there is also love, healing, and faith. The characters take you on an emotional journey, and you find yourself laughing, crying, and feeling every emotion right alongside them.

I won’t give away any spoilers, but when I finished this book, I immediately wanted to pick up the next one. I am fully invested in the lives of these characters and can’t wait to see what happens next!

Unfortunately, the third book in the series hasn’t been published yet, so now I have to wait to find out what comes next. I’m definitely looking forward to continuing this series!

If you would like to read this book, you can find it here. 

August 8, 2026 – Started Reading

August 10, 2026 – Finished Reading

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Happy Reading! ~*~ The Bookworm Geek ~*~

Land of Dreams by Lauraine Snelling (Book 1 in the Home to Green Creek Series)

Land of Dreams by Lauraine Snelling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

**5 stars!** Completely engrossing! I was attached to the characters and their stories right away.

I have lived near Decorah, Iowa, all my life, and I am also very Norwegian, so when I saw this book, I knew I had to pick it up. It felt like it could have been connected to my own family tree. My grandpa came to the Midwest from Norway with his mother when he was just two years old, so I especially loved reading about what life was like for Norwegian immigrants during those days.

The challenges, faith, and endurance of the characters were so refreshing to read about. I found myself becoming completely invested in their lives and finished the book in just three days!  The book had be thinking a lot about how I could help others more in my life.  Amalia is so open to serving others and grounded in her Faith.  It was inspiring.  

I loved this book so much that I ordered the second one in the series right away. I want to keep following these characters and find out where their lives take them. Of course, I immediately looked up the third book, only to discover that it hasn’t been released yet! 😭 Now I’ll have to wait, which will be hard because I need to know what happens next!

If you would like to read this book, you can find it here. 

I’m also excited to discover that Lauraine Snelling has several other series that look amazing. I’m so happy to have found a new author whose books I know I’m going to love!

**Book Description:**
On the ship to America, Norwegian immigrant Amalia Gunderson makes a solemn promise to a dying mother, vowing to watch over her five-year-old daughter, Ruth. Together, Amalia and Ruth trek to Iowa to claim the farm and former boardinghouse that Ruth has inherited, despite opposition from a difficult cousin. Struggling with an empty house and scarce resources, Amalia resolves to return the boardinghouse to its former purpose, aided by the kindness of strangers and the resilient spirit of her young charge.

August 3, 2026 – Started Reading

August 6, 2026 – Finished Reading

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Happy Reading! ~*~ The Bookworm Geek ~*~

Review: Plain Perfect by Beth Wiseman

Plain Perfect by Beth Wiseman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book. It was a fast read, I didn't want to stop reading. I finished it in two days because the story just drew me in. I laughed, I cried, I was surprised.
This book is plain perfect, I didn't want it to end. I am glad it is in a series so the story can continue.
I love how Beth Wiseman writes. The characters and story come to life. She doesn't avoid hard topics and even though these are love stories they are not sticky sweet ones.

If you would like to read this book, you can find it here. 

 READING PROGRESS

January 27, 2021 – Started Reading

January 29, 2021 – Finished Reading

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Happy Reading!

Kristin