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Monday, April 30, 2012

Guest review of Kelly Long's "Arms of Love"



(Thomas Nelson, 2012)
4.5  stars~

Reviewed by Diana Flowers

Tale of Redemption and Forgiveness!

Kelly Long sweeps us away to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in the year 1777; to a tumultuous time in the history of our country, where the Redcoats, loyalists, patriots, and Amish pacifists coexist. It is also a time of great political unrest, and persecution towards the Amish sect, who, in spite of their peace loving dictates, find their hearts rebelling against the injustices perpetrated in the colonies.

In spite of the political uncertainty surrounding her, Lena Yoder, a beautiful young Amish woman, can barely contain her joy. She is in the throes of love with the handsome Adam Wyse, and her mother is expecting another child. Unbeknownst to Lena, however, in just a short time a promise that her dying mother exacts from her beloved Adam, turns her world upside down, and she finds herself forced to turn to another for support, Adam's brother, Isaac.

Adam Wyse carries a dark secret of guilt and shame from being physically abused, and ponders joining the Patriot's cause to try to escape his problems, the worst of which is being unable to bear seeing his beloved Lena with Isaac. Can Adam ever overcome his demons?...and why does his father seem to delight in tormenting him so? Will Adam run off to war, and keep his promise to Lena's mother concerning her?...and is it too late for forgiveness and redemption between a father and son, and a lifetime of abuse?
This was the first book I have ever read by Kelly Long, but it won't be my last! She touches on some very heavy issues in this book; PTSD, child abuse, the controversial habit of unmarried Amish young people "bundling", to name a few. 


Kelly's characters are realistic and not flawless as in some of the Amish books of today, and I loved the inclusion of an older couple's romance, which lended a tender, heartwarming touch to this novel. This is truly a heartrending story of love, redemption, and forgiveness, with a very satisfying conclusion filled with twists and turns. Nicely written, Kelly Long! 

Diana Flowers, Is the Senior Review for Overcoming Through Time - With God's Help. She loves to read and review books and lives in South Carolina, where she enjoys life with her wonderful husband and family.

GIVEAWAY:  Leave a comment and your email address for a chance to win a copy of Kelly Long's new release. 

119 comments:

  1. Thank you, Quillers, for having me as your guest today. :) I'm awed to be amongst so much talent!

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  2. 7Diana thanks for the great review! We are so glad you could share it with us!

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    1. My pleasure, CARRIE! Thank you for having me!

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    2. Thank you both, Carrie and Diana, or such a warm review and welcome here!
      Love,
      Kelly Long

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    3. You are so welcome, Kelly! I am hearing some great things about your other books as well, so I need to get hopping! So many books, so little time. :(

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  3. sounds riveting! I would love to read this one. Thanks for the review and giveaway!!

    ladette[at]live[dot]com

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    1. LADETTE, you WILL be riveted by this one! Why do I sound like a frog all of a sudden? lol! Thank you, and good luck in the drawing!

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  4. KELLY!!! Just finished Lily's Wedding Quilt and loved it, girl!!! The "Edgy Julie Lessman," indeed!! And to think I could have been writing Amish all this time, you stinker you ... ;)

    Great review, Diana -- sounds like another Kelly Long winner!!

    Hugs,
    Julie

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    1. JULIE, always a pleasure, my friend! I have heard so much about Lily's Wedding Quilt, I have to find time to squeeze it in! Isn't that the one you loved so much, CARRIE?

      JULIE, I would love to see you try your hand at Amish! But, you can't put as much kissing in Amish books, you do realize that, right? hehe So that should cut your books down a little (well, maybe alot!!) in length. lol!

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    2. Amish don't kiss?! Julie could fix that ;)

      I haven't read Lily's Wedding Quilt but it sounds like I need to! I just love all the different ones that y'all read and the recommendations that fly around here!

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    3. Well, they do, but not quite as much as JULIE'S characters. lol! That's why we love JULIE'S books so much. HaHa I think JULIE should start a new trend in Amish books, ANNE! I'm so with you on that!

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    4. Julie...A PAssion Most Pure was perfect for me as well!!!! Maybe Ishould write some..uh...deeper historicals....
      Love you,
      Kelly

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    5. KELLY is starting that trend in Amish books, DIANA! Kelly is one talented writer.

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  5. Not neat & tidy like most Amish fiction? You have left me in suspense about this book :) Count me in!

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    2. Neat and tidy, ANNE? Uh...no. Not your typical Amish to be sure! You're counted in, ANNE! :)

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  6. Another doozie DIANA!! GOOD JOB! I haven't read an Amish story lately, this sounds like the one I need to read! There goes another book on the overflowing TBR pile. :)

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  7. I'm interested, please sign me up. And I've seen a lot of Amish covers, this is the only one I've really liked - maybe because it's period.

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  8. oh, I should follow directions rmjagears AT gmail DOT com

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    1. I just love this cover, too, MELISSA! I decided I wanted to read the book before I even knew what it was about, b/c I got a sneak peek at the cover. lol The picking of a cover is key, so I still don't understand why some authors settle for such bad ones. People tend to judge a book by it's cover, and I'm sure I have missed alot of good books by doing that, but I'm sure I'm not alone in that.

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    2. I agree with you, Dianna. The cover is our first impression of what a book represents, and if the cover isn't attractive and interesting I'm not drawn to it.
      Nancee
      quiltcat26@sbcglobal.net

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  9. ANNE SAID: "Amish don't kiss?! Julie could fix that ;)"

    ROTFLOL!!! Boy, could I!! :) Reminds me of the time a few years back when my editor leaned across a coffee table at the ICRS hotel about the time Amish was just starting to go crazy and said, "Julie, can you write Amish?" I remember blinking a few times because this was the SAME editor who'd sliced and diced all the ... ahem ... truly passionate scenes in my 2nd book. I remember kind of chewing my lip on one side and leaning in with a crimp of my brows. "I don't know -- is there such a thing as 'edgy Amish'???

    Well, yes, apparently there is, and it's called Kelly Long!!! ;)

    Hugs,
    Julie

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    1. I started to say "edgy" Amish, JULIE, but didn't want to get in trouble, so I'll let you take the blame! lol!
      You're too funny, JULIE, and we all love you so much! HMMM...definitely gotta take some time out to read more of Kelly's books now...edgy Amish, huh? ;)

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    2. I want to know if all of Kelly's Amish books are considered "edgy". Might have to make a run on the library ;)

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    3. Kelly is the writer who has brought passion into Amish fiction. The Amish people, with all their kids, might refer to it as realism ;)

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    4. Hmmm...ANNE...we both better make a run on the library! lol Like the "realism" remark, Carrie! :)

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  10. This book sounds intriguing! Thank you for the review and giveaway!

    I have read several Amish authors before and some are ver good, such as Beverly Lewis, and some are not so good. I have never read any by Kelly Long before, though.

    Thank you again.

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    1. Sorry, I did not remember to leave my e-mail address!

      ks4readin@yahoo.com

      Thanks!

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    2. Thank you for coming by and sharing with us, 4READIN. I love Bev Lewis as well! Please come back and leave an email so we can find you, should you be drawn. :) Without your real name or an email, we are pretty lost, unless someone here recognizes 4readin. Blessings~

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    3. Thank you for coming back with your email addy, 4READIN! Gotcha entered! I think I was typing and you had already come back on...oopsie!

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  11. This does sound like a lovely book. Nice review, Diana.

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    1. Thank you so much, CARLA! I hope you get a chance to read it soon.

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  12. I do not know if my comment with my e-mail above was seen, so I will add it here.

    ks4readin@yahoo.com

    Thank you so much!

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  13. love the colonial period - great review - one if by land, two if by sea

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    1. Thank you for coming by, MURRAY! Always a pleasure!

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    2. MURRAY can believe it or not, but he is our winner on CQ this week! CONGRATS!

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  14. Teresa Wade SherokeApril 30, 2012 at 12:46 PM

    Would love to read this book!

    Teresa Sheroke

    tsheroke@sbcglobal.net

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    1. And we would love for you to read it, TERESA! Lots of luck in the drawing!!

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  15. Thank You for a chance to win this book! Terrilea@yahoo.com

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    1. Thank you for stopping by, TERRILEA! Hoping for a win for you!

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    2. You're quite welcome, TERRILEA! Hoping for a win for you!

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  16. Oh! This is one I must read! Thanks for the chance to win a copy. :) twinwillowsfarm at gmail dot com

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    1. Yes, PEGG, you must!! I hope you get a copy in your hands asap! :)

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  17. This book sounds wonderful Diane! Thanks for the giveaway.
    Blessings....Joy
    ibjoy1953[at]yahoo.com

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    1. Nice to see you, JOY! Lots of luck in the giveaway! Keep those good reviews coming, girl!

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  18. Sounds like a great book! Usually I don't read much Amish, but this sounds different and I think I might like it a lot!
    Great review Diana!

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    1. Why thank you, Maid Marian! I love anything Amish, but this was totally different.

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  19. Love reading Amish stories and I love all of Kelly's books!

    Karen Schulz

    aregeetee5162 at yahoo dot com

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    1. KAREN, I believe you will agree that this one is different than Kelly's other Amish books, but I'm sure you will enjoy it nonetheless!

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  20. Great review! Would love a chance to win this book. Sounds very interesting and different.

    Karen Gervais
    kmgervais@nycap.rr.com

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    1. KAREN, thank you! It is interesting and different and I hope you will get a chance to read it soon!

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  21. Sounds like a great book, please enter me in this contest, I would love to be a winner, love reading your books, kelly.
    rosiej1942@yahoo.com Rose Goddard

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    1. ROSE, thank for your encouraging comments to Kelly!! Throwing your name in the hat!

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  22. What a joy this book seems to be to read! A little different, just interesting.

    Loretta

    eveningstar888(at)aol.com

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    1. LORETTA, this book takes place during a terrible time during our country's history, and the heroine and hero go through some dark times, so it is a good book, but heartrending at the same time. Thank you for your interest in Kelly's book!

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  23. I love Kelly's books. This one sounds like a good one too. I'd love to have an opportunity to win a copy of her newest book. Thank you for the offer.
    Nancee
    quiltcat26@sbcglobal.net

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    1. NANCEE, goood luck in the giveaway. I would love to see you win a copy as well!

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  24. Woohoo! Would LOOOOVE to win this gem!
    Thanks for the opportunity!
    Susan Ferrell
    susan828(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  25. SUSAN, next time show a little enthusiasm! LOL! Love it! I hope you win this gem! You are such a doll.

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  26. Hello Dianna, I have read Kelly Long before but this one sounds little different, one I think I would like to read too. if not too late add me to the list, thanks for sharing this one.
    Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)

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    1. Hi, PAULA! No, you are not too late...thank you for your interest in Kelly's book!

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  27. Awesome review! I LOVE Amish fiction, and I can't wait to read it!

    lubell1106(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. I'm with you, ElYSSA! Love that Amish fiction, contemporary or historical!

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  28. This book looks great! Please enter me into the drawing!

    jennycohen104(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. JENNY, welcome to CQs! I just dropped your name in my cyber-hat here.;)

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  29. DIANA You have created another "DOOZIE"! :) I tried to leave a comment yesterday but for some reason it wasn't here when I checked back, strange! I haven't read an Amish book lately, this one sounds like the one I should add to my no longer a TBR stack but a TBR PILE! LOL!!!

    avonmathews(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  30. would love to read this beautiful story....thanks for the chance :)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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    1. Gotcha entered, KAREN! Thanks for stopping by!

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  31. Oooh!!! Please enter me in the drawing! Loved Lilly's Wedding Quilt soooo much! I never thought about it, but it is sort of like the Amish version of Julie Lessman! haha! Nice!

    Emreilly303(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. EMILY, I have heard so much about KELLY'S, Lily's Wedding Quilt. I'm sure it's alot different than Arms of Love (since AoL is a historical during the Revolutionary War), but I think I'm going to have to find time to squeeze that one in! lol

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    2. Yes! You definitely have to give it a shot! I absolutely LOVED it!!!! hehe!

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  32. Thanks for the giveaway! Can't wait to read this one, loved her other books! Enter me!

    Dreilly316(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. DEBBIE, I hope you enjoy this one as well! You are entered!

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    2. Hey Debbie,
      Thank for reading! This one is a bit darker but powerful all the same!
      Thanks,
      Kelly

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  33. Please enter my name into the drawing...thanks so much!

    Jreilly316(at)verizon(dot)net

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    1. JOHN, thank you for dropping by...gotcha entered and good luck!

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  34. I have read her other books and enjoyed them. Especially since Amish fiction is not my favorite genre. Please enter me as this book sounds very intriguing.

    sweetdarknectar at gmail dot com

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    1. AMY, this is so different than your typical Amish book, that I feel you will really enjoy it, since Amish is not your fav genre. Thank you for supporting Kelly's books!

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  35. DIANA! GREAT JOB! I haven't read an AMISH book in a while, this one sounds like I need to add it to my overflowing TBR pile!
    This is the third time I've tried to post a comment on here, that's the reason I posted under Anonymous. We'll see what happens! LOL!

    avonmathews@yahoo.com

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  36. Diana AWESOME review! Haven't read an Amish book in a while, this one sounds like I need to add it to my overflowing TBR pile! :)

    tsmathews61@gmail.com

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  37. DIANA, I brought a goose down filled cushion for your rocker, like I promised on Overcoming Through Time! Glad to have you with us colonial folks, too! Thank you for visiting and sharing!

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    1. LOL! Have you ever seen such a spoiled woman? Is it obvious I am a southern belle? You colonial women just have it too rough. I would nevah churn my own buttah, or sit in a hard wooden rocker! My my! Thank you, Miss CARRIE, for the goose filled cushion. My, uh, derriere was getting quite numb. (I can't believe I just said that!) lol! But I'll leave it---might bring a smile to someone today!

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    2. Why Miss DIANA I was wonderin' why you were squirming in that ole chair...now I know. Us Southern Belles do luve our comfort. :) So glad Miss Carrie got you a cushie for your little ole tushie! :)

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    3. LOL! Isn't she the most thoughtful person you ever saw in your born days, my deah TERESA? I'm much more comfortable now, thank you, CARRIE! I hope Miss Carrie isn't needing the smelling salts right about now. We failed to mention we are backwoods southern belles! There is a difference. lol!

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    4. Now Diana gurl don't be telling all our lil secrets. :)

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  38. Well Diana here goes my fouth try....let's see if it takes my comment. AWESOME review. Sure would love to read this one!
    avonmathews@yahoo.com

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    1. YEA!!! It must have worked, I'm on my laptop, maybe my desktop is being moody today! :)

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    2. Thank you! Isn't that wild! TERESA has tried umpteen times to get on here only to have her comment vanish into thin air. Colonial Quills hereby bequeathes you, Teresa Mathews, the Award of Persistency! Congrats!

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    3. I am honored Lady Di...thank you!

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    4. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    5. I think the whole OTT gang would be here but Marian might still be celebrating Queen's Day! We periodically have issues with Blogger and google, TERESA and DIANA.

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    6. CARRIE, hail, hail, the gang's all here. MARIAN came on yesterday and left a comment. :)

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  39. Would be so happy to win one of your books.

    Cheryl Baranski

    Baranski1987@gmail.com

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    1. CHERYL, we are delighted to have you stop by! Good luck in the drawing!

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  40. This sounds like a good book thanks for chance to win it.

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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    1. APPLE BLOSSOM, thank you for your interest in Kelly's book! Hoping for a win for you!

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  41. Don't include me in the drawing I just wanted to say my wife is the BOMB, and she always asks me to read her reviews, and they are good! I can't wait until I can review her book.

    Paul Flowers

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    1. Oh my goodness!! (embarrassed chuckle) What book?? Well, thank you, honey. Gosh...he's such a nut.

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    2. PAUL to hear DIANA talk about you, you are the BOMB!!!! LOL!

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    3. PAUL from what I hear from Diana, YOU are the bomb too! :)

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  42. Great review, I think I read another review of this somewhere else, but this one really makes me want to read the book!

    Patty
    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Why thank you, PATTY! That makes me feel like I've done my job then. Not that it's a job! I hope you get a copy of Arms of Love ASAP!

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  43. Thanks so much for the review. I just started reading this book, and like you, it is my first one by Kelly Long. I will have to check out her other books. :)

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    1. KAREN, thank you so much for coming by and expressing an interest in Kelly's books!

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  44. Thanks for the review, I'll put this book on the TBR list and hope I win it! I love the idea of exploring the historical roots of the Amish people. After watching a documentary on the Amish, I don't see how any contemporary Amish book could wind up so neatly. Plus I like messy novels. So I'm looking forward to an edgy one.

    Gail
    Bookwurm70 at gmail

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    1. GAIL, I love that...messy novels! :) This one isn't all that edgy as it is just different, since it takes place during such a dark time in our country's history. Although Kelly does address some issues that other Amish books don't; child abuse for example.

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  45. Looks like such a great book!!!

    marissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com

    ~Marissa

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    1. MARISSA-the lady with the pretty name. Great to see you over here at CQs and good luck in the drawing!

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  46. I taught American history for several years and I enjoyed the Colonial Period because it was so different a lifestyle than my students knew. Stories from that time period still interest me now.

    Kindly enter me into the drawing, ddjordan_sbg_0803@yahoo.com.

    Blessings,
    Denise

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    1. DENISE, how wonderful! I hope you are able to get a copy of Kelly's book...perhaps you will be our blessed winner, but if not be sure and order a copy from Amazon!

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  47. Hi Denise...oh, you scare me as a history teacher! It was very difficult to find Amish history but a rewarding search!!!
    Peace to you,
    Kelly

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    1. KELLY, lol! I'm just glad she was a history teacher and not an English teacher, b/c I made an awful grammatical error in the review, in my present and past tenses. Don't worry, though, I corrected it for Amazon and CBD, and Net Galley! Wish I would have caught it b4 it went on here, and hoping no one noticed. If they read this, they will all look for it now. hahaha

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  48. I would love to win and read this book.I love Kellys Books...Thanks...jackie_tessnair@yahoo.com

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    1. JACKIE, we have you entered! So glad you are a fan of Kelly's books!

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  49. All I can say is....Kelly Long is AMAZING! Her books move me and I can't concentrate on anything else while I'm reading them. I would love to win this book because it has been on my wish list for a Looooooooonnnnnnnngggg time! I can't wait to read it! Thank you for this opportunity and God bless! †

    mandydawn@email.com

    Mandy Bentley

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  50. MANDY, that is a long time indeed! lol! I hope you get a copy in your hands ASAP! I use to love that song, Mandy, by Barry Manilow. Have you heard it? You may be too young. :) Thank you for coming by and encouraging KELLY!

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  51. MURRAY can believe it or not, but he is our winner on CQ this week! CONGRATS!

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