Virginia Smith (1) (1960–)

I started backward, and read the sequel first, but enjoyed it so well that I was excited to go back to read this one. I cannot tell you how long it has been since I have read a book that made me cry, but this one definitely was successful with that more than once. This is such a great story! I've enjoyed Ginny Smith's books for a while now, but this just makes me like her all the more. As a 23 year old, former punk/goth teenager, I can tell you from experience that her books with Mayla hit show more home. The sequel was good with certain topics, but this one is just fabulous. Mayla's story is really that of an alternative young person finding Christ and starting their life as a Christian. Not everyone has the same background and this book is great for all people whether they were brought up in the Church or know nothing about it. I'd recommend this book to teens, young adults, older adults (to understand the younger) and anyone really. I strongly recommend it for people to read who are not Christian. It might show a good insight to how things "can" be. show less

Readers of Jan Karon or Ane Mulligan, here is another small-town series sure to delight and entertain. While Room with the Second Best View is Book Three of three in the Tales from the Goose Creek B & B, I had no problem entering into the spirit of friendships and difficulties of Goose Creek.

Virginia Smith has populated her town with so many wonderful, quirky people. Unfortunately, some of them are just too true to life. Justin's great aunt thinks her money allows her to control show more everything,including Justin and Susan's wedding. I loved the way that Millie and Al have learned to work through their issues after so many years of marriage. The town even has Lulu, the requisite person nobody likes, but none can ignore. How do you deal with such an irritating resident as Lulu?!

One word of warning. If you choose to read this book in the presence of others, let them know you may break out in frequent, unexpected whoops of laughter. This is something beyond your control.

I highly recommend this book as an infusion of endorphins for the soul. I gratefully received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. show less

This is book four of the "Tales from the Goose Creek B&B" series. I haven't read any of the other books in this series, so it seems to be sufficiently independent of the other books. This is also a novella although I did't see any indication of that in the description. However I was able to read it through twice in just a few hours, so it is short.

This is a great light read filled with zany, quirky characters, a small town feel, and the ability to help you set the mood for the season.

Al show more and Millie Richardson are in their twilight years, have bought themselves a Bed and Breakfast and just recently remodeled it. They are anticipating their years of retirement when Al is unexpectedly released from his work as computer specialist. His pride was hurt more than anything else, since he was already prepared to retire in another year, so he decides to delay telling his wife for awhile so as not to upset her over the upcoming holidays. Well, that was his excuse anyway.

In the meantime, Mille has her hands full with one of her neighbors who takes on the task of decorating the downtown business district of Goose Creek. The problem is that her tastes clash with those of the community, especially the downtown businesses. She is so distracted with this dilemma that she doesn't notice that her husband suddenly has more time on his hands than he used to.

There are so many amusing moments in this short tale. I enjoyed taking the time to get to know this local community. If you are in the need for momentary breaks during the Christmas season, this is the book for you. It is a pleasant and sweet diversion. show less

The Amish Widower by Virginia Smith is the fourth book in The Men of Lancaster County series. Seth Hostetler lives in Lancaster County with his second wife, Hannah. They are on their way home from Sunday services when a car with two teens inside start causing trouble. The boys hollering and honking causes the horse to spook and the carriage ends up flipping over. Hannah is flung from the carriage and dies on impact. Seth vows he will not marry again and endanger another woman. A year later show more Seth is living on the family farm and he has yet to get over the loss of Hannah. The woman in his family, though, have decided that it is time for Seth to find a new bride. When Seth takes the ladies on a shopping trip, they stop at Plain Man’s Pottery owned by Elias Beachy. Elias offers Seth a lesson and it turns out that Seth has a knack for pottery. Seth finds it soothing and a chance to escape from his family’s matchmaking. Elias’ granddaughter, Leah works in the shop, and there is something about her that attracts Seth. They both have suffered losses. One day a young man stops by the Hostetler farm. His name is Robbie Barker, and he offers to be a driver. Seth is not comfortable driving a buggy since the accident and uses Robbie’s services. Robbie is nervous around Seth in the beginning, but they soon become friends. Robbie has a secret that he needs to share with Seth, but it will change the relationship between the pair. In addition, it could send Seth’s temper spiraling out of control. Find out what happens by reading The Amish Widower.

The Amish Widower is a beautifully crafted novel that captured my interest immediately. Seth is a man struggling with the loss of two wives, and he feels responsible (though he had nothing to do with either of their deaths). We get to see him work through his grief and anger (he has trouble controlling his temper). It was nice to see him find an outlet in pottery. The author takes readers through process of creating the pottery (which I found fascinating). I loved the descriptions of Seth’s creations especially his unique candleholders. I felt that The Amish Widower has a great flow and good writing. The story develops naturally and easily. I give The Amish Widower 4.5 out of 5 stars. While The Amish Widower is a part of a series, each book can be read alone. The ending is expected, but I still enjoyed reading the book (I did not want to put it down). I appreciated how Ms. Smith shows the healing power of forgiveness. We can see how forgiveness helps both parties. The Amish Widower is my favorite story in The Men of Lancaster County series. show less