Alyssa Schwarz

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The story is unique and interesting. There's a bit of intrigue and mysterious things happening at the ranch.The setting of a small ranch in Colorado is beautiful!

The characters are wonderful! Micah is a man whose past haunts him. He's determined to succeed even though he's facing insurmountable circumstances. Grace is strong. She doesn't shy away from trying new things. Callie is my favorite! She looks on the bright side of things and is the friend everyone wants to have!

There are some romantic moments, but they are sweet: a few kisses.

All in all, it's a great book! It has some humor, tragedy, good times, and bad. A definite must read!

I was provided a copy of the book from the publisher/ author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.… (mehr)

With how much I enjoyed The Glass Cottage I knew I was in for a treat with The Glass Road, and it did not disappoint. In it we see Austin and Tess both pursuing their dreams, but neither path is going the way they’d planned. Tess ends up joining Austin for the summer while she recovers from an injury and what starts out as a slight detour in her path to the Olympics turns into something else entirely.

This novel was one of those stories that I found myself getting lost in the scenery. The Colorado setting had me swooning in and of itself, but then you add a wholesome story of self discovery and breaking down walls, and it’s hard not to be charmed.

One thing that had me absolutely smitten was seeing Ben and Abigail getting their happily ever after! The whole scene with their wedding was truly sigh-worthy, but my favorite scene was when Tess was all alone, having a private moment of revelation and freedom within her own heart. This moment of letting go had a magic to it that it me right in the feels, making me realize things in my own heart that are burdening me from my own personal freedom. I wasn’t expecting to have such a reaction to a scene in a fictional novel, but there you go.

Seeing the growth of the characters throughout the novel was satisfying and very true to life, and the sweet happily ever after made it all the better. Though there is nothing about this novel that makes it initially stand out there is a quiet, unspoken strength that it exudes that I am here for. I am really enjoying this series and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next installment.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read through Kindle Unlimited. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.… (mehr)

The Glass Cottage is a debut novel for the author, Alyssa Schwarz, and with the tag of "A Prescott Family Romance #1," I think readers can eagerly expect at least a second in this new series. I enjoyed this cozy, small-town romance set in the Colorado mountains for several reasons. With present-day and late 1880s time frames, the novel is a dual-time story, a genre I thoroughly enjoy. Secondly, it is an inspirational romance. I liked how the characters actively lived out their faith, seeking help and guidance through prayers and encouraging conversations as they encountered challenges. I also enjoyed watching the romance between Abigail and Ben rekindle and develop as they work together to fix up the cottage and solve the mystery of an old journal. "Was it possible after all this time, God could have orchestrated their lives to cross once again for a reason?" The author did a great job, catching my interest right at the start with pretty much a literal cliff-hanger and then tied everything together so well at the end. Readers who enjoy historical romance will not want to miss reading The Glass Cottage. The author includes a Reader's Guide with discussion questions for book clubs or personal reflection. Also included is a recipe for Aunt Josies' Cranberry Apple pie. I read a complimentary copy of the book, given to me through JustRead Publicity Tours, and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.… (mehr)

The premise of The Glass Cottage instantly hooked me, and I knew I needed to read this debut novel by Alyssa Schwarz.

I must say, I was a little more than impressed, though I wasn’t sure at first. I struggled to get into this novel, questioning why I wasn’t connecting with the characters or story line like I had hoped, but once Abigail and Ben reconnected, and found Iris’s journal, I couldn’t put it down.

I am a sucker for a good small town renovation story, always loving when there is an item that is discovered that leads to a mystery that must be solved. We all have our stories, and I am a firm believer that everyone’s story should be told, that’s why I love stories like this so much, even if it is a work of fiction. It is because of this that I found a kindred spirit in Abigail, appreciating that she embodies the same feelings as mine.

The faith that is sprinkled throughout was appreciated, the characters realizing fears that were clenched tightly for so long, making me realize certain fears in my own life that need to be dealt with. I love when a story touches me like this, and never cease to be amazed at how the Lord truly uses all things for His good to reach His people.

I was really excited to see that this is the beginning of a new series, and can’t wait to see where the Prescott family adventures will take them, and us! The Glass Cottage was quite the adventure, with charming characters, entertaining banter, and a 100 year old mystery that will keep you enamored with every twist and turn.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that I read through Kindle Unlimited for JustRead Tours. All views and opinions are completely honest, and my own.… (mehr)