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Her New Story
From USA Today bestselling author Laura Bradford comes a poignant, uplifting novel about an investigative reporter who will do anything to nail a story—until her world comes crashing down—landing her on assignment in Pennsylvania’s Amish country, where she’s forced to re-think her priorities, and her life. Tess Baker thought she had the perfect everything—until her best friend, and (now ex) husband, betrayed her, leaving her with nothing, except her career as an investigative reporter. In her work for a leading magazine, Tess can lose herself in whatever story she’s chasing. So she’s devastated when her next assignment is far from the exciting location or action-packed quest she anticipated. Thanks to a recent misstep, Tess is handed a bus ticket to Pennsylvania—to Amish country. The story? Write about living in the past in a modern-day world. Determined to prove herself by coming up with something juicier than a run-of-the-mill human-interest piece, Tess makes her way through this strange place, digging for dirt . . . Yet no matter where she turns, scandal eludes her. Instead, Tess encounters kindness and grace, even striking up unexpected friendships with women who bear a wisdom and capacity for forgiveness she can’t imagine. It’s only when she meets eighty-something Miss Lottie, beloved by the community even after decades away, that Tess realizes she may have hit upon the story she was looking for. But can she betray the people who have opened their arms—and their hearts—for the sake of a scoop? Praise for Laura Bradford “Laura Bradford is a master storyteller; this book will stay with you for a long, long time.” —New York Times bestselling author Tasha Alexander “Engaging characters and a tender storyline will please fans of Amish fiction, especially readers of Amy Clipston.” —Library Journal
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2021
About the author
Laura Bradford
58 books890 followersAka Elizabeth Lynn Casey.
While spending a rainy afternoon at a friend's house nearly forty years ago, Laura Bradford fell in love with writing over a stack of blank paper, a box of crayons, and a freshly sharpened number two pencil.
Those early attempts at the craft had her writing and illustrating stories for young children. Wise beyond her years, Laura saved her first writing attempt in a hand decorated shoe box (complete with sparkly stickers) and moved on to her next idea. Her second book—O’Casey’s Wish—was so utterly brilliant, she sent it off to a well-known New York publishing house at the tender age of ten, confident she was on the verge of becoming the next Don Freeman (Corduroy) or Shel Silverstein (Giving Tree).
Months later, she received her first form letter rejection.
While she wasn’t of the mindset to save that first crushing blow for posterity, Laura did save the original copy of this particular literary masterpiece in the event the letter was a mistake.
Desperate to prove her flexibility as a writer, Laura soon found herself dabbling in jokes (for her Girl Scout troop’s newsletter), stories of angst (a somewhat autobiographical look at her teenage years), movie reviews (for the Xavier University Newswire), and countless news and feature articles (for newspapers in CT, SC, TN, and MO).
It wasn’t until Laura was home raising children of her own though, that she was finally able to dust off that rainy day dream and bring it back to its original form—writing fiction. Today, she is a bestselling mystery author with Berkley Prime Crime (Penguin Publishing), and an award winning romance author with Harlequin American. She lives in New York with her family.
Oh, and if you meet Laura at a book event in the future, ask her about O’Casey’s Wish. It tends to travel with her everywhere she goes.
While spending a rainy afternoon at a friend's house nearly forty years ago, Laura Bradford fell in love with writing over a stack of blank paper, a box of crayons, and a freshly sharpened number two pencil.
Those early attempts at the craft had her writing and illustrating stories for young children. Wise beyond her years, Laura saved her first writing attempt in a hand decorated shoe box (complete with sparkly stickers) and moved on to her next idea. Her second book—O’Casey’s Wish—was so utterly brilliant, she sent it off to a well-known New York publishing house at the tender age of ten, confident she was on the verge of becoming the next Don Freeman (Corduroy) or Shel Silverstein (Giving Tree).
Months later, she received her first form letter rejection.
While she wasn’t of the mindset to save that first crushing blow for posterity, Laura did save the original copy of this particular literary masterpiece in the event the letter was a mistake.
Desperate to prove her flexibility as a writer, Laura soon found herself dabbling in jokes (for her Girl Scout troop’s newsletter), stories of angst (a somewhat autobiographical look at her teenage years), movie reviews (for the Xavier University Newswire), and countless news and feature articles (for newspapers in CT, SC, TN, and MO).
It wasn’t until Laura was home raising children of her own though, that she was finally able to dust off that rainy day dream and bring it back to its original form—writing fiction. Today, she is a bestselling mystery author with Berkley Prime Crime (Penguin Publishing), and an award winning romance author with Harlequin American. She lives in New York with her family.
Oh, and if you meet Laura at a book event in the future, ask her about O’Casey’s Wish. It tends to travel with her everywhere she goes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
August 16, 2024
Four and a half stars.
Tess Baker, an investigative reporter, could not believe her bad luck after a mistake she made or the way she has been treated by her boss when her assignment ends up being a stint in the Amish community in Pennsylvania. For thirty days she is expected to live with an Amish family living as they do. She is determined though to get back into the good graces with her boss by finding a story that will knock his socks off. Where to find it in this community is the issue. How can she write a compulsively readable story in a community that lives in the past, without all the modern-day comforts of electricity, computers and such? And who would be interested in the lives of these people? But she must find a story somehow to fit in the magazine.
Tess has been betrayed by her husband and best friend. As a result, she finds it hard to trust anyone. But Naomi, mother of seven and expecting again, welcomes her and tries to involve her in the Amish community. Meanwhile, her mentor is overseas, so Tess has limited contact with Murphy. But it is enough to keep her searching for that great story that demands to be written. When she finds it, she knows it will cause a great stir. True, people will be hurt and exposed. But what else can she do? She needs this new story to get her life at the New York magazine back on track and bring her the assignments she craves.
This is the first book I have read by this author and the characters quickly drew me in. I loved hearing about all the Amish way of life and their community. Just sometimes I felt the Amish focus may have been a little too idealised. But that could be just me.
It is a story of community, family, friendship, forgiveness and new starts. And I really did enjoy it very much. A lot of wisdom about living life comes through the pages.
Tess Baker, an investigative reporter, could not believe her bad luck after a mistake she made or the way she has been treated by her boss when her assignment ends up being a stint in the Amish community in Pennsylvania. For thirty days she is expected to live with an Amish family living as they do. She is determined though to get back into the good graces with her boss by finding a story that will knock his socks off. Where to find it in this community is the issue. How can she write a compulsively readable story in a community that lives in the past, without all the modern-day comforts of electricity, computers and such? And who would be interested in the lives of these people? But she must find a story somehow to fit in the magazine.
Tess has been betrayed by her husband and best friend. As a result, she finds it hard to trust anyone. But Naomi, mother of seven and expecting again, welcomes her and tries to involve her in the Amish community. Meanwhile, her mentor is overseas, so Tess has limited contact with Murphy. But it is enough to keep her searching for that great story that demands to be written. When she finds it, she knows it will cause a great stir. True, people will be hurt and exposed. But what else can she do? She needs this new story to get her life at the New York magazine back on track and bring her the assignments she craves.
This is the first book I have read by this author and the characters quickly drew me in. I loved hearing about all the Amish way of life and their community. Just sometimes I felt the Amish focus may have been a little too idealised. But that could be just me.
It is a story of community, family, friendship, forgiveness and new starts. And I really did enjoy it very much. A lot of wisdom about living life comes through the pages.
August 9, 2021
Her New Story is an emotional story of faith, forgiveness, and hope, a culmination of three prior stories by the author. I felt the protagonist's pain and bitterness, her desire to right a wrong of betrayal that happened to her but through the lives of others.
Tess has had a terrible year but all should be well soon as her new assignment at the magazine, In Depth, will take her to a fabulous place of adventure...only she is being sent to Amish country in Pennsylvania. After walking in on her husband of six months and her best friend in her home, life has make her realize that she can only count on herself. She deserves to go to Belize, not P-A. But she missed a big story happening right in front of her because of the fog that she lives in. So she has to come up with a big story to knock it out of the park. Her mentor, Murph, is on assignment with Special Forces but he is available to listen to her ideas and keep her grounded. She looks for a big story in every person's life that she meets in Blue Ball, starting with the Amish family she lives with and all of Naomi's friends and they all have a story, one where Tess feels their life has been shoved on them against their choice. Even their mentor Miss Lottie appears to be a fraud. Tess was betrayed and now she wants revenge. The story that she finds to write does knock it out of the park but not quite as planned. This is a lovely but painful story that shows how important it is to live life filled with hope for the future and not look back. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary ARC from Kensington Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
Tess has had a terrible year but all should be well soon as her new assignment at the magazine, In Depth, will take her to a fabulous place of adventure...only she is being sent to Amish country in Pennsylvania. After walking in on her husband of six months and her best friend in her home, life has make her realize that she can only count on herself. She deserves to go to Belize, not P-A. But she missed a big story happening right in front of her because of the fog that she lives in. So she has to come up with a big story to knock it out of the park. Her mentor, Murph, is on assignment with Special Forces but he is available to listen to her ideas and keep her grounded. She looks for a big story in every person's life that she meets in Blue Ball, starting with the Amish family she lives with and all of Naomi's friends and they all have a story, one where Tess feels their life has been shoved on them against their choice. Even their mentor Miss Lottie appears to be a fraud. Tess was betrayed and now she wants revenge. The story that she finds to write does knock it out of the park but not quite as planned. This is a lovely but painful story that shows how important it is to live life filled with hope for the future and not look back. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary ARC from Kensington Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
June 16, 2021
Laura Bradford knocked it out of the ball park with this winning novel. The story seemed so real with characters that leapt off the pages. I love that readers were updated on characters from past books in this series. Tess and Jack were new to the series with Tess being the main character. The point of story was the importance of forgiveness and learning to trust others again. I thought the book was entertaining , original and very well written.
Tess is a new reporter for a popular magazine located out of New York City. She has just been through a year of mentorship with the magazine's top award winning reporter Max Murphy.
Tess recently went through a heart breaking divorce after her best friend and husband betrayed her trust in the worst way. Now she awaits her first assignment with the magazine and hopes to put the past behind her . But the after effects of her betrayal in her personal life has effected the way she did her job. Instead of the big assignment she expected she is sent to Pennsylvania to write a article about the Amish. The last thing she wanted. What could she find to write about the Amish that readers would remember long after they read the article? Maybe something scandalous that people would discuss over coffee breaks. But what she finds is quite the opposite.
I recommend this book to readers of Amish Fiction and women's fiction. It is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone. Her New Story is to be released on August 31st of 2021.
I received a complimentary Arc copy from the publisher and author through Netgalley. Thank you! A favorable review was not requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Tess is a new reporter for a popular magazine located out of New York City. She has just been through a year of mentorship with the magazine's top award winning reporter Max Murphy.
Tess recently went through a heart breaking divorce after her best friend and husband betrayed her trust in the worst way. Now she awaits her first assignment with the magazine and hopes to put the past behind her . But the after effects of her betrayal in her personal life has effected the way she did her job. Instead of the big assignment she expected she is sent to Pennsylvania to write a article about the Amish. The last thing she wanted. What could she find to write about the Amish that readers would remember long after they read the article? Maybe something scandalous that people would discuss over coffee breaks. But what she finds is quite the opposite.
I recommend this book to readers of Amish Fiction and women's fiction. It is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone. Her New Story is to be released on August 31st of 2021.
I received a complimentary Arc copy from the publisher and author through Netgalley. Thank you! A favorable review was not requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.
January 8, 2023
4.5
What an interesting...and extremely different...Amish story!!! Honestly, I wasn't sure about it at first because I didn't like Tess at the start. True, she had some really tough things in her past -- a betrayal of the worst kind -- but she can't let it go and her bitterness skews everything else -- even her job. As an investigative reporter, she's determined to dig up the dirt lurking in the quaint Amish community she has been assigned to. The magazine is expecting a feel good life style piece, but she's sure she can deliver something much grittier.
But living and working among the Amish isn't at all what Tess expects. It challenges all her preconceived notions and she's surprised at the friendships she makes. Especially as she discovers that her new friends have overcome their own challenging histories. She's blindsided by their kindness and grace. Uncomfortable with their ability to forgive and move on. All the while, she's stubbornly clinging to her righteous indignation and judgemental attitude. Gah -- but she irked me at times.
And then we come to a pivotal point in her journey where she has to make a powerful choice that will alter the trajectory of her life. Whoa, powerful stuff. The way the author brought redemption out of betrayal. Well, it brought such poignancy and hope to the story.
What an interesting...and extremely different...Amish story!!! Honestly, I wasn't sure about it at first because I didn't like Tess at the start. True, she had some really tough things in her past -- a betrayal of the worst kind -- but she can't let it go and her bitterness skews everything else -- even her job. As an investigative reporter, she's determined to dig up the dirt lurking in the quaint Amish community she has been assigned to. The magazine is expecting a feel good life style piece, but she's sure she can deliver something much grittier.
But living and working among the Amish isn't at all what Tess expects. It challenges all her preconceived notions and she's surprised at the friendships she makes. Especially as she discovers that her new friends have overcome their own challenging histories. She's blindsided by their kindness and grace. Uncomfortable with their ability to forgive and move on. All the while, she's stubbornly clinging to her righteous indignation and judgemental attitude. Gah -- but she irked me at times.
And then we come to a pivotal point in her journey where she has to make a powerful choice that will alter the trajectory of her life. Whoa, powerful stuff. The way the author brought redemption out of betrayal. Well, it brought such poignancy and hope to the story.
November 23, 2021
Her New Story is another fantastic story written by Laura Bradford. With the return of former characters from the previous stories in this series the author has added several new characters as well. This story shows the reader when you have hope and forgiveness you can change your own personal story. I enjoyed getting to discover the story behind the character of Lottie Jenkins who is loved by the entire community. Even though she has a hidden secret as to her real ideny it is for the happiness of others that it remains hidden. The main character, Tess Baker, has been placed in Amish country to find a great story for her magazine. While searching for her story to write she discovers her own personal story as well.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response and all opinions are my own. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response and all opinions are my own. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.
October 26, 2021
A heartwarming story of friendship and hope. Tess is a magazine reporter who has trust issues after her husband cheats on her. After misusing a big news scoop happening right in front of her, Tess gets an on location assignment in Amish Country rather than the tropical location she would have been assigned to. Tess is not at all happy with her assignment and becomes determined to find a big story to get her back in the good grace of her boss. Unfortunately, Tess seems to be looking for a scandalous story. As Tess meets several of the local women, her views start to change slightly. However, she seems to find a scandalous story with Miss Lottie. After hearing Miss Lottie's side of the story, her new relationships with the women she's met, and talking with her mentor, Tess has a change of heart. A truly wonderful story that gives hope that we can get through bad situations with friendship, faith, hope, and time. I hope to read more of these wonderful stories.
August 9, 2021
Another page-turning read by this amazing author, and the only bad part was it had to end!
How does a magazine reporter end up living like an Amish woman? Well, Tess was not a happy camper, but soon she is being absorbed in everyday life. Along the way we are reinterduced to characters from past books, and more than enough information is given, so you won't be lost, but they were all great reads, I loved being updated on their lives.
Can this young bitter woman, whom has suffered the ultimate betrayal, learn the cornerstone of having faith? Forgiveness is not easy, but these people show her Grace and acceptance, and our Tess has a major decision to make!
This is a beautiful story, and I loved that we are gifted with an epilogue!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.
How does a magazine reporter end up living like an Amish woman? Well, Tess was not a happy camper, but soon she is being absorbed in everyday life. Along the way we are reinterduced to characters from past books, and more than enough information is given, so you won't be lost, but they were all great reads, I loved being updated on their lives.
Can this young bitter woman, whom has suffered the ultimate betrayal, learn the cornerstone of having faith? Forgiveness is not easy, but these people show her Grace and acceptance, and our Tess has a major decision to make!
This is a beautiful story, and I loved that we are gifted with an epilogue!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.
November 29, 2021
Laura Bradford is a fantastic storyteller. Each of her stories leaves you wishing the story wouldn't end. In Her New Story, Tess Baker is one of those characters that come to life in the pages. Laura kept you guessing throughout the story and brought a sweet closer to the storyline. If you love charming women's fiction, you'll enjoy Laura's uplifting novel about one down-on-her-luck journalist who finds herself in Amish country.
April 7, 2021
I have read the other books in this series and I think I enjoyed this one the most. It was interesting to see the changes in Tess as she gradually became accustomed to her assignment in Amish country. From bitter to better, from angry to hopeful. I truly enjoyed this book!
September 6, 2021
Her New Story
Laura Bradford
5 Stars
Synopsis:
From nationally bestselling author Laura Bradford comes a poignant, uplifting novel about a down-on-her-luck journalist whose less than ideal assignment to Pennsylvania's Amish country forces her to re-think her priorities, and her life...
Tess Baker thought she had the perfect everything--until her best friend, and (now ex) husband, betrayed her, leaving her with nothing, except her career as an investigative reporter. In her work for a leading magazine, Tess can lose herself in whatever story she's chasing. So she's devastated when her next assignment is far from the exciting location or action-packed quest she anticipated.
Thanks to a recent misstep, Tess is handed a bus ticket to Pennsylvania--to Amish country. The story? Write about living in the past in a modern-day world. Determined to prove herself by coming up with something juicier than a run-of-the-mill human-interest piece, Tess makes her way through this strange place. (Goodreads)
Review:
These books are so good, and I am so happy that I read them. I really liked the fact that the women in those books were present in this one. I felt like I was able to check in with them and see how they are doing. That was very clever and I greatly enjoyed it.
The characters are well rounded and well developed. Tess has been betrayed by her husband and her best friend, and she cannot get over that betrayal. She does not feel like she can trust anybody and she is not willing to try. If she does not have a change of heart, she is going to be very lonely. The people she meets will have a lasting influence on her, if she lets them.
This is a story of personal growth, forgiveness and learning to trust again. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted book. Whether you like Amish Fiction or Women’s Fiction, this book is for you.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
Laura Bradford
5 Stars
Synopsis:
From nationally bestselling author Laura Bradford comes a poignant, uplifting novel about a down-on-her-luck journalist whose less than ideal assignment to Pennsylvania's Amish country forces her to re-think her priorities, and her life...
Tess Baker thought she had the perfect everything--until her best friend, and (now ex) husband, betrayed her, leaving her with nothing, except her career as an investigative reporter. In her work for a leading magazine, Tess can lose herself in whatever story she's chasing. So she's devastated when her next assignment is far from the exciting location or action-packed quest she anticipated.
Thanks to a recent misstep, Tess is handed a bus ticket to Pennsylvania--to Amish country. The story? Write about living in the past in a modern-day world. Determined to prove herself by coming up with something juicier than a run-of-the-mill human-interest piece, Tess makes her way through this strange place. (Goodreads)
Review:
These books are so good, and I am so happy that I read them. I really liked the fact that the women in those books were present in this one. I felt like I was able to check in with them and see how they are doing. That was very clever and I greatly enjoyed it.
The characters are well rounded and well developed. Tess has been betrayed by her husband and her best friend, and she cannot get over that betrayal. She does not feel like she can trust anybody and she is not willing to try. If she does not have a change of heart, she is going to be very lonely. The people she meets will have a lasting influence on her, if she lets them.
This is a story of personal growth, forgiveness and learning to trust again. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted book. Whether you like Amish Fiction or Women’s Fiction, this book is for you.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
August 27, 2021
Her New Story by Laura Bradford is a poignant story about healing, forgiveness, friendship, and hope. I thought Her New Story was well-written with realistic characters. Tess Baker, an investigative reporter with In Depth magazine, suffered a terrible betrayal when her husband cheated on her with her best friend. I could feel Tess’s pain and understand her betrayal. She has decided to trust no one but herself and to focus on work. Tess’s new resolve is a little late after she misses a major story. She is getting a last opportunity to prove her worth thanks to her mentor, Murph. Blue Ball, Pennsylvania is not the destination Tess had in mind. Tess had little knowledge of Amish before arriving in town. Her assumptions about Amish show how little people really know about this group of people. We get to see Tess immerse herself in the culture and learn about the truth about the Amish. Her betrayal, though, colors her outlook. I appreciated the epilogue at the end, but I wish it had been a tad longer. I liked meeting Mildred, the woman Tess met on the bus on her way to Pennsylvania. It is a shame that Tess was not open to what Mildred was imparting. I hope that Tess can be that woman someday. I enjoyed the descriptions of the King farm and Blue Ball. It sounds like a peaceful place that I would love to visit. Naomi King was a wise, caring woman with a large brood (Little Rueben was adorable). Naomi had a wonderful group of friends who each taught a lesson to Tess. I liked that we get to catch up with Danielle, Katie, Hannah, Emma and especially Miss Lottie. I appreciated that we get Miss Lottie’s complete story. It was interesting reading about the portable propane lamp. I had never heard of such an item before this book. Her New Story is a special tale with quilting quandaries, an abysmal betrayal, fine friends, a grumpy mentor, abominable muck, unanticipated assignment, and surprising results.
September 8, 2021
I enjoyed this book! Although it is a "stand alone", it incorporates several characters we've met in Ms. Bradford's other women's fiction books. Tess, an up and coming journalist at a print magazine, is sent on her first long term feature assignment. But where will she be sent? Belize, South Africa, the Far East, somewhere exotic and cool, no doubt. When it turns out that events in her life that have left her "just fine" have conspired to get her sent to Amish country, she is less than pleased. She is even less pleased when she gets there, only to discover that her boss has made arrangements with an Amish family for her to live with them, as if she is Amish herself. So, no electricity, no laptop, vey little communication with the outside world. It is in this situation that Tess learns much about herself, and what she needs to move forward with her "just fine" life and career.
Tess's character started out as less than likeable, but then I'm not a big fan of characters who think the only way to deal with hurt is to wall themselves off. I did enjoy watching Tess interact with the women who had been featured in the other books, as well as laughing at some of her attempts to do chores without any mechanical help. Ms. Bradford has once again crafted a story that pulls at your emotions.
Tess's character started out as less than likeable, but then I'm not a big fan of characters who think the only way to deal with hurt is to wall themselves off. I did enjoy watching Tess interact with the women who had been featured in the other books, as well as laughing at some of her attempts to do chores without any mechanical help. Ms. Bradford has once again crafted a story that pulls at your emotions.
August 2, 2021
Magazine writer Tess Baker is hurt and embittered after a shocking betrayal by her husband and her supposed best friend. Resolved to focus on her career, Tess is horrified when she is assigned to write a feature story on the Amish people. Instead of being sent to a glamorous destination, as she had hoped, she is handed a bus ticket to Blue Ball, PA, where she will be staying with an Amish family to immerse herself in their daily lives and to find her story.
At the start, Tess has little understanding of the Amish culture. In fact, she is surprised to discover that they wear shoes! In pursuit of an "angle" for what she hopes will be an award winning expose' of the Amish, she is oblivious to the true joy that the plain life of the Amish people offers. Can she get far enough beyond her personal demons to discover what the Amish life truly stands for and what life can hold if you believe in yourself?
Laura Bradford never fails to touch readers' hearts with her well-researched Amish women's fiction. Always a wonderful writer, she has surpassed herself with this novel. By the way, I'm pretty sure that Mildred, the older woman Tess meets on the bus, is actually Laura in the future! I would highly recommend "Her New Story" to anyone who is looking for good women's fiction.
At the start, Tess has little understanding of the Amish culture. In fact, she is surprised to discover that they wear shoes! In pursuit of an "angle" for what she hopes will be an award winning expose' of the Amish, she is oblivious to the true joy that the plain life of the Amish people offers. Can she get far enough beyond her personal demons to discover what the Amish life truly stands for and what life can hold if you believe in yourself?
Laura Bradford never fails to touch readers' hearts with her well-researched Amish women's fiction. Always a wonderful writer, she has surpassed herself with this novel. By the way, I'm pretty sure that Mildred, the older woman Tess meets on the bus, is actually Laura in the future! I would highly recommend "Her New Story" to anyone who is looking for good women's fiction.
September 20, 2021
I loved this story. Tess is betrayed by people that she would and should never expect. This leaves her with a mistrust of people and she concentrates on becoming an excellent journalist. When her next assignment sends her to do a story on the Amish, she is not excited.
This is a stand alone book but does tie in with others written by Ms. Bradford and some of the characters are recognizable it will not affect the story any if you haven't read any of them. This is a touching story of regaining trust and friendship. I very much enjoyed reading about the Amish ways, it is always fascinating. I came away with a warm feeling when I was finished.
This is a stand alone book but does tie in with others written by Ms. Bradford and some of the characters are recognizable it will not affect the story any if you haven't read any of them. This is a touching story of regaining trust and friendship. I very much enjoyed reading about the Amish ways, it is always fascinating. I came away with a warm feeling when I was finished.
October 15, 2021
Highly recommend putting Her Next Story on your reading list. Awesome story
Read
May 20, 2021After being betrayed by her husband and best friend, journalist Tess is given the opportunity to visit Pennsylvania’s Amish country for a big story, but ends up learning about forgiveness, kindness and hope from the community. I usually read Laura Bradford, the author, mystery books, so this was a different read for me. I enjoyed the book and was given a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher for my review and honest opinion.
April 24, 2021
Tess Baker is still in the honeymoon phase of her marriage when she discovers her husband of six months is having an affair with her best friend. In the ensuing year, she is so distracted by her grief over the betrayal that she has jeopardized her career as a journalist for magazine. She receives her long-awaited chance to go on location only to discover that her plum assignment has evaporated and she is given the option of going to Amish country in Pennsylvania or hitting the unemployment line. Reluctantly, Tess boards a bus to immerse herself in the Amish lifestyle by living with a young family on their farm.
Tess’ damaged self-worth and her shaken faith in her ability to trust color her interpretation of all the relationships she sees around her. Her bitterness and pain fuel her desire to write a story that uncovers some unsavory aspect of the Amish community, particularly any evidence of dishonesty and betrayal.
This is a story of redemption and healing although it takes the majority of the book to get there. Tess’ persistent negativity, while understandable, gets a bit tiresome after a while. I did enjoy the outcome in revealing a truth that had significant consequences, not only for Tess, but also in her ability to help others.
I enjoy novels about the Amish lifestyle and their philosophy. In our culture that is so dominated by speed, technology and disconnected or shallow relationships, it is a blessing to read about a more authentic way of living, even if it is out of touch for most of us. The author did a wonderful job of capturing the juxtaposition between Tess’ world view and the Amish way of life.
My thanks to the author, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing a digital ARC in exchange for an independent, honest review.
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Tess’ damaged self-worth and her shaken faith in her ability to trust color her interpretation of all the relationships she sees around her. Her bitterness and pain fuel her desire to write a story that uncovers some unsavory aspect of the Amish community, particularly any evidence of dishonesty and betrayal.
This is a story of redemption and healing although it takes the majority of the book to get there. Tess’ persistent negativity, while understandable, gets a bit tiresome after a while. I did enjoy the outcome in revealing a truth that had significant consequences, not only for Tess, but also in her ability to help others.
I enjoy novels about the Amish lifestyle and their philosophy. In our culture that is so dominated by speed, technology and disconnected or shallow relationships, it is a blessing to read about a more authentic way of living, even if it is out of touch for most of us. The author did a wonderful job of capturing the juxtaposition between Tess’ world view and the Amish way of life.
My thanks to the author, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing a digital ARC in exchange for an independent, honest review.
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March 23, 2021
I received an ARC from Kensington Books through NetGalley for an honest review. This was a fascinating book about journalism. Tess was a writer for a magazine, and after she found her husband and her best friend was having an affair, and she got divorced, she missed a big story where the competition scooped them. She was at the park and the photo that the competition took showed her sitting on a bench at the event. Her boss decided to give her one more chance and sent her to Pennsylvania and live with the Amish community for a month. She wasn't happy about it but she went.
She wanted to write a juicy story that people would remember long after they had read it. Tess was digging up dirt, thinking that is what people wanted to read. It seems like the news is based on sensationalism today which I don't like, and when she found some dirt on one of the older people living in the community she was thrilled. I was disappointed.
There comes a time she has to choose what she wants to write, and her colleague didn't tell her what to do, but he said something that forced her to look at herself. He said, she had gone from being betrayed to being a betrayer. Enjoy the book, enjoy the people in the community, and enjoy all the wisdom, friendship, and inspiration, found in the story. Wondering which way she will go will keep you on the edge of your seat.
She wanted to write a juicy story that people would remember long after they had read it. Tess was digging up dirt, thinking that is what people wanted to read. It seems like the news is based on sensationalism today which I don't like, and when she found some dirt on one of the older people living in the community she was thrilled. I was disappointed.
There comes a time she has to choose what she wants to write, and her colleague didn't tell her what to do, but he said something that forced her to look at herself. He said, she had gone from being betrayed to being a betrayer. Enjoy the book, enjoy the people in the community, and enjoy all the wisdom, friendship, and inspiration, found in the story. Wondering which way she will go will keep you on the edge of your seat.
March 30, 2021
Tess Baker has been crushed by two of the closest people in her life. After catching her best friend and new husband together Tess has decided to throw herself into her journalism career and never trust anyone but herself again. Unfortunately forgetting the betrayal is harder than she expects. After completely missing a big story, her dream of an exotic on location story assignment is dashed when she is sent to Amish country instead. Tess is determined to uncover a big story anyway, and when she thinks she may just have it Tess must decide if it is truly the story or if there is something more that she is missing.
Throughout the book you sympathize with Tess’s feelings of betrayal. You understand her pain and bitterness, but you are completely rooting for her to find her way out of the darkness and to find happiness again. The book gives you a window into the world of the Amish, and at first Tess’s viewpoints are similar to what most readers probably are thinking about the Amish way of life. But just as Tess learns that there is so much more to their community than their restrictions, the reader also learns the same. This book contains so many nuggets of wisdom about hope, peace, and true friendship.
Throughout the book you sympathize with Tess’s feelings of betrayal. You understand her pain and bitterness, but you are completely rooting for her to find her way out of the darkness and to find happiness again. The book gives you a window into the world of the Amish, and at first Tess’s viewpoints are similar to what most readers probably are thinking about the Amish way of life. But just as Tess learns that there is so much more to their community than their restrictions, the reader also learns the same. This book contains so many nuggets of wisdom about hope, peace, and true friendship.
May 4, 2021
Tess is having bad luck, lost her husband to her best friend, and now has a job assignment in Amish country. Not the most enjoyable book I have read by Laura Bradford.
I received an advanced copy from netgalley.
I received an advanced copy from netgalley.
October 11, 2021
As always, Laura Bradford brings the good stuff! In her latest women’s fiction novel, Her New Story, she takes us back to Blue Ball, Pennsylvania. We get to visit with Katie and Hannah and Emma and Naomi and Danielle and Miss Lottie. We get to experience the peace of Amish farmland and Miller’s Pond. And we get to meet Tess. Tess is a journalist, intent on moving up in the world of writing, while pushing everyone away from her after she is betrayed by her husband and best friend. When she misses a big scoop, her boss sends her to Amish country instead of Belize, where she was supposed to go. Bitter and angry, she tries to find a story that will send her over the top. What she finds instead is friendship and peace and hope. Infused with Bradford’s detailed descriptions and in depth characters, Her New Story will bring laughs and tears! Very well written. Very heartfelt. Five stars!
Thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher.
#all_the_pages
Thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher.
#all_the_pages
September 28, 2021
I liked this story well enough for what it was. However ths isn't your typical Amish novel though they were used as a setting for this book.
Bradford has done quite well with this book. Her style of writing is very different than most and what I liked about it it was realistic and how she drew me into Tess's adventures.
I would love to have an adventure like Tess. I would never come back from Amish country if I ever got to go. I miss living a quiet life.
Yes, change is difficult sometimes but also sometimes necessary. Bradford has done well with this subject.
I finished this book in one afternoon it was so good!
My thanks for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own. I was NOT required to write a positive review.
Bradford has done quite well with this book. Her style of writing is very different than most and what I liked about it it was realistic and how she drew me into Tess's adventures.
I would love to have an adventure like Tess. I would never come back from Amish country if I ever got to go. I miss living a quiet life.
Yes, change is difficult sometimes but also sometimes necessary. Bradford has done well with this subject.
I finished this book in one afternoon it was so good!
My thanks for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own. I was NOT required to write a positive review.
April 20, 2021
stars Kindle Copy from NetGalley and Kensington Books.
I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.
A journalist goes to Amish county on an assignment and finds her reprioritizing what is important in her life after her husband’s betrayal with her best friend. In a sense she is trying to start over but the thought of being betrayed lingers.
She’ll have to come to a place where she might have to betray the people who showed her peace in order to write her next piece. It is a charming look at choices.
I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.
A journalist goes to Amish county on an assignment and finds her reprioritizing what is important in her life after her husband’s betrayal with her best friend. In a sense she is trying to start over but the thought of being betrayed lingers.
She’ll have to come to a place where she might have to betray the people who showed her peace in order to write her next piece. It is a charming look at choices.
September 14, 2021
Her New Story by Laura Bradford is an engaging novel of healing, friendship and love.
After going through a terrible betrayal by people she trusted most, Tess Baker is broken-hearted and understandably bitter. She is an investigative reporter for In Depth magazine and she is looking forward to the yearly assignment meeting. Unfortunately, Tess’s personal drama has spilled over into her career and instead of a plum assignment, she is going to Amish country in Pennsylvania. Tess is upset but if she wants to keep her job, she will have to spend one month working with her host family, Naomi and Isaiah King. Adjusting to Plain life is not easy but she does enjoy spending time with Naomi and her friend and mentor Max “Murph” Murphy is just a text or phone call away. Cynical about love and unable to trust anyone, will Tess find a story that will salvage her career?
Tess is very resentful about her assignment but she is polite to everyone she meets. She is quite cynical and she always looks for hidden meaning within the Amish community. Tess is very stubborn as she searches for an explosive, juicy secret that will be the focus of her article. Murph is her sounding board but he is not always in favor of the angle she is going for.
Tess eventually sets her sights on Miss Lottie, who is an elderly lady that everyone raves about. She dispenses helpful advice whenever someone needs a new perspective on the whatever is troubling them. Of course, Tess does not believe that Miss Lottie is as altruistic as the women she meets believes. Convinced she knows what Miss Lottie is hiding, Tess begins looking for her "smoking gun". With the help of local Jack Cloverton, Tess discovers more than she expects as unearths the truth about Miss Lottie. She also learns valuable life lessons that might just alter her need to protect herself against further heartache.
Her New Story is a thought-provoking journey of self-discovery. Tess is so determined to guard her heart that she is a little difficult to like. She has strong opinions and she is not easily moved from these beliefs. The Amish community and the women she meets are absolutely delightful (especially Rueben!). The setting is quite tranquil with a slower pace of life than Tess is used to. But she quickly adapts and slowly comes to enjoy the peace and quiet. Tess undergoes quite the transformation during her assignment but will she take the lessons she learns when she returns home? With unexpected revelations, Laura Bradford brings this poignant, captivating novel to an uplifting conclusion.
After going through a terrible betrayal by people she trusted most, Tess Baker is broken-hearted and understandably bitter. She is an investigative reporter for In Depth magazine and she is looking forward to the yearly assignment meeting. Unfortunately, Tess’s personal drama has spilled over into her career and instead of a plum assignment, she is going to Amish country in Pennsylvania. Tess is upset but if she wants to keep her job, she will have to spend one month working with her host family, Naomi and Isaiah King. Adjusting to Plain life is not easy but she does enjoy spending time with Naomi and her friend and mentor Max “Murph” Murphy is just a text or phone call away. Cynical about love and unable to trust anyone, will Tess find a story that will salvage her career?
Tess is very resentful about her assignment but she is polite to everyone she meets. She is quite cynical and she always looks for hidden meaning within the Amish community. Tess is very stubborn as she searches for an explosive, juicy secret that will be the focus of her article. Murph is her sounding board but he is not always in favor of the angle she is going for.
Tess eventually sets her sights on Miss Lottie, who is an elderly lady that everyone raves about. She dispenses helpful advice whenever someone needs a new perspective on the whatever is troubling them. Of course, Tess does not believe that Miss Lottie is as altruistic as the women she meets believes. Convinced she knows what Miss Lottie is hiding, Tess begins looking for her "smoking gun". With the help of local Jack Cloverton, Tess discovers more than she expects as unearths the truth about Miss Lottie. She also learns valuable life lessons that might just alter her need to protect herself against further heartache.
Her New Story is a thought-provoking journey of self-discovery. Tess is so determined to guard her heart that she is a little difficult to like. She has strong opinions and she is not easily moved from these beliefs. The Amish community and the women she meets are absolutely delightful (especially Rueben!). The setting is quite tranquil with a slower pace of life than Tess is used to. But she quickly adapts and slowly comes to enjoy the peace and quiet. Tess undergoes quite the transformation during her assignment but will she take the lessons she learns when she returns home? With unexpected revelations, Laura Bradford brings this poignant, captivating novel to an uplifting conclusion.
August 28, 2021
Her New Story by Laura Bradford is a heart-warming story of a young woman betrayed by her husband and her best friend. Tess Baker was devastated. Now she's bitter. She is a reporter for a bi-weekly print magazine and it is the time for the plumb assignments to be distributed and she has packed two suitcases: One for warm weather,, one for cold. When she opens her envelope she finds she is being sent to Amish country in Pennsylvania for a month. Her mentor, Murph, assures her she will find a story and that she is lucky to have a job after the colossal way she messed up, letting another magazine scoop them. She is aghast, but is determined to find a story there that will blow them all away and win awards. She is set to live in the grossdawdy house of Isaiah and Naomi King, in which his parents had lived before their passing. She is not happy, still. As the days wear on she gains more respect for the Amish brethren and even makes friends. She sees some amazing things, but despite that and the advice Murph continues to impart, she is still seeing everything through a negative lense. She is determined to find the story. Is it a cult? Are they being blackmailed into staying? What is it?
Tess needed a new lookout of life and, thankfully, her boss helped her find it. Her article was a blockbuster and had the message she hadn't been looking for, but found anyway. She fell in love; she made friends, the very people she tried to hurt. She won her award and so much more. A terrific feel-good novel. I recommend it.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Her New Story by Kensington Books through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #kensingtonbooks, #hernewstory
Tess needed a new lookout of life and, thankfully, her boss helped her find it. Her article was a blockbuster and had the message she hadn't been looking for, but found anyway. She fell in love; she made friends, the very people she tried to hurt. She won her award and so much more. A terrific feel-good novel. I recommend it.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Her New Story by Kensington Books through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #kensingtonbooks, #hernewstory
August 28, 2021
Tess was just beginning to really succeed at as a magazine reporter when she discovered that her best friend and her husband were having an affair. The betrayal turns her life upside down and her work suffers - to the point where she loses a thrilling month-long international assignment and only the intervention of her mentor retains her job. Instead of Belize, she is sent to Amish country, which she is certain can't have any story worth telling. Determined to prove herself, she goes hunting all the dirt she can find or imagine to make a story, at whatever cost to those who have welcomed her. Will she realise in time that her friends' betrayal doesn't mean that everyone is untrustworthy - or that she is free to betray others? Can she find the new story that is there waiting for her to tell it?
Touching, inspiring, satisfying and memorable, this is a book to read and reread - though I'd have to admit that I frequently felt like slapping Tess and telling her to change her attitude, for her own sake as well as others'! I feel like I've read so many great books recently that I'm running out of superlatives, but this really was an amazing story, feeling honest about the problems of recovering from betrayal but providing hope too. I loved Murph's ability to say the right thing at the right time, though I felt sorry for how frustrated he must have got at times, and it was good to see a bit more of friends from previous books, though this can easily be read as a standalone story. All in all, highly recommended.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
Touching, inspiring, satisfying and memorable, this is a book to read and reread - though I'd have to admit that I frequently felt like slapping Tess and telling her to change her attitude, for her own sake as well as others'! I feel like I've read so many great books recently that I'm running out of superlatives, but this really was an amazing story, feeling honest about the problems of recovering from betrayal but providing hope too. I loved Murph's ability to say the right thing at the right time, though I felt sorry for how frustrated he must have got at times, and it was good to see a bit more of friends from previous books, though this can easily be read as a standalone story. All in all, highly recommended.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
December 29, 2021
Laura Bradford's books always engage you from the start, having well-developed complex, highly relatable characters involved in an engrossing story. Her New Story does not disappoint. It is the story of Tess Baker who, having been tremendously hurt and betrayed by her former husband and best friend, has decided she needs nothing else in her life but her work. She has thrown herself into her job as an investigative reporter for a magazine. Unfortunately, her distraction over the betrayal causes her to miss a prime story for the magazine and she is assigned to a story in the Amish country of Pennsylvania to prove herself. Tess is staying with an Amish family and throws herself into this way of life, trying to uncover the story that will redeem her. No matter how hard Tess tries to come up with a juicy story, nothing surfaces until one day she stumbles upon what she thinks will be a scoop, but its revealing will cause her to betray the people with whom she has been living and who have welcomed her into their lives. Throughout the story Tess meets others who have found healing and new life in the Amish community, their stories changing Tess's perspective, causing her to write a totally different story in the end.
This is a wonderful story, different from most other "Amish fiction" and contains many life lessons. This book is well worth getting lost in and will leave the reader changed, if only a little, upon its completion.
This is a wonderful story, different from most other "Amish fiction" and contains many life lessons. This book is well worth getting lost in and will leave the reader changed, if only a little, upon its completion.
August 23, 2021
Laura Bradford has done it again...made me ugly cry. Good ugly cry though. Her trilogy of books centered Miss Lottie will move the reader in ways they never expected.
Her New Story shows us how holding on to anger and fear can ruin our chance at happiness that is waiting for us. Anger is an emotion that takes from us and never gives us peace. We are human and anger is a human emotion but we must learn to forgive to find the peace needed to move forward. This is a lesson I need to practice more in my own life.
I can’t pick a favorite in this trilogy as I’ve learned something from each. Definitely stories I will be re-reading time and time again. Each book can be read as a stand-alone but to get the full Miss Lottie experience start with Portrait of a Sister, then move to A Daughter’s Truth, and finish with Her New Story. These are Women’s Fiction with Amish characters so even if you never read Amish genre you will like these stories. Who knows, maybe you will want to read more Amish stories.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Kensington, through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
Her New Story shows us how holding on to anger and fear can ruin our chance at happiness that is waiting for us. Anger is an emotion that takes from us and never gives us peace. We are human and anger is a human emotion but we must learn to forgive to find the peace needed to move forward. This is a lesson I need to practice more in my own life.
I can’t pick a favorite in this trilogy as I’ve learned something from each. Definitely stories I will be re-reading time and time again. Each book can be read as a stand-alone but to get the full Miss Lottie experience start with Portrait of a Sister, then move to A Daughter’s Truth, and finish with Her New Story. These are Women’s Fiction with Amish characters so even if you never read Amish genre you will like these stories. Who knows, maybe you will want to read more Amish stories.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Kensington, through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
July 1, 2021
Oh, what a beautiful journey!
Tess is a good journalist. And her good work will be rewarded. She'll be working on assignment for the next month. She'll be writing the best article for her magazine, from the most exciting place. But one thing will turn out different from what she originally through. And her life will take an unexpected journey.
Will she find the best story to write? Will she recognize the gold within the wheat?
Will Murph, her mentor, be proud of her, finally? Will she survive the labyrinth she got herself caught in?
This is a beautiful story, another one from Laura Bradford. I found her writing so full, so peaceful, and so introspective that I couldn't put this book down until the last page, wishing at the same time the end would be far away from the page I had my eyes on. Thankfulness is a word that comes to mind.
It's not the first book I read from this author and it will not be the last.
Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Tess is a good journalist. And her good work will be rewarded. She'll be working on assignment for the next month. She'll be writing the best article for her magazine, from the most exciting place. But one thing will turn out different from what she originally through. And her life will take an unexpected journey.
Will she find the best story to write? Will she recognize the gold within the wheat?
Will Murph, her mentor, be proud of her, finally? Will she survive the labyrinth she got herself caught in?
This is a beautiful story, another one from Laura Bradford. I found her writing so full, so peaceful, and so introspective that I couldn't put this book down until the last page, wishing at the same time the end would be far away from the page I had my eyes on. Thankfulness is a word that comes to mind.
It's not the first book I read from this author and it will not be the last.
Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2021
I received an ARC from Kensington Books of Laura Bradford new book, HER NEW STORY, through NetGalley. The book will be released August 31.
I am sorry to say that I had never read a book by Laura Bradford, but being an Amish fiction fan, I couldn’t resist giving it a try. Even after receiving the book, I wasn’t sure I was going to like it. Boy was I wrong. This was a fascinating story told by a gifted author.
Tess Baker Is a journalist who has been given the assignment to go to the Pennsylvania's Amish country and write about living in the past in a modern world. Tess is everything but pleased about the assignment.
Tess’s writing has been effected by the fact that her husband and her best friend betrayed her and left her struggling to believe in herself.
Finally Tess gets to know the people of Blue Ball and starts to unwrap a possible betrayal.
Find out the effects of her findings in this 5-star book.
Thanks Kensington Books for allowing me to read Laura’s new book, HER NEW STORY. All opinions are my own.
I am sorry to say that I had never read a book by Laura Bradford, but being an Amish fiction fan, I couldn’t resist giving it a try. Even after receiving the book, I wasn’t sure I was going to like it. Boy was I wrong. This was a fascinating story told by a gifted author.
Tess Baker Is a journalist who has been given the assignment to go to the Pennsylvania's Amish country and write about living in the past in a modern world. Tess is everything but pleased about the assignment.
Tess’s writing has been effected by the fact that her husband and her best friend betrayed her and left her struggling to believe in herself.
Finally Tess gets to know the people of Blue Ball and starts to unwrap a possible betrayal.
Find out the effects of her findings in this 5-star book.
Thanks Kensington Books for allowing me to read Laura’s new book, HER NEW STORY. All opinions are my own.
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