An Amish Country Reunion by Patricia Johns

 An Amish Country Reunion

Book Summary

When friends reunite in Amish Country…

Will love follow?

Arriving at the State Police K9 Training Center, Trooper Genevieve Austin learns that she’ll be reporting to her former partner, Sergeant Scott Simpson. Gen hasn’t seen Scott since he ghosted her to protect his job. And after her own struggles to climb the ranks, she can sympathize. When working together makes old feelings resurface, will Gen and Scott choose their careers…or each other?

My Thoughts

An Amish Country Reunion by Patricia Johns is a heartwarming romance with a soupcon of mystery.  I like the author’s engaging writing style. I enjoyed getting to know Genevieve Austin and Scott Simpson.  I thought the characters were developed and relatable.  You could feel the emotions emanating from the characters as well as the sparks between them. The mystery of the missing watch was well done. There were some interesting twists and turns along the way to solving the crime.  I like that the story mixed English with Amish characters.  I was surprised to see one word used in the story (starts with an h and ends with an l).  I liked the K9 aspect of the story, and I wish the story had delved a little deeper into it.  I thought Benjie was a sweetie.  An Amish Country Reunion is a touching tale with a bounding Benjie, new beginnings, a missing timepiece, and a second chance at romance.

An Amish Country Reunion is available from Amazon* as well as other major retailers.  Patricia Johns has Her Pretend Amish Beau coming out July 23. You can find Patricia Johns other books here.  Thank you for joining me today!  I will return on Tuesday, July 2 with Meet me at the Starlight by Rachel Hauck.  I hope that you have a peaceful and cool weekend (it is so hot).  It is the perfect time to relax inside with a cool drink and a good book.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader. 

A Murder for the Sages by Amy Lillard

 A Murder for the Sages

Book Summary

Twenty-something advice columnist and amateur sleuth Sissy Yoder loves helping out at her Aunt Bethel’s Sunflower Café in Yoder, Kansas. It connects her to family, to the close-knit community—and to the suspicious events that always seem to bubble beneath small-town life . . .

The unusual death of local herb farmer, Ginger Reed, is the talk of Yoder. Naturally, Sissy is intrigued. The official report classifies Ginger’s demise as an accident, concluding that she ran herself over with a tractor. But Sissy’s cousin, Naomi, a friend and longtime employee of Ginger’s, insists that’s impossible. When she asks for Sissy’s help in unearthing the truth, Sissy’s on the case—accompanied as ever by her loyal Yorkie companion, Duke . . . 

The deeper Sissy digs, the longer the list of suspects grows—and none of them are Ginger. Near the top is Ginger’s resentful sister-in-law, Mallory. Next is Naomi’s brother, Lloyd, who’s bitter about the oil derrick presumably pumping black gold from Ginger’s land—land that once belonged to his family. Naomi herself could be a suspect—it’s her tractor, after all. But the investigation stalls when Naomi makes a shocking turnaround in her story. Is she lying? And if so, why? Then a missing dog, a desperate lawyer, and a teenage con artist are added to the mix, and the puzzle becomes hopelessly complicated. If Sissy doesn’t solve it quickly, she’ll be lost in the weeds as a killer reaps a deadly harvest . . .

My Thoughts

A Murder for the Sages by Amy Lillard is the third A Sunflower Café Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone for those who are new to the series.  This is a lighthearted story with plenty of humor.  Sissy Yoder does not believe the local herb farmers death was an accident.  It is not often that someone is run over by their own tractor.  Sissy’s cousin, Naomi insists it was impossible and wants Sissy to ferret out the truth.  Sissy, of course, is intrigued and decides to do a little snooping around.  Sissy’s job at The Sunflower Café allows her to hear the latest gossip.  The more Sissy digs, the more suspects she uncovers.  It is a fun mystery. I do feel there is too much repetition.  The same details and phrases do not need to be repeated excessively (an example is that Sissy works at the Sunflower Café). It begins to feel like filler.  I do know how Sissy endures her pushy and annoying mother.  Mrs. Yoder feels that Sissy is wasting her journalism degree by working at the café.  She is unaware that Sissy does have a syndicated column (the woman could not be trusted with that information—talk about loose lips).  There are a variety of quirky characters in the story.  Amy Lillard has a vivid imagination.  I love Sissy’s darling little dog, Duke.  I also find Sissy’s Chicken Coop to be darling (perfect for one person and a small dog). Yoder, Kansas has not been the same since Sissy has arrived. I wonder what Sissy will get up to next time.  

A Murder for the Sages can be obtained from Amazon*.  The first two books in A Sunflower Cafe Mysteries are Dairy, Dairy Quite Contrary and A Murder of Aspic Proportions.  Amy will have the novella Christmas Lily in Christmas Lily in A Lancaster Amish Christmas on August 15.  You can follow Amy Lillard on Amazon and they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for visiting today.  I will be featuring An Amish Country Reunion by Patricia Johns tomorrow.  I hope that you have a cheerful day (we need more joy in our lives considering the political situation, gun violence, and all the other negative news).  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris 

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own. This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.  

The Triplets' Summer Adventure by Laurel Blount

 The Triplets' Summer Adventure

Book Summary

His visit is temporary…

but will they give him a reason to stay?

Back home for the summer, adventure-seeking Nick Marshall thinks his park ranger gig will be easy—until the children’s camp he’s overseeing is left without a cook. Desperate to fill the position, he offers his high school nemesis, Cara Andrews, the job. As the two work together, Nick can’t help but fall for the single mom and her triplet sons. But convincing her to take a chance on him might be Nick’s toughest challenge yet…

My Thoughts

The Triplets’ Summer Adventure by Laurel Blount is a story that brought a smile to my face.  I was happy to return to Cedar Ridge, Georgia.  The story has delightful characters.  The author created realistic, relatable characters.  I enjoyed getting to know Nick, Cara, and the triplets.  It was great to catch up with Nick’s foster siblings and their wonderful foster mother, Ruby.  Ruby is a clever matchmaker.  Nick was good with the triplets, and I enjoyed their interactions.  Cara’s critter trouble had me laughing. It is a good thing she had Nick around to help her with the lizard who decided to make the pantry its home (reminded me of the first time I saw a lizard in our home—I live in Florida—my father refused to remove it—I was standing on the coffee table—and told me that the lizards ate the bugs—I did not find that helpful).  

My favorite line came from Ruby, “Loving folks, really loving them, the way He tells us to?  There ain’t no adventure in this world bigger or scarier nor better than that!”  I am sorry that our time in Cedar Ridge has come to an end.  The Triplets’ Summer Adventure is a heartwarming and entertaining story with close siblings, a matchmaking mother, a fishing fiasco, a critter predicament, mouthwatering meals, and camp catastrophes.  

The Triplets’ Summer Adventure is available from Amazon* as well as other major retailers.   Laurel has The Amish Widower's Surprise coming out December 24, 2024.  You can find Laurel Blount's other novels here. You can sign up for Laurel Blount's newsletter and learn more about her books by visiting her website.  Thank you for dropping by today.  Tomorrow I will be sharing my thoughts on A Murder for the Sages by Amy Lillard.  It is the third A Sunflower Cafe Mystery.  Book release day is my favorite day of the week (what can I say, I am a book geek).  Here are a few of the other books that came out today:  Haunting License by Carole J. Perry, Come Shell or High Water by Molly MacRae, An Amish Country Reunion by Patricia Johns, and The Amish Quiltmaker's Uninvited Guest by Jennifer Beckstrand.  I am off to tackle a hall closet that is a mess (it is to the point where you have to toss things in and then shove on the door to get it to close).  It is time to declutter (whether I want to or not).  I hope you have a tranquil day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own. 

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader. 

The Body in the Bookstore by Ellie Alexander

 The Body in the Bookstore

Book Summary

An addictively cozy and gripping murder mystery introducing a brand-new amateur sleuth and lovable heroine to the crime scene…

Welcome to The Secret Bookcase, a quirky bookstore in a grand, converted manor house, where the selection of crime fiction is dangerously good. The store has been bookseller and events manager Annie Murray’s sanctuary ever since her dreams of starting a detective agency with her best friend died, literally, when Scarlet was murdered.

Annie has never stopped trying to solve the mystery of her friend’s death, but her quiet life in leafy Redwood Grove, with its warm community of likeminded local business-owners and book-lovers, has provided the solace she needed. Until now.

When a body is discovered in the bookstore during the town’s inaugural Mystery Fest, Anne finds herself catapulted to the centre of a real-life whodunit. Dusting off her criminology degree, Annie is determined to put her sleuthing skills to good use and catch the killer – before it’s too late.

My Thoughts

The Body in the Bookstore by Ellie Alexander is the beginning of A Secret Bookcase Mysteries.  We get to meet Annie Murray, who loves mysteries, along with her best friend, Pri plus Annie’s coworker, Fletcher and her boss, Hal.  There are a variety of shop owners too.    Annie is intelligent, has an attention for detail, and a passion for books.  Annie is a likeable and relatable protagonist.  I hope we get to learn more about her as the series progresses.  I love the bookstore, the Secret Bookcase.  I could spend hours in there searching for books to add to my TBR pile. I love the items added for Mystery Fest (I want one of the old typewriters). Mystery Fest was a clever idea and a great way to save the bookstore.  It is an event that I would love to attend (so would any mystery lover). 

 It was great the way the shop owners of Redwood Grove (well, all but one grump) became involved in the event. The author did a wonderful job of worldbuilding.   The mystery was interesting.  I like where the victim was found.  Annie is an eager sleuth and Pri is happy to assist her.  There are clues scattered along the way as well as a red herring or two.  The discussions between Annie and Dr. Caldwell were insightful, but they could meander on.  I have a feeling that Annie will be working with Dr. Caldwell again in the future.  There were repetitive details (the same details repeated two, three, or five times). There was a touch of romance as Annie found herself attracted to a certain pub owner. It had Annie blushing like a teenage girl (and her mind wandering).  Annie is told at the end that there is information that may help her solve the murder of her college best friend.  We will have to wait for A Murder at the Movies (preview at the end of the book) for more details.  The Body in the Bookstore is a charming California cozy with a secret cubby, a killed college acquaintance, a slew of suspects, beatnik storyteller, a bitter ex-boyfriend, a pushy publisher, and a curious criminalist. 

The Body in the Bookstore is available from Amazon*.  The second book in A Secret Bookcase Mystery is  A Murder at the Movies.  Thank you for dropping by today.  On Tuesday, June 25, I will be featuring The Triplets' Summer Adventure by Laurel Blount.  I hope that you have a delightful weekend.  I plan on working on the lights on my porch.  I have solar lights wrapped around the support posts, but a couple of sets have bit the dust.  I am going to change them out for warm white rope lights. I also need to add hooks for my new wind chimes.  They are little tasks but it is too hot to do more!  I do have a stack of books next to the couch where I can read, relax, and enjoy a cool drink (aka Pepsi). Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.  This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader. 

The Way Back by Heidi Chiavaroli

The Way Back

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Way Back by Heidi Chiavaroli hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Way Back 

Series: Lights of Acadia #1 

Author: Heidi Chiavaroli 

Publisher: Hope Creek Publishers 

Release Date: June 18, 2024 

Genre: Dual Timeline Women's Fiction

Young love means everything . . . until it leaves you with nothing.

The summer before her senior year of high school, Laney Jacobs and her best friend jump from a six-story beachside cliff in an attempt to impress their boyfriends. Laney rose from the water. Her friend did not. 

Six years later, when Laney’s troubled mother’s memoir hits the bestseller list airing the family’s destructive secrets, Laney is forced to relive the trauma, this time in the public eye. To escape the scrutiny, she seeks shelter at her estranged grandmother’s seaside inn. But she can’t reconcile the loving woman with the heartless parent in her mother’s book. As she seeks answers, the boyfriend who once cost her a promising future reappears, stirring up both pain and hope. 

When her mother's vindictive fans threaten her grandmother's livelihood and the lighthouse Laney has come to love, she turns to the century-old words of a young lighthouse keeper to help her find the courage to move forward. But once truths from the past come to light and old love finds new beginnings, will Laney discover that forgiveness is the only way toward true healing?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

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About the Author

Heidi Chiavaroli (pronounced shev-uh-roli...sort of like Chevrolet and ravioli mushed together!) wrote her first story in third grade, titled I'd Cross the Desert for Milk. It wasn't until years later that she revisited writing, using her two small boys' nap times to pursue what she thought at the time was a foolish dream. Despite a long road to publication, she hasn't stopped writing since! Heidi writes women's fiction, combining her love of history and literature to write both split time stories and contemporary fiction. Her debut novel, Freedom's Ring, was a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist, a Romantic Times Top Pick and a Booklist Top Ten Romance Debut. Her second Carol Award-winning novel, The Orchard House, is inspired by the lesser-known events in Louisa May Alcott's life and led her to write The Orchard House Bed and Breakfast series, a contemporary twist on Little Women. Heidi makes her home in Massachusetts with her husband, two sons, and Wyatt, her standard poodle.

Connect with Heidi by visiting heidichiavaroli.com  to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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My Thoughts

The Way Back by Heidi Chiavaroli is the first book in the Lights of Acadia series.  I thought The Way Back was a moving and thought-provoking tale.  The story is told from Laney and Jason’s point-of-view.  We get to see how each one feels about a tragic event that occurred six years prior and how they are trying to move forward. Laney discovers the journal of Abby Burgess in her grandmother’s attic.  Laney reads the journal learning how Abby was taught to care for a lighthouse from her father and how she had to step up during a major storm.  I enjoyed learning about Abbey Burgess, and I appreciated the author’s note at the end.  The author addresses some tough topics in the story (grief, addiction, bipolar disorder, and cutting to name a few).  I wish there had been a mention of it in the blurb (a warning for those who might find the topics triggering). There is repetition of details (such as what happened to Laney’s friend in high school, how Laney’s mother was an addict) that was unnecessary.  I enjoyed the picturesque descriptions of Maine and the lighthouses.  There was some lovely scripture in the story.  I bookmarked several of the passages.  My favorite character was Laney’s grandmother, Charlotte.  She was a caring woman of deep faith.  The Way Back is a poignant tale about family, healing, love, faith, and hope.  

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of The Way Back, themed canvas tote bag, bath salts, 3 specialty teas, ocean-inspired candle, magnet, gel pen, notebook, and $25 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight June 19, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 26, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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The Way Back is available from Amazon*.  You can find Heidi Chiavaroli other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I'm sorry that I have been absent the last few days.  It turns out that I am allergic to zinc and magnesium.  My doctor recommended a supplement to help my joints.  Unfortunately, I had a bad reaction.  When I had my allergy tests (so long ago), these two items were not something they tested for (I am told it is rare--lucky me).  I will return tomorrow with The Body in the Bookstore by Ellie Alexander.   It is the first A Secret Bookcase Mystery. I hope that you have an uplifting day.  Do not forget to enter the giveaway! Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.  

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader. 

The Stranger in the Library by Eva Gates

 The Stranger in the Library

Book Summary

Outer Banks librarian Lucy is working on an art show at the library when paintings–and people–start to go missing, in this 11th Lighthouse Library mystery from national bestselling author Eva Gates.

When a traveling show of impressionist art comes to Nags Head, North Carolina, librarian Lucy and the staff at the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library are inspired to create an educational display about art history. Their launch of the display is a huge success, but the morning after, they discover that a reproduction of a famous painting has gone missing.

No one knows why anyone would bother stealing it: the picture is of no value–the real, priceless painting is under lock and key at the art show itself. Lucy gets an invite to the glitzy opening night for the real show, where she notices unusual tension among the show’s organizers. Then, the man scheduled to give the welcoming speech fails to arrive, and a party-goer is discovered drowned in a fish pond.

Meanwhile, Louise Jane is totally captivated by Tom Reilly, a handsome, charming art dealer lurking at the edges of the receptions on both nights. Tom slipped away from the party early, and he cannot be located by the police. Who, Lucy asks, is Tom Reilly, the shadowy figure threatening to break Louise Jane’s heart?

Something is afoot in Nags Head, and it’s up to Lucy and her friends to get to the bottom of it before it’s not just paintings being framed.

My Thoughts

The Stranger in the Library byEva Gates is the eleventh A Lighthouse Library MysteryA Lighthouse Library Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series.  I always enjoy returning to Nags Head, North Carolina.  The author’s descriptions capture the area and the buildings (real and imagined). I would love to work in the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library (it reminds me of the TARDIS).   Lucy has been busy working on an educational impressionist art display for the library to complement a traveling impressionist art show that is visiting the town.  Louise Jane, of course, gets in on the act by donating a family painting to the library’s exhibit. Lucy is a strong female protagonist.  She is friendly and relatable (I would like to be her friend). She picked up some gorgeous dresses on her honeymoon (lucky girl). 

There is a delightful cast of characters in this series.  I have even come to like Louise Jane.  The mystery was well plotted and paced.  There are some twists along the way.   I loved joining Lucy as she asked questions and searched for clues.  I was not left with any lingering questions at the end (hooray).  The Bodie Island Classic Novel Reading Club chose Ripley Under Ground by Patricia Highsmith.  I enjoy it when an author mentions a book that I have not read previously (gives me a new book to add to my TBR pile). I liked the author’s note at the end with her explanation of the MacGuffin she used in the story.   I was sad when my trip to Nags Head came to an end, but I hope I will get to visit again soon.

The Stranger in the Library can be obtained from Amazon* along with the other novels in A Lighthouse Library Mysteries.  You can follow Eva Gates/Vicki Delany on Amazon and receive an email when she has a new book release.   Thank you for stopping by today.  As you can tell, blogger has still not fixed their issues (big sigh).  I am off call the computer company regarding my still broken computer (a warranty does not guaranty quick service or that they will find the warranty in their system).  I have provided proof of purchase (I am old school and keep copies of my receipts as well as warranties in file folders which paid off this time) and I am curious what they will say this time (I have a brand name computer with the warranty through them).  Wish me luck!  I hope that you have a perky day (and that you keep cool--it is so hot and humid).  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.  

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader. 

Hidden in the Night by Elizabeth Goddard

Hidden in the Night

Book Summary

At the behest of her ailing mother, former FBI special agent turned rare-book collector Ivy Elliott arrives in Alaska to secure an unpublished Jack London manuscript kept secreted away for decades. But when she arrives, she learns the manuscript is gone--taken by the granddaughter of the woman who possessed it. Ivy sets off in pursuit, not just to save the manuscript but to save the vulnerable girl, who was previously trafficked and has no idea what she's getting herself into.

 

Joining forces with Alaska State Trooper Nolan Long, Ivy must battle a blizzard, sabotage, and the worst of an Alaskan winter as the search goes on. But every answer they find only raises more questions--and the danger to their lives and to the missing girl may only be the tip of the iceberg.

My Thoughts

Hidden in the Night by Elizabeth Goddard is the third book in the Missing in Alaska series.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series (like me).  I enjoyed the author’s picturesque descriptions of Alaska.  I like suspense books set in Alaska.  There is something about this remote cold wilderness that heightens the danger and adds to the suspense.  Ivy Elliott is a unique woman. You can tell she loves her mother.  Alaska State Trooper Nolan Long is a man of strong character.  The mystery was intriguing.  I liked that it revolved around a missing Jack London manuscript.  I found the first half to be a little slow, but the pacing picked up in the latter part thanks to all the action.  There is a good wrap up at the end, so I was not left with any lingering questions.  The romance blended nicely with the suspense, but I could have done with less romance.  It was not rushed, and it was clean.  I can tell the author did her research for this series.  She included some great details that add to the experience.  Hidden in the Night is a suspenseful story with a great cast of characters, plenty of twists and turns, faith, and romance. 

Hidden in the Night can be obtained from Amazon*.  You can find the first two books in the Missing in Alaska series here.  The first two books in the Missing in Alaska series are Cold Light of Day and Shadows at Dusk. Elizabeth Goddard has Suspicious Homicide coming out on June 25.  You can find Elizabeth Goddard's other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will be sharing by thoughts on The Stranger in the Library by Eva Gates on Tuesday, June 11.  I am taking my mother to an appointment this afternoon (shall we take bets on whether she cancels or is late).  Wish me luck!  I have plans to work in my raised gardens this weekend.  My poppy plants have died out (they thrived February through early May, but the heat did them in). I need to pull out the dead vines and then I can add summer friendly plants.  I will work in the late evening to beat the heat (and wear a neck fan).  I hope you have a relaxing weekend.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Fondant Fumble by Jenn McKinlay

 Fondant Fumble

Book Summary

The Fairy Tale Cupcakes crew helps two professional football players in knead when the athletes are suspected of murder and their dream of opening a bakery is crushed.  

Professional football players Keogh Graham and Tyler Matthews want to open a Fairy Tale Cupcakes franchise. They’re spending the off-season in Scottsdale working in Mel’s bakery, learning about the business and how to bake show-stopping cupcakes. The popular athletes bring a boom of customers to the store as football fans flock to see the friends mixing batter and piping icing.

Everyone’s excited the athletes are pursuing their dream of owning a bakery—except for those who fear the players will ditch football for fondant and retire early from professional sports. The angry naysayers include their team owner and Keogh's sports agent, along with some very vocal fans.

When the owner of their team, the Arizona Scorpions, is found dead on the floor of their new bakery following an argument with Keogh, the pros become prime suspects. As the investigation heats up, Mel and the rest of the cupcake bakery crew must step up and prove their franchise owners are innocent before it’s game-over for the new bakers.

My Thoughts

Fondant Fumble by Jenn McKinlay has Mel and Angle helping two professional football players open a franchise of Fairy Tale Cupcakes.  What trouble could two handsome, well-known football players be?  I liked the unique concept. Jenn McKinlay manages to be descriptive without being overly detailed.  I could envision the big football players in the bakery kitchen wearing Fairy Tale Cupcake aprons and holding an icing bag in their large hands (in the case of one player, a cupcake or two that were being quickly devoured).  It was great to catch up with Mel, Angie, Tate, Joe, Marty, Oz, and the DeLaura brothers.  Ray continues to surprise me.  Mel is a friendly, relatable character.  The mystery was entertaining.  I had an inkling as to the identity of the guilty party early on, but I needed confirmation.  I joined Mel as she set out to prove Keough’s innocence by asking questions and following the sprinkling of clues.  The reveal made sure I was not left with any lingering questions.  

There is happy news at the end for Mel and Joe.  I love the humor dotted throughout the story.  The scrumptious cupcake descriptions will have you heading for your nearest bakery.  Fondant Fumble is the sixteenth A Cupcake Bakery Mystery and it can be read as a standalone.  The author provides the necessary background details for new readers. Mel fangirling over the new franchise owners (she loves her husband, but a girl can ogle the eye candy) was cute.  Fondant Fumble is a sweet treat with delectable cupcakes, football franchisees, a difficult fan, vanilla vomitus, window repairs, and a jovial family.  

Fondant Fumble is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other A Cupcake Bakery Mysteries here.  Check out Jenn McKinlay's other novels especially her A Library Lover's Mysteries.  Thank you for dropping by today.  I will be sharing my thoughts on Hidden in the Night by Elizabeth Goddard tomorrow.  It is the third book in the Missing in Alaska series.  I'm sorry that my links are still looking wonky.  Blogger has yet to fix the problem (we cannot change the color of links and it is duplicating the links--some funky things are happening).  I hope they fix the problem soon.  I am off to contact HP regarding my main computer (thankfully, I have a warranty).  It decided to die the other day.  The battery went down, down, and then it was dead.  I am glad that I purchased the three year warranty (two year and I would have been out of luck).  My back up computer is not a looker (my cat used her nails to pull up a couple of keys), but it gets the job done.  I hope that you have a joyful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris 

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

The Amish Book Cellar by Tracy Fredrychowski

The Amish Book Cellar

Book Summary

It will take everything she has to face her past.  Can this wayward woman find her way back into the hearts of her Amish community?  

When a mistake forces Lydia Troyer to leave her Amish roots in exchange for a new life as an Englischer, she finds herself running from more than her past as Wally Troyer's rebellious daughter.

Upon her father's untimely death, she is called home to take over The Book Cellar, Willow Springs's favorite Amish bookstore. A series of strange happenings and whispers among her people lead her to suspect there are more than books hidden in the cellar. Will she chance getting her heart broken again if she leans on a longtime friend and carpenter, Aaron Shetler, to help her discover the truth?

Widower Aaron Shetler has too much at stake to allow Lydia Troyer back into his life. Will it take his young daughter, Mattie Rose, to convince him what he yearns for the most is the one thing he's fighting against the hardest?

Together with their Labrador, Yankee, Lydia, and Aaron help bring to light a century of mysteries waiting to be unearthed about some of Willow Springs's most upstanding citizens.

Can this woman find the courage to stand up for what is right and find her place back among her people? 

My Thoughts

The Amish Book Cellar by Tracy Fredrychowski is the first book in A Willow Springs Amish Mystery Romance series (that is a mouthful).  I enjoyed getting to know Lydia and Aaron.  Lydia’s love of books was apparent, and I like how she encouraged others to find joy in books.  Aaron’s daughter, Mattie Rose is a sweetheart, and I loved Lydia’s dog, Yankee (he is protective of Lydia).  The author did a wonderful job at creating the villains.  The mystery had some fascinating elements. The mystery drew me in (I love a good whodunit), but the ending left me wanting.  The romance was sweet.  I like how faith was woven throughout the story.  My favorite phrase from The Amish Book Cellar is, “Gott’s love knows no bounds.  He sees beyond our faults and failures and embraces us with open arms.  All we need is to trust in that.”  The Amish Book Cellar is an uplifting tale about forgiveness, family, love, and faith. 

The Amish Book Cellar is the first book in the A Willow Springs Amish Mystery Romance series. If you like secrets, disappearances, plot twists, and sometimes murder, then you'll adore Tracy Fredrychowski's small-town whodunnit Amish romance mysteries.  You can find Tracy Fredrychowski's other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return tomorrow with Fondant Fumble by Jenn McKinlay.  It is the 16th A Cupcake Bakery Mystery.  I hope you have a cool day (it is just so hot and it is just the beginning of June).  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.