Death a Sketch by Cheryl Hollon: Book Review & Giveaway!

 Death a Sketch

 

About Death a Sketch

Death a Sketch (A Paint & Shine Mystery) 

Cozy Mystery 

3rd in Series 

Setting - Kentucky Kensington (July 26, 2022) 

Mass Market Paperback: ‎ 288 pages 

 

In eastern Kentucky, Miranda Trent runs a unique tour company called Paint & Shine, but sometimes the peaceful mountains play host to murder . . .

Miranda’s business—combining Appalachian adventure tours with art and a bit of moonshine—is the perfect place for an outdoor sporting goods company to hold an employee retreat. It’ll be a challenge, but the money they’re paying will definitely help with building her new distillery.

Miranda has lots of teamwork-fostering activities planned, from sketching classes to Southern cooking, but the executive running things prefers a more competitive spirit. In fact, after the workers are split into teams, they’re told that only the winners will keep their jobs, and tensions begin to spike. Even after a participant is found dead, the contest continues—while Miranda starts drawing her own conclusions about the ambitious attendees. Now she just has to find the proof . . .

Hemlock Lodge in Natural Bridge State Park

About Cheryl Hollon

Cheryl Hollon now writes full-time after she left an engineering career designing and building military flight simulators in amazing countries such as England, Wales, Australia, Singapore, Taiwan, and India. Fulfilling the dream of a lifetime, she combines her love of writing with a passion for oil painting and creating glass art. Cheryl and her husband live in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida. Visit her online at http://cherylhollon.com, on Facebook or on Twitter @CherylHollon.

Sandstone Arch in Natural Bridge State Park

My Thoughts

Death a Sketch by Cheryl Hollon takes us to back to Kentucky where Miranda Trent runs Paint & Shine.  Her latest group is from Big Sky for a four-day team building experience.  Unfortunately, the man in charge, Mr. Burns decides to make a last-minute change.  Mr. Burns turns the team building retreat into a competition with serious consequences for the losers.  On the first day, Miranda takes the group along with Mr. Burns and his assistant, Rowena (who happens to be an old high school classmate of Miranda’s) on their first hike and competition.  After listening to a talk from Park Ranger Austin Morgan, Miranda leads the group down the trail.  The group encounters Mr. Burns dead on the ground with Rowena at his side holding a large rock.  Miranda wishes to cancel the retreat, but Mr. Burns replacement insists they continue.  Rowena is at the top of the sheriff’s suspect list.  Miranda knows her old friend could not have harmed her boss.  She sets out to prove Rowena’s innocence while continuing the competitive retreat.  Miranda finds it challenging because someone is intent on sabotage.

Death a Sketch is the third A Paint & Shine Mystery.  It can easily be read as a standalone.  Death a Sketch is well-written with realistic, developed characters.  The story does start off slowly as we are introduced to the retreat members.  I enjoyed the author’s vivid descriptions of that area of Kentucky.  The Daniel Boone National Forest is a picturesque region.  The depictions of the food will have your mouth watering.  It was interesting learning more about the making of moonshine.  The mystery was plotted out nicely.  There are good suspects along with misdirection.  There are clues to help readers solve the whodunit before the reveal (if you pay close attention).  Miranda asked questions, but she did little investigating.  There were various incidents along the way that kept things lively.   I did feel the reveal was a wee bit rushed along with the explanation.  Sandy, Miranda’s puppy, is adorable.  He helped reduce the stress of the participants.  Miranda’s mother only had a cameo in this book.  She had to go out of town to complete the sale of her home.  I like Miranda’s mother and I hope she will join her daughter in sleuthing in future books.  Miranda is slowly getting the distillery off the ground. I hope she makes the deadline.  Miranda is finding her place in the community and her romance with Austin is progressing nicely.  Death a Sketch is a lively cozy with workshop woes, moonshine mixing, an eliminated executive, a cuddly canine, contestant sabotage, a romantic park ranger, and a caught killer.  

Balanced Rock in Natural Bridge State Park

Death a Sketch is available from Amazon*, B&N, Kobo, Google Play, IndieBound, and Kensington.  The first two books in A Paint & Shine Mysteries are Still Knife Painting and Draw & Order.  Cheryl Hollon also writes A Webb's Glass Shop Mysteries.  If you follow Cheryl Hollon on Amazon, you will receive an email when she has a new book release.  Now for the giveaway!  As part of the tour, the author is giving away three (3) print copies of Death a Sketch (sorry, but US Only).  You can click here to enter or enter via the Rafflecopter form below.  Leave a comment on my blog for an extra entry.  Good Luck!  Thank you for visiting today.  On Monday, I will be featuring In Plain View:  The Daily Lives of Amish Women by Judy Stavisky.  I hope that you have an enjoyable weekend.  Do not forget to enter the giveaway!  Take care, stay cool, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Tour Participants

August 1 - I Read What You Write – SPOTLIGHT 

August 1 - Mysteries with Character – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

August 1 - Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

August 2 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT, RECIPE

August 2 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT, RECIPE

August 3 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

August 3 – Books Blog – SPOTLIGHT

August 4 – The Mystery of Writing – GUEST POST

August 4 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT

August 4 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT

August 5 – Baroness Book Trove – REVIEW

August 5 – Readeropolis - SPOTLIGHT

August 6 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW

August 6 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog – SPOTLIGHT

August 6 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – GUEST POST

August 7 – I'm All About Books – SPOTLIGHT

August 7 – Lady Hawkeye – SPOTLIGHT

August 8 – Novels Alive – REVIEW, RECIPE

August 8 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

August 9 – Christa Reads and Writes – REVIEW

August 9 – Celticlady's Reviews = SPOTLIGHT

August 10 – BookishKelly2020 – SPOTLIGHT

August 10 – Island Confidential - SPOTLIGHT

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Murder of a Mail-Order Bride by Mimi Granger

 Murder of a Mail-Order Bride

Book Summary

When real life starts mimicking the plot of one of the romance books that line the shelves in her bookstore, it's up to Lizzie Hale to catch the killer, in this riveting new Love is Murder mystery.

Lizzie Hale thought mail-order brides existed only between the pages of the historical romances she stocks in her bookstore, Love Under the Covers. But when not one, but two local men introduce her to their respective new wives, she's forced to reevaluate that notion. 

Lizzie is surprised when Al Little, the owner of the local hardware store, asks Lizzie and her aunt Charmaine to help Svetlana, his new bride straight from Russia, to settle into Tinker's Creek, but they agree. 

Everything is going swimmingly—until a wrench gets thrown into their plans when Svetlana is found drowned in the creek. 

With Al's suspicious best friend—who has his own mysterious mail-order bride—and the secretive matchmaker who put them together, Lizzie's got more suspects than she knows what to do with. But she'll have to nail down who the killer is fast, before someone else winds up dead.

My Thoughts

Murder of a Mail-Order Bride by Mimi Granger is a lighthearted cozy mystery.  Lizzie Hale owns Love Under the Covers a romance bookstore in Tinker’s Creek, Ohio.  Lizzie along with her aunt, Charmaine finds themselves helping Al Little welcome his Russian bride.  He wants Svetlana to feel comfortable in her new home plus Al needs their help with the wedding preparations.  Svetlana, Al’s Russian bride, arrives and announces the wedding will take place in less than a week.  Charmaine throws herself into planning a wedding in the park.  Lizzie finds herself appointed the maid of honor and begins hunting for an appropriate pink dress (Svetlana insists on pink).  The ceremony is just lovely.  Before the cake can be cut, Lizzie finds Svetlana dead in the creek.  Who could have wanted Svetlana dead and why?  Al asks Lizzie to don her sleuthing cap once again and learn who killed his Russian bride.   

Murder of a Mail-Order Bride is the second book in A Love is Murder Mysteries.  It can be read as a standalone if you did not read Death of a Red-Hot Rancher.  We learn more about Lizzie in this book.  The story is told from Lizzie’s perspective which makes us privy to her thoughts.  Lizzie is attracted to Max Alvarez, the local park ranger.  He definitely consumes her thoughts (and her daydreams).  There is chemistry between the pair.  I can tell that the author wrote romance novels before embarking on cozy mysteries.  The proportion of romance to mystery is out of balance (way too much romance).  The mystery is straightforward with a dead woman and an amateur sleuth looking into the crime.  The solution was obvious.  There are pointed clues to help the reader solve the crime.  The mystery did have some interesting bits and there was a unique clue.  I do like how the more obscure clues lined up. Charmaine is an over-the-top character.  She is one of those people who do not take no for an answer (she is quirky, dresses outlandishly).  There are a couple of other off-beat characters in the story.  There is humor sprinkled throughout.  There is the requisite small town, charming shops, and a cute dog.  I wanted to give this series another shot (which I did).  I discovered that it is not the right fit for me.  For those who enjoy quirky characters, first person point-of-view, a heaping helping of romance, silly humor, and a light mystery, then A Love is Murder Mysteries is for you.  Murder of a Mail-Order Bride is a giddy tale with a surprise Russian bride, rapid wedding planning, a quarreling couple, train fanatics conference, curious clues, a butchered bride, and an electric connection.

Murder of a Mail-Order Bride is available from Amazon*.  The first A Love is Murder Mystery is Death of a Red-Hot Rancher.  You can follow Mimi Granger on Amazon in order to receive an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for joining me today and reading my review.  I am a stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour for Death a Sketch by Cheryl Hollon tomorrow.  It is the third A Paint & Shine Mystery.  I hope that you have an amusing day.  Take care, stay cool, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Apple Creek Announcement by Wanda E. Brunstetter

 The Apple Creek Announcement

Book Summary

An Artist Seeks Her Birth Mother

 

Welcome to Apple Creek, Ohio, where a piano teacher has a fascination with painting the rural Amish landscapes around her home.

 

Andrea Wagner has made it to her thirties feeling like she has had a charmed life and finally has fallen in love with Brandon Prentice, a local veterinarian. But then she discovers she was adopted—and all she thought she knew about herself has crumbled. Andrea becomes so fixated on finding her birth mother that she pushes Brandon away.

A friend suggests Andrea write to the “Dear Caroline” column in the newspaper for romance advice, and she finds herself revealing her issues with being adopted in the letter. “Dear Caroline” receives the letter but struggles to find the right advice given her own conflicted past.

 

What will Andrea lose before she finds herself again?

My Thoughts

The Apple Creek Announcement by Wanda E. Brunstetter is a heartwarming story.  It is the third book in the Creektown Discoveries series.  Each book can be read as a standalone, but I enjoyed the experience of reading the series in order.  It allowed me to get to know Orley and Lois Troyer.  I thought The Apple Creek Announcement was well-written with the story moving at a gentle pace.  I thought the second half of the story moved along at a faster pace than the first.  We get to know Andrea Wagner, Brandon Prentice, and their families.   I admit that I had trouble with Andrea.  She comes across as immature and whiny at times.  I just love Lois and Orley.  They are such caring people with abiding faith.  They provide guidance to those who seek it in their shop.  I would love to spend hours exploring their antique store.  I like how the faith element is weaved into the story.  It is well-done and in no way is it preachy.  The importance of prayer and forgiveness are two good faith lessons.  I did learn some interesting information as Andrea and Brandon tried to get to their animals to accept each other.  Brandon’s dog was afraid of Andrea’s cat.  I can tell that the author did her research into this subject.  I loved the ending.  Everything came together for a special finale.  There are two recipes at the end as well as discussion questions.  The Apple Creek Announcement is a touching Amish tale with an exultant engagement, an astonishing secret, an animal aenigma, wise advice, an unforeseen find, and a joyful finale.

The Apple Creek Announcement is available from Amazon*.  The first two books in the Creektown Discoveries series are The Walnut Creek Wish and The Sugarcreek Surprise.  Wanda E. Brunstetter is publishing Kentucky Brothers as one volume on January 1, 2023.  You can find Wanda's other charming novels here.  I appreciate you stopping by today.  I will be back tomorrow with Murder of a Mail Order Bride by Mimi Granger.  It is the second book A Love is Murder Mysteries.  I am off to a doctor's appointment.  I decided to find a primary physician a little closer to home.  I did not enjoy driving forty-five minutes to an hour to get to an appointment (and the same amount of time to get back home).  Plus, it meant leaving my mother home alone (she is not always up to going with me) longer (which is not a good thing).  My new physician is less than two miles from my home.  I hope that you have an uplifting day.  Take care, stay cool, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Shifting and Shenanigans by Elizabeth Pantley: Review & Giveaway!

 Shifting and Shenanigans

 

About Shifting and Shenanigans

Shifting and Shenanigans: The Magical Mystery Book Club 

Paranormal Cozy Mystery 1st in Series Setting - A magical off-shoot of Colorado

 Independently Published (July 15, 2022) 

Print length ‏ : ‎ 210 pages 

 

Paige and her adventurous Aunt Glo inherit a country inn from eccentric GeeGee. They pack up and hit the road, arriving at the charming place they both loved since childhood. Finally! They can get into the secret room in the basement that GeeGee kept locked! They discover it’s a wonderful library filled to the brim with mystery books. But more than the room was a secret – it’s a magical place that houses enchanted books. Paige and Glo find themselves smack-dab in the middle of a murder mystery, along with a motley group of book club friends. The club will need to work together to solve the case in order to get out of the book and back to their home.

About Elizabeth Pantley

 

Elizabeth Pantley says that writing the Destiny Falls Mystery and Magic book series is the most fun she’s ever had at work. Fans of the series say her joy is evident through the stories she tells. Elizabeth is also the internationally bestselling author of The No-Cry Sleep Solution and twelve other books for parents. Her books have been published in over twenty languages. She lives in the Pacific Northwest, the beautiful inspiration for the enchanted Destiny Falls world. 

Author Links

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/24811.Elizabeth_Pantley 

Website: https://www.nocrysolution.com/books/ 

Newsletter Sign-up: https://www.nocrysolution.com/mailing-list/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DestinyFallsMysteryandMagic 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethpantley/ 

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nocrysolution/_saved/ 

Blog: https://elizabethpantley.com/ 

My Thoughts

Shifting and Shenanigans by Elizabeth Pantley is a cute cozy mystery.  Page and her aunt, Gloria or “Glo” have inherited an inn from GeeGee.  They move to the small town of Cascade Springs, Colorado.  The place holds many fond memories for both ladies.  They learn that there is a secret library under the inn.  They are required to start up a cozy mystery book with eight members (they are included in the eight).  The ladies soon find six people who wish to join and organize their first meeting.  They begin the process of deciding which book shall be their first.  Paige reads the first page of a book and . . .  I am not going to spoil it for you.  

I thought Shifting and Shenanigans had a unique premise.  The author has an engaging writing style.  It reminds me of chatting with old friends.  There is a cast of offbeat, diverse characters.  I find Zelda to be a hoot.  Frank is another entertaining character.  The characters antics (especially Zell and Frank) will have you laughing.  The mystery was fun and different.  Shifting and Shenanigans is an amusing story. I hope we get to know more about our characters in future stories.  I feel they need fleshing out especially Paige and Glo.  I like the length of the story.  It can easily be finished in an afternoon (great way to spend a rainy afternoon).  It will be interesting to see what adventure the group goes on in the second book in A Magical Mystery Book Club series (Vampires and Villains).  If you like to read paranormal cozy mysteries, then you will enjoy reading Shifting and Shenanigans.  Shifting and Shenanigans is a witty tale with a charming country inn, a magical library, a cozy mystery book club, a sociable cat, a curious crime, an unpredicted revelation, and a romantic twist.  

Shifting and Shenanigans is available from Amazon*.  If you are a member of Kindle Unlimited, you can read Shifting and Shenanigans for free.  The next A Magical Mystery Book Club novel is Vampires and Villains which comes out September 5.  You can find Elizabeth Pantley's other novels here.  Now time for the giveaway!  Click here to enter the giveaway for a chance to win the digital boxed set (books 1 -3) of the Destiny Falls Mystery and Magic series.  Leave a comment for an extra entry!  Good Luck!  Thank you for visiting today.  I am featuring The Apple Creek Announcement by Wanda E. Brunstetter tomorrow.  It is the third novel in the Creektown Discoveries series.  I hope that you have a calm day.  We can all use less stress in our lives.  Take care, stay cool, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

 Tour Participants

August 2 – The Mystery Section – SPOTLIGHT 

August 2 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

August 3 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW

August 3 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT

August 3 – Christy's Cozy Corners - REVIEW

August 4 – Mochas, Mysteries and Meows – CHARACTER GUEST POST

August 4 – eBook Addicts – SPOTLIGHT

August 5 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

August 6 – I Read What You Write – REVIEW, GUEST POST

August 7 – Moonlight Rendezvous – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

August 8 – Sneaky the Library Cat's Blog – REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW

August 8 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST 

August 9 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

August 9 – Baroness Book Trove – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

August 10 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT

August 10 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT 

August 11 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW 

August 11 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

August 12 – Angel's Guilty Pleasures – SPOTLIGHT

August 13 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

August 13 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

August 14 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog – SPOTLIGHT

August 15 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Building a Future by Amy Clipston

 Building a Future

Book Summary

They both had different plans for their futures . . . until their hearts led them to each other.

Michelle Lantz dreams of marrying and starting a family, and now that she’s been dating Korey for over a year, she thought it was only a matter of time before he proposed. But lately, Korey has seemed distant and is far from the attentive boyfriend she once knew. They’ve spent so much time together that she feels she can’t give up on their relationship, but she begins to question her own feelings as his seem to cool.

Tyler Bontrager is focused on expanding his father’s roofing company so he can take over one day. He throws himself into his work and thinks he’s too busy to worry about finding a wife. He and his brother Korey find themselves continually arguing: Tyler doesn’t approve of how Korey treats Michelle and Korey thinks Tyler is out to take anything that’s his. When Tyler happens to be around when Michelle needs a listening ear, he is startled to realize that he has feelings for Michelle, so he denies them because his relationship with his brother is too important.

But when there’s an accident and lives are at stake, true feelings come to the surface. Is it possible for Michelle and Tyler to put aside their feelings for the sake of their relationships with Korey, or will they find a new foundation on which to build their future?

My Thoughts

Building a Future by Amy Clipston is a heartwarming Amish novel.  I like Amy Clipston’s writing style.  It is casual and engaging.  I feel like I am visiting old friends.  I found myself easily drawn into the story.  I like the characters in this story especially Michelle and Tyler.  I was not a fan of Korey who was inattentive to Michelle and did not realize that she is a caring woman with a big heart.  Korey came across as juvenile.  His behavior reminded me of a sulky teenager.  I was surprised that his father let him get away with that type of behavior.  Korey states he wants to help run the business with Tyler when their father retires.  However, we do not see him coming up with business ideas or displaying the maturity needed for a leadership position.  We get to see what it is like to be ignored by someone we care about and the pain that it causes. 

I enjoyed the lovely descriptions of Michelle’s paintings.  I want one of her milk can scenes.  I was surprised when one scene mentions Michelle putting the milk can in her tote bag.  I did not know that milk cans came in such a small size (there are vintage milk cans that measure 3.5” by 6.25”). I thought the relationship between Tyler and Michelle progressed at the right pace.  I could see this scenario playing out in real life.  I like how the faith element was incorporated into the story (the author strikes the right balance).  It never comes across as preachy. There are good messages (and life lessons) in the story.  We see the importance of prayer to seek God’s guidance.  The story had a sweet ending.  Building a Future is the second An Amish Legacy Novel.  It can be read as a standalone for those who have not read Foundation of Love.  I like that we get to see how Crystal is faring since she married.  There is a glossary of Amish terms at the beginning of the book which I found helpful. Building a Future is a hopeful Amish tale with relationship woes, finding a friend, enjoyable youth gatherings, roofing business strategies, and a guiding God.

Building a Future is available from Amazon*.  The first An Amish Legacy Novel is Foundation of Love.  Amy Clipston has the contemporary Christian novel Something Old, Something New coming out January 3, 2023.  You can find the author's other novels here.  I appreciate you dropping by and reading my review today.  Tomorrow I am a stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour for Shifting and Shenanigans by Janice Thompson.  It is the debut of A Magical Mystery Book Club series.  I hope that you have a joyful day.  Take care, stay cool (it is so hot and humid), and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

A Search for Redemption by Jo Ann Brown: Review, Excerpt, and Giveaway!

 A Search for Redemption

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Search for Redemption by Jo Ann Brown, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: A Search for Redemption
Series: Secrets of Bliss Valley #3
Author: Jo Ann Brown
Publisher: Love Inspired Trade 
Release Date: August 23, 2022 
Genre: Amish-inspirational romance

Bestselling author Jo Ann Brown returns to the Amish community of Bliss Valley, where finding a new beginning means facing the past…

After losing both her fiancé and the happy life she anticipated, Amish maedel Grace Coffman is still stitching the pieces of her life back together. But between working in a quilting shop with an unscrupulous Englisch boss and caring for her ill parents, her threads keep unraveling. At first, the arrival of a kind, attractive stranger feels like a coincidence. But the more Grace learns about Joel Beachy and his story, the more their meeting seems like providence… 

 Joel's return to Bliss Valley—and the Plain people—is his last chance to redeem a life filled with missteps. Yet in Grace, Joel finds something he never imagined: trust, courage and even the possibility of hope. When Grace suddenly finds herself the guardian of her nephews, Joel sees an opportunity to keep two wayward boys from repeating his mistakes. But Joel's dark past isn't quite finished with him. And now he must pray that his new life is strong enough to withstand the pending storm of trouble…and secrets.

“Brown is a gifted writer who makes unforgettable characters that invite the reader to join them on their journey.” —Publishers Weekly bestselling author Marie E. Bast

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub  

MORE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

A Wish for Home and A Promise of Forgiveness

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jo Ann Brown has published over 100 titles under a variety of pen names. A former military officer, she enjoys taking pictures and traveling. She has taught creative writing for more than 20 years and is always excited when one of her students sells a project. She has been married for more than 40 years and has three children and two rambunctious cats. She lives in Amish Country in southeastern Pennsylvania. She enjoys hearing from her readers.

Connect with Jo Ann by visiting joannbrownbooks.com to subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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My Thoughts

A Search for Redemption by Jo Ann Brown is the third novel in the Secrets of Bliss Valley.  I thought A Search for Redemption was well-written with developed, realistic characters.  I enjoyed getting to know Joel and Grace along with their families.  I felt for Joel.  He made his own choices, but a different upbringing would have made a world of difference.  Joel returns to Bliss Valley after getting out of jail.  He is not welcomed with open arms.  Grace Coffman treats him kindly. We get to see how these two help each other. There are various storylines that all work together for one heartwarming book.  Relationships are complicated and fraught with misunderstandings.  Assumptions and lack of communication lead to trouble.  It is important to have faith and trust.  We can always count on God to get us through the rough times.  Redemption, second chances, and forgiveness are themes in A Search for Redemption.  While A Search for Redemption can be read as a standalone, I believe it would be beneficial to read the series in order.  I like that we get to catch up with the characters from the first two stories in the series.  I just loved how everything came together at the end of A Search for Redemption.  I was hoping for this special conclusion.  I liked that the characters had flaws (none of us are perfect).  The author dealt with some tough subjects.  We get to follow along to see how the characters deal with the issues.  You can never run away from your secrets or your past as we see in this story.  How we deal with them will determine what path we follow.  There are good life lessons in this book.  A Search for Redemption is a sweet, emotional story.  I am eager for the next novel in the Secrets of Bliss Valley.  A Search for Redemption is a touching Amish tale with a stingy supervisor, poorly parents, an imperfect past, sorrowful sons, a bewildering revelation, and a glorious God.

Excerpt

Now he was back in Bliss Valley, and he was wearing the broadfall trousers Grace’s mamm had had waiting in the dawdi haus last night. His fingers had fumbled buttoning them closed. Before he’d left home, he would have buttoned them up without thinking. He’d become too accustomed to zippers. His cotton shirt in a purple that he would never have chosen himself was looser and allowed more air circulation than the T-shirts he was used to. At first, he’d disdained the suspenders lying next to them, but after having to hold on to the waist of his trousers to keep them from dropping, he’d hooked them in place.

Setting the paint can on the ground, he touched his goatee. Did he look as if he was straddling two worlds that had little in common? Like he felt?

He’d waited in the dawdi haus until Grace had left for the shop. He wasn’t sure if she’d be amused or appalled to see him in such clothing. He’d been astonished how important it had become for her to think well of him. For a moment, he allowed himself the special delight of thinking about her. Her pretty smile, her sparkling green eyes, her fiery hair that he longed to see loose along her back as he let his fingers sift through its rich silk.

Two things hadn’t changed since the first time he’d seen her. He still yearned to draw her close and sample her soft lips. Yet, even if he hadn’t been a convicted felon, she was plain and he was… He wasn’t sure what he was any longer, but even a single kiss would mean something different to Grace than it did to an Englisch woman. For an Amish woman, a kiss was a pledge of one’s heart.

His fingers tightened around the paintbrush he held as he took a deep, deep breath of the fragrant air. Smells from the neighboring farms and the heat off the asphalt road flavored it. Cheerful voices reached him, and he noticed a group of scholars walking toward the school building that was hidden by a sharp corner in the road. The same school he’d attended in what seemed like someone else’s life. He must once have sounded as carefree as the kinder passing this farm on his way to school, but he couldn’t recall now. By cutting his connections to Bliss Valley, he’d ripped away so much of his childhood.

Joel pried open the can and stirred its contents before dipping his brush in the thick, white paint. He’d already washed the fence with a dripping sponge, getting rid of spiderwebs as well as debris. It hadn’t taken long for the wood to dry in the hot sunshine. The calendar might have turned over to September, but summer wasn’t ready to give them any surcease from the heat and humidity.

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 1, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 8, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here. 

You can click here to enter!

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

A Search for Redemption will be out on August 23, and it can be preordered from Amazon*.  The first two books in the Secrets of Bliss Valley are A Wish for Home and A Promise of Forgiveness.  The fourth book in the Secrets of Bliss Valley will be out on April 25, 2023 and it is A Hope for Healing (Rosemary's story--Joel's youngest sister). Jo Ann Brown has the second book in the Amish of Prince Edward Island coming out on October 25 and it is Snowbound Amish Christmas.  You can find Jo Ann Brown's other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return tomorrow to share my thoughts on Building a Future by Amy Clipston.  It is the second An Amish Legacy Novel.  I hope that you have a merry day.  Before you leave, do not forget to enter the giveaway.   Take care, stay cool, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.