A Royal Visit to Victory Street by Pam Howes

 A Royal Visit to Victory Street

Book Summary

From Amazon charts bestseller Pam Howes comes an emotional and uplifting saga about the power of family and a community trying to rebuild their lives after the terrible war that nearly destroyed everything…

1956, Liverpool. With the shadow of the war looming over them and bomb craters littering the surrounding streets, hope feels far away for the residents of Victory Street. When they learn that the Queen has chosen to visit them on a tour of Liverpool, the delighted neighbors bring back the wartime spirit. Can they possibly get the street ready in time?

Even a royal visit cannot take away Bella Harrison’s worries. Her son, fourteen-year-old Levi, has just told her he wants to move to America to join the rest of his father’s family. The news has so shocked Bella that she’s not sure she’ll be able to sing for the Queen, jeopardizing all their plans for the big day.

Life has been hard for Levi, growing up as a mixed-race boy in Liverpool, but he’s the light of Bella’s life. The thought of losing him brings back the terrible memories of her father and sister dying during the war. If everyone pulls together to make the Queen’s visit an unforgettable celebration, perhaps she can persuade Levi that Victory Street is where he belongs.

But when Levi receives heartbreaking news from America and his move becomes uncertain, Bella starts to wonder if all her efforts to keep him in Liverpool have been for the right reasons. Can Bella find it in herself to sing for the big celebration, and make the right choice for her beloved son?

A totally unputdownable, heart-wrenching historical novel, packed with family secrets, perfect for fans of Dilly Court, Diney Costeloe and Nancy Revell.

 

About the Author

Pam Howes is a retired interior designer, mum to three daughters, grandma to seven assorted grandchildren and roadie to her musician partner.

The inspiration for Pam’s first novel came from her teenage years, working in a record store, and hanging around with musicians who frequented the business. The first novel evolved into a series about a fictional band, The Raiders. She is a fan of sixties music and it’s this love that compelled her to begin writing.

Author Links

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100041354393134

https://twitter.com/PamHowes1

Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases from Pam Howes here:  

https://www.bookouture.com/pam-howes

My Thoughts

A Royal Visit to Victory Street by Pam Howes is the fifth book in The Bryant Sisters series.  I recommend reading this heartwarming series in order.  It will allow you to get to know the characters and their stories.  I enjoyed returning to Victory Street.  We get to catch up with the characters.  We follow Bella, Edie, Fran, and their extended families as they go about their daily tasks and adjust to postwar Liverpool.  It took time for things to return to normal in England after the war. Some items were still being rationed in the latter half of the 1950s.  I like how the author included the latest music groups and/or performers.  Elvis Presley was making a name for himself, and teens wanted to imitate his look.  Victory Street is chosen to receive a royal visit from Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Phillip.  The Wavetree WI goes into action to make sure everything is perfect for the visit.  Well, everyone except their leader who prefers to delegate.  I like Pam Howes writing style.  It is casual and friendly which makes the story easy to read.  The characters are realistic and relatable.  They continue to grow as the series progresses.  I like that the characters are not perfect.  They have flaws just like real people.  We get to see them overcome challenges that are put in their way.  There is nothing they cannot do as long as they have each other.    The ending had me smiling.  I was sorry when my visit to Victory Street came to an end.  A Royal Visit to Victory Street is a heartfelt tale with unforeseen news, party planning, cleaning crews, pots of tea, a singing sensation, regal royals, a startling surprise, and a new venture.  

A Royal Visit to Victory Street is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other novels in The Bryant Sisters series here.  You can find Pam Howes other heartwarming historical novels here.  Thank you for joining me today.  I hope that you have a delightful weekend.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

Death on a Deadline by Joyce St. Anthony

 Death on a Deadline

Book Summary

Editor-in-chief Irene Ingram pencils in her newest mystery in Joyce St. Anthony’s second captivating Homefront News mystery, perfect for fans of Anne Perry and Rhys Bowen.

As World War II rages in Europe and the Pacific, the small town of Progress is doing its part for the soldiers in the field with a war bond drive at the annual county fair. Town gossip Ava Dempsey rumors that Clark Gable will be among the participating stars. Instead of Gable, the headliner is Freddie Harrison, a B-movie star. When Freddie turns up dead in the dunk tank, Irene Ingram, editor-in-chief of The Progress Herald, starts chasing the real headline.

There are plenty of suspects and little evidence. Ava’s sister Angel, who was married to the dead actor, is the most obvious. The couple had argued about his affair with the young starlet Belinda Fox, and Angel was the last person to see Freddie alive.

 

Irene discovers there’s more than one person who might have wanted Freddie dead. As Irene draws on her well-honed reporter’s instincts to find the killer—nothing is what it seems in Progress, and now her own deadline could be right around the corner.

My Thoughts

We return to Progress, Pennsylvania where Irene Ingram has become editor-in chief of the newspaper, the Progress Herald in her father’s absence.  There will be a war bond drive held during the fair and Ava Dempsey, who owns the local beauty parlor and is also the town gossip, is spreading the rumor that Clark Gable will be one of the participating stars.  Ava states she heard it from her sister, Angel who is an actress and is part of the war bond drive.  The headliner turns out to be Angel’s two-timing husband, Freddie Harrison.  Irene finds Freddie dead in the fair’s dunk tank.  There are plenty of suspects including Angel and Freddie’s latest paramour, Belinda Fox.  Irene uses her investigative skills to hone in on the killer.

Death on a Deadline by Joyce St. Anthony is the second A Homefront News Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series.  I thought Death on a Deadline was well-written with steady pacing.  I like Irene Ingram who is a smart, friendly, and spunky woman.  She is a realistic, developed character.  I like Irene’s interactions with her best friend, Peggy and her almost father-in-law Police Chief Walter Turner.  The whodunit was intriguing and fun to solve.  There are plenty of people who wished Freddie dead.  Irene asks questions and gathers clues.  I like that Irene works with Chief Turner.  They share information and bounce ideas off each other.   There was a complete wrap up at the end, so we are not left with lingering questions.  There is humor scattered throughout the story.  Ava’s sister, Angel is a piece of work.  Irene’s cousin, Donnie also provides amusement.  The author captured the time period with the historical references including the war bond drive and rationing.  Before each chapter is a newspaper headline from the Progress Herald that includes the latest war news.    I enjoyed the reference to Mrs. Miniver (good movie).  The ending was perfect.  Death on a Deadline is a captivating cozy with a war bond rally, rampant rumors, a slain star, sugar rationing, an over-the-top thespian, a cheerful cousin, and a curious reporter.  

Death on a Deadline is available from Amazon*.  The first A Homefront News Mystery is Front Page Murder.  You can follow Joyce St. Anthony on Amazon and you will receive an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return tomorrow with A Royal Visit to Victory Street by Pam Howes.  It is the fifth story in The Bryant Sisters series.  I am off to get some chores done.  I hope that you have a happy day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

Christmas at the Amish Market by Shelley Shepard Gray

 Christmas at the Amish Market

Book Summary

Wesley is so busy running his family’s Amish market at the holidays, he barely has time for Liesl, the young woman he’s been courting for years. When she suggests her aunt Jenny could help Wesley out, he agrees to the plan. But Liesl neglected to mention her aunt is only twenty-six years old—and as charming as she is hard-working.

Jenny, still healing after a painful breakup, welcomes the distraction of working at the market. She soon realizes Wesley is everything she ever dreamed a man could be. But how can Jenny even think about romance with the man Liesl expects to marry?

But Liesl’s own feelings are more complicated than she’s willing to admit. With humor, faith, and a little help from their friends in the community, everyone might just find what their hearts are looking for this Christmas at the Amish market.

My Thoughts

Christmas at the Amish Market by Shelley Shepard Gray is a heartwarming tale.  I was immediately drawn into the story.  I like the author’s engaging writing style. It is friendly and casual.  I enjoyed getting to know Wesley, Liesl, Jenny, Roland, and little Lilly.  It does take time to like Liesl (if you look up self-centered in the dictionary, you will see a picture of her).   Wesley and Liesl have been courting for some time.  Liesl believes Wesley is the right man for her and is hoping he will propose at Christmas.  Wesley has not had much time to spend with Liesl since his father has his heart attack.  Wesley wants to make sure the market is a success in his father’s absence.  One man cannot run a bustling market on his own.  Liesl asks her Aunt Jenny who is only a couple of years older than Liesl to come work at the market.  When Liesl is not working, she is helping widower Roland and his daughter, Lilly.  As you can tell, It is going to be an eventful December for this group.  I enjoyed the descriptions of the Pinery Christmas event.  It is a place I would love to visit during the holiday season.  I like how everything tied together and the ending left me smiling.  There is drama, romance, humor, faith, and Christmas spirit in this entertaining story. Christmas at the Amish Market is cheery Christmas tale with a demanding market, long lines, a darling Lilly, courting difficulties, an attractive aunt, tempting mistletoe, and a happy holiday.

Christmas Tree Maze

Christmas at the Amish Market is available from Amazon*.  Shelley Shepard Gray has Coming Home coming out on November 29.  Her Heart's Desire releases on January 3, 2023, and it is the first A Season in Pinecraft Book.  If you follow Shelley Shepard Gray on Amazon, you will receive an email when she has a new book coming out.  Thank you so much for stopping by today.  I will be sharing my thoughts on Death on a Deadline by Joyce St. Anthony tomorrow.  It is the second book in A Homefront News Mystery series. I hope that you have a cheerful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

Dead and Gondola by Ann Claire

 Dead and Gondola

Book Summary

Ellie Christie is thrilled to begin a new chapter. She’s recently returned to her tiny Colorado hometown to run her family’s historic bookshop with her elder sister, Meg, and their beloved cat, Agatha. Perched in a Swiss-style hamlet accessible by ski gondola and a twisty mountain road, the Book Chalet is a famed bibliophile destination known for its maze of shelves and relaxing reading lounge. At least, until trouble blows in with a wintry whiteout. A man is found dead on the gondola, and a rockslide throws the town into lockdown—no one in, no one out.

The victim was a mysterious stranger who’d visited the bookshop. At the time, his only blunders had been disrupting a book club and leaving behind a first-edition Agatha Christie novel, written under a pseudonym. However, once revealed, the man’s identity shocks the town. Motives and secrets swirl like the snow, but when the police narrow in on the sisters’ close friends, the Christies have to act.

Although the only Agatha in their family tree is their cat, Ellie and Meg know a lot about mysteries and realize they must summon their inner Miss Marple to trek through a blizzard of clues before the killer turns the page to their final chapter.

My Thoughts

Dead and Gondola by Ann Claire is the first A Christie Bookshop Mystery.  Ellie Christie has returned to her hometown of Last Word, Colorado to run the Book Chalet, the family bookshop with her older sister, Meg.  A stranger comes into the bookstore looking for someone, but he refuses to provide any information.  The man left his satchel behind with a rare, signed copy of a Mary Westmacott novel inside.  As Meg and Ellie are getting onto the gondola, they notice the mystery man ahead of them.  By the time the gondola reaches the bottom, the man is dead.  The police do not find any identification on the victim.  Ellie, Meg, and Gram are curious about the victim.  They do a sleuthing in the hopes of uncovering the guilty party. 

Dead and Gondola by Ann Claire a quirky new cozy mystery.  The story is told in the first person with Ellie Christie as the narrator.  The author gives picturesque descriptions of the town, bookshop, and characters.  I did not feel that there always needed to be such wordy descriptions utilizing multiple adjectives.   I wish I could visit Book Chalet, the Christie’s bookshop that was a former ski chalet. It has a rabbit warren of shelves filled with books (every booklover’s dream).  We meet a number of characters in the beginning as the Mountains of Mystery group meets in the reading lounge.  It is difficult to keep them all straight (even after reading and rereading the chapter).  I felt bad for Ms. Ridge when Morgan Marin sashayed in and took control of the group.  There are references to Agatha Christie and her books scattered throughout the story.  I love the gondola line that runs from Last Word to the base of the mountain.  

The whodunit was a letdown for me.  The mystery can be solved quite early in the book.  There are several suspects along with misdirection.  There are plenty of clues to aid readers in solving the crime.  The reveal reminded me of Murder, She Wrote with a touch of Scooby Doo.  I liked that all the details of the mystery were wrapped up at the end.    There is a secondary mystery involving Ms. Ridge. She disappears during the Mountains of Mystery meeting.  Ms. Ridge fails to return to work, and she is not at home.  It is easy to guess what made Ms. Ridge do a runner.  There is humor scattered throughout the book.  Gram particularly provides lighthearted moments.  There is also the pretentious Agatha C., a long-haired Siamese who is the queen of the Book Chalet.  Let us not forget Calamity Janet, a pony with attitude.  Dead and Gondola failed to capture and hold my attention.  The story was a little humdrum at times, and I thought it was too long.  There were also repetitive details.  Those who are fans of Agatha Christie will enjoy this cozy mystery.  Dead and Gondola takes us to chilly Colorado where there is a mysterious man, a pretentious pony, a silly séance, an absent assistant, curious club members, gratis gondola rides, and a Ouija board omen.

Dead and Gondola is available from Amazon*.  Readers can follow Ann Claire on Amazon so they can be notified when she has a new book release.  Thank you for stopping by today and reading my review.  I will be back on Tuesday with Christmas at the Amish Market by Shelley Shepard Gray. I am cutting back on my blog a bit due to health reasons.  I have been overdoing it which makes my condition worse.  The doctor said I need more rest and less stress (easier said than done).  I hope that you have an enjoyable weekend.  I will be busy putting away the Halloween decorations (this is the part I do not enjoy).  I will do a little at a time, so I do not overdue.   Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

A Book Club to Die For by Dorothy St. James

A Book Club to Die For

Book Summary

When a member of an exclusive book club is checked out, spunky librarian Trudell Becket must sort fact from fiction to solve the murder.

The Cypress Arete Society is one of the town’s oldest and most exclusive clubs. When assistant librarian Trudell Becket is invited to speak to the group about the library, its modernization, and her efforts to bring printed books to the reading public, her friend Flossie invites herself along. Flossie has been on the book club’s waiting list for five years, and she’s determined to find out why she’s never received an invitation to join. 

A Bookless Library

But not long after Tru and Flossie arrive for the meeting, they’re shocked to find the club’s president, Rebecca White, dead in the kitchen. Rebecca was a former TV actress and local celebrity, but was not known for being patient or pleasant. She’d been particularly unkind to the book club’s host for the evening, who also happens to be the mother of Detective Jace Bailey, Tru’s boyfriend. And Rebecca had made it clear that she didn’t think Flossie was book club material.

A Bookless Library

With her boyfriend and one of her best friends wrapped up in a murder, Tru has to work fast to figure out who cut Rebecca’s story short before the killer takes another victim out of circulation....

A robot at work in a library

My Thoughts

A Book Club to Die For by Dorothy St. James is the third A Beloved Bookroom Mystery.  For those new to the series, the book can be read as a standalone.  A Book Club to Die For is easy to read and it has steady pacing.  There is an interesting cast of characters (they would fit right into any small Southern town).  I do not blame Tru for trying to save the library’s books and opening a secret library (any booklover in her position would do the same).  Tru is having a hard time, though, keeping the secret library a secret.  I cannot imagine a library without physical books. I just love Tru’s cat, Dewey (who could resist that cute face).  The mystery is amusing.  Tru is asked to speak at the elite Arete Society (a fancy book club).  When the president of the group ends up dead before the meeting begins, the police zero in on the hostess of the event.  Unfortunately, the hostess is Hazel Bailey who happens to be Jace’s mother (and Tru is dating Jace).  Jace is not allowed to investigate.  Tru dons her detective cap and sets out to expose the killer.  Tru asks questions and soon learns that here are plenty of people who wished the victim dead.  There is misdirection to keep readers off the trail of the true killer.  I wish the solution had been more challenging.  It can be deduced soon after the murder (before if you are an avid mystery reader).  Everything comes together for Tru, and she sets out to capture the killer.  

A Bookless Library (Children's Section)

When Tru is not busy working or trying to clear Jace’s mother, she is on the hunt for her father.  He has disappeared and no one seems to know where he is located.  Tru must also keep the basement library a secret from Mrs. Farnsworth, her boss (and the fact that Tru brings Dewey to work with her each day).  A Book Club to Die For is told in the first person which leaves us privy to all of Tru’s thoughts.  She tends to ramble.  There are repetitive details (I lost track of how many times we are told that Flossie is dying to become a member of the Arete Society). I am baffled as to why Hazel would serve tuna noodle casserole at what is supposed to a classy event.  There is humor scattered throughout.  I especially found the Tech Bros latest creation hilarious (there is one scene involving yellow dust that cracked me up).  A Book Club to Die For is an upbeat tale with a bag of books, a dead diva, a metal menace, a clever cat, a caffeine conundrum, a missing man, and a casserole killer.  

A Book Club to Die For is available from Amazon*.  The first two books in A Beloved Bookroom Mysteries are The Broken Spine and A Perfect Bind.  You can follow Dorothy St. James on Amazon.  This will allow Amazon to notify you when the author has a new book release.  Thank you for dropping by today.  Tomorrow I am sharing my thoughts on Dead and Gondola by Ann Claire.  It is the first A Christie Bookshop Mystery.  I am off to continue working on my Thanksgiving displays.  I hope that you have a happy day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

An Amish Christmas at the Apple Blossom Inn by Tracy Fredrychowski & Debra Torres

 An Amish Christmas at the Apple Blossom Inn

Book Summary

Two sisters. Two stories. One great Amish Christmas read.

Orphaned just weeks before Christmas, the Beiler sisters suddenly discover they could lose their home and what’s worse—each other. To make ends meet, sisters Sadie and Katie are plunged into working at Willow Spring's Apple Blossom Inn.

But will their efforts be enough?

Sadie -Struggling with pride, Sadie yearns to bake scrumptious treats in the inn’s kitchen instead of cleaning floors and toilets. But when she makes the mistake of her life, can Sadie and the inn’s handsome maintenance worker Jubal King create a plan to help save her family and maybe even the Apple Blossom Inn?

Katie – On the cusp of a family tragedy, Katie must put her trust in the Lord and step into a mostly English world. When Jeremiah Hershberger returns to Willow Springs looking for answers, Katie sets out on a journey to help him discover secrets of his past.

Can these young women find a way to bring the joy of Christmas back to their family and to Willow Springs?

German Christmas Stollen

My Thoughts

An Amish Christmas at the Apple Blossom Inn by Tracy Fredrychowski and Debra Torres contains two sweet stories.  The Beiler sisters have just lost their mother who was their last remaining parent.  Amanda, the eldest sister, must now stay home to take care of the home and the younger siblings.  It has been decided that Sadie and Katie will split their sister’s former job at the Apple Blossom Inn.  Their salary will help pay for the mortgage on the house. We get to see the period following the mother’s funeral from Sadie and Katie’s point of view.   I found both stories to be easy to read.  I liked meeting the Beiler sisters.  The stories focus on the Apple Blossom Inn, faith, a touch of romance, and Christmas.  Thanks to her best friend Sadie faith is deepening plus she is getting a better understanding of the scriptures.  Sadie is learning the power of prayer and giving her worries to God.  

Katie’s faith is strong.  She knows that God will direct her where she should go.  Katie has learned the importance of slowing down and allowing for quiet so she can hear God’s voice.  I enjoyed the beautiful descriptions of the Apple Blossom Inn decorated for Christmas.  Jeremiah’s story was especially touching.  I like how it turned out plus we get to learn the reason behind Mrs. Sorenson’s attitude (the owner of the Apple Blossom Inn).  Miracles do happen at Christmas as we see in Katie’s story.  With faith, family, and love we see that anything is possible.  An Amish Christmas at the Apple Blossom Inn contains two heartwarming tales with distressed sisters, a bitter boss, a recipe catastrophe, a special keepsake, a nagging neighbor, and God’s guidance.  

Clementine Cake

An Amish Christmas at the Apple Blossom Inn is available from Amazon*.  If you are a member of Kindle Unlimited, you can read it for free.  You can find Tracy Fredrychowski's other novels here.  You can locate Debra Torres' other books here on Amazon.  Thank you for dropping by today.  It is hard to believe that there are only two months left in 2022.  The year has gone by so quickly.   Tomorrow I am featuring A Book Club to Die For by Dorothy St. James.  It is the third A Beloved  Bookroom Mystery.  I hope that you have an uplifting day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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