On Moonberry Lake by Holly Varni

 On Moonberry Lake

Book Summary

Cora Matthews's life is a mess. A broken engagement and the unexpected death of her mother have left her wondering if things will ever return to normal. Whatever "normal" is.

It certainly isn't what she finds at Moonberry Lake. After she receives her family's dilapidated lakefront lodge as an inheritance--with a surprising condition attached--Cora finds her life overrun by a parade of eccentric neighbors who all have something to say and something to teach her.

As Cora works to put her life back together, she must decide if she is willing to let go of the past, open her heart to love, and embrace the craziest version of family and home she could ever have imagined.

My Thoughts

On Moonberry Lake by Holly Varni has Cora Matthews inheriting her grandparent’s lodge after her mother’s death.  Cora is surprised since she was estranged from her mother at the time of her demise.  The lodge is in serious need of repair.  Cora needs to adjust to living in a small town where everyone knows your business.  On Moonberry Lake is a character driven story.  In the beginning, we are introduced to one character after another (there are so many of them).  The people that live around the lodge are a quirky lot.  I had to laugh at Kitty’s gnome collection because I have a large number in my garden as well.  I was not able to connect with Cora or any of the characters.  I liked the humor sprinkled throughout (Widgy provides many entertaining moments).  I found that the story moved slowly (which made it hard to continue reading).  There are some heartwarming scenes in the latter part of the story.  There were some encounters with the Moonberry Lake residents there were repetitive (Widgy showing up at the crack of dawn each day for example).  The author’s vivid descriptions allowed me to envision Moonberry Lake, the town, and the lodge.      The Christian element is light.  I was surprised by the New Age statements and beliefs.  The romance is clean.  On Moonberry Lake has a feel-good ending.  Would I want to visit Moonberry Lake again?  I would admire the scenery, but I would keep on driving. 

On Moonberry Lake is available from Amazon*.  I do suggest you download a sample of On Moonberry Lake so you can check it out for yourself.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return tomorrow with Second Act by Danielle Steele.  I hope that you have a joyful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

Sisters by the Sea by Wanda E. Brunstetter, Jean Brunstetter, Richelle Brunstetter, & Lorine Brunstetter Van Corbach

 Sisters by the Sea

Book Summary

Four Amish Sisters Develop New Beginnings in Sarasota, Florida
 
Journey with the bestselling Brunstetter authors to the unique tropical Amish community in Sarasota, Florida, along with four young sisters originally from Indiana.
 
The Seashell Cake by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Leora Lambright is the first to leave home, seeking a warmer climate for health reasons. While on a winter holiday, roofer John Miller meets Leora in the bakery where she is enjoying expressing herself through cake decorating. They are instantly attracted to each other and spend several days bike riding, fishing, playing shuffleboard, and trying local restaurants. But when Leora makes it clear she’ll never again live up north, without explaining why. Has the romance ended before it could even blossom?

The Beach Ball by Jean Brunstetter

Violet, the youngest of the four Lambright sisters, has always been a bit wild. She moves to Florida to live with her sister as she seeks her independence and considers leaving the Amish way of life. She works as a waitress and drives her own car. Her beauty and free spirit attract a lot of male attention like Levi, who is also Amish. When she first meets Dan Hunter, it is his little red sports car that she admires first, but while dating Dan, Levi keeps trying to make Violet commit to him. Can she settle on who should have her heart and how to live out her faith?
 

Fragments of a Sand Dollar by Richelle Brunstetter

Francine Lambright is heartbroken that her longtime boyfriend, Matthew, is thinking of leaving the Amish faith, and they have broken up. She is ready to join the church, but her sister invites her to Florida for an extended visit before taking the pledge of faith. While shell hunting at Lido Beach, Francine meets Lucas Hayes, and they soon begin seeing each other, despite him being an Englisher. When Matthew shows up in Pinecraft unexpectedly, how will Francine’s heart respond? 
 

A Sarasota Sunset by Lorine Brunstetter Van Corbach

Alana Lambright has suffered a series of unfortunate accidents and emotional traumas that have left her plagued by anxiety. She turns to art for peace and healing. While on a visit to her sister in Florida, she takes up seashell artwork and accepts a job in a gift shop. James Miller, a recent college graduate, meets Alana, and, due to his own past, he is initially turned off by the fact that she is Amish. Still he invites Alana on adventurous outings. Alana tries to tamp her anxiety to try the activities but fails and feels like it pushes James away. Can they each deal with the heaviness in their pasts to embrace a future together?
 

My Thoughts

Sisters by the Sea contains four novellas written by Wanda E. Brunstetter, Jean Brunstetter, Richelle Brunstetter, and Lorine Brunstetter Van Corbach.  We get to travel to Sarasota, Florida to spend time with Leora Lambright and her sisters, Violet, Francine, and Alana.  I liked that the stories were set in nearby Sarasota.  I was familiar with some of the places mentioned, especially Siesta Key (a beautiful beach).  I liked the characters, but I wish they had been fleshed out more (I know that is hard to do in a short story).  The characters are realistic and relatable.  I thought the authors gave us a realistic look at women who have grown up Amish and are at a crossroads.  They need to decide whether to be baptized or not as well as where they would like to live.  I like that a spotlight is shown on SAD (seasonal affective disorder).  There are good life lessons and encouragement in each tale.  I enjoyed the descriptions of the beaches.  I could envision the beautiful blue ocean and feel warm sand between my toes.  I liked how faith was incorporated into each story and I appreciated that the romances were clean (there was some kissing).   Sisters by the Sea transports you to sunny Sarasota with a seashell cake, a persistent suitor, beautiful beaches, artistic sisters, stunning sunsets, and supportive parents.  

Sisters by the Sea is available from Amazon*.  The third book in the Friendship Letters series, Letters of Wisdom will be out March 1, 2024.  Wanda Brunstetter's Amish Friends Life Hacks is available for preorder.  You can find Wanda Brunstetter's other novels here.  Thank you for joining me today.  Tomorrow I am featuring On Moonberry Lake by Holly Varni.  Has fall arrived in your area?  Our temperatures have been in the high 80s during the day and low 70s at night.  There has been too much wind (my Halloween decorations are taking a beating).  I am longing for cool weather.  I hope that you have a relaxing day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

Lost and Found by Suzanne Woods Fisher

 Lost and Found

Book Summary

Trudy Yoder shares a passion for birding with Micah Weaver--and she has an even greater passion for Micah. Their friendship is finally turning romantic when Micah abruptly grows cold. Worse still, he wants to leave Stoney Ridge.

Micah Weaver thought he was over Trudy's older sister. A year and a half ago, Shelley had broken his heart when she ran away from Stoney Ridge to pursue a singing career in Nashville. Then, out of the blue, she's started to leave distressing phone messages for him.

When the bishop asks for volunteers to scout out a possible church relocation in Tennessee, Micah is the first to raise his hand. Despite scant details, he's confident he can find Shelley. After all, his reputation as a field guide is based on finding birds that don't want to be found.

What Micah doesn't know is that what you're looking for isn't always what you find.

My Thoughts

Lost and Found by Suzanne Woods Fisher takes us back to Stoney Ridge, Pennsylvania.  I always enjoy returning to Stoney Ridge to catch up with the characters.  I feel bad for Bishop David Stoltzfus who needs to come up with a solution for the community.  Families are leaving left and right.  They do not want their children to be influenced by the Beachy Amish who are more progressive than their Old Order Amish community.  Just when Micah Weaver is finally taking notice of Trudy Yoder, he becomes distant.  Poor Trudy has no idea what is going on with Micah.  The characters are developed with each one having a unique personality.  Hank manages to keep up on the latest gossip and makes sure others in the community are up on the latest events.  I do not know how his wife puts up with the volume of his voice (you would think he had hearing troubles from the way he shouts, but his hearing is excellent much to the bishop’s dismay).  

Birding is featured throughout the story.  It is an unusual theme for an Amish story.  I can tell the author did her research on birding (it is educational).  I enjoyed Trudy’s bird watching entries at the end of each chapter which include Biblical references.  I did not know there were so many bird references in the Bible.  I like how the bird is compared to an individual in the story.  There is someone new in the Stoney Ridge permit office (there is a reason she was sent to work alone in this one-person office).  She is quite a character, and it turns out that she is a bird watcher as well.  In Lost and Found, we see that you never know who might be suffering from a mental illness.  When a family member has a mental illness, it affects the whole family.  Lost and Found can be read as a standalone for those new to the series.  I have enjoyed every story set in Stoney Ridge.  It has allowed me to get to know the characters and the setting.  I loved the humor sprinkled throughout the story.  You can always count on Hank for entertainment.  Lost and Found is a special story with families taking leave, mystifying messages, a land dilemma, romance miseries, a special fowl sighting, trip troubles, and happy people.  

Lost and Found is available from Amazon*.  A Season on the Wind is the first book in the Stoney Ridge birdwatching series.  You can find Suzanne Woods Fisher's other novels here.  Thank you for joining me today.  I am heading outside to continue working on my Halloween display.  I have to get the lights up next.  Then, I will move on to the side yard display (it faces a side street).  Are you decorating for Halloween? I will return on Tuesday, October 3 with Sisters by the Sea by Wanda E. Brunstetter, Jean Brunstetter, Jean Brunstetter, and Lorine Brunstetter Van Corbach.  I hope that you have a fun weekend.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

The Flower Quilter by Mindy Steele

 

About the Book

Barbara Breaks from Amish Tradition to Express Her Artistry

Full of faith, hope, and romance, this new series takes you into the Heart of Amish country.

Barbara Schwartz was born into a family of quilters, but she would rather eat dirt than partake in another quilting frolic or sew on another binding. When her parents send her to Indiana to help her grandmother in her quilting shop, she finds herself amongst a very different community. It’s only one summer and then she will be back in Kentucky where she belongs.

Melvin Bontrager’s world stopped six years ago when his parents died. Now when his only means of providing for his widowed sister and niece is threatened, Melvin finds his landscaping business disappearing too. When spring delivers a newcomer who is immune to his salty moods, Melvin does something he has never done before, accepts help.

What blooms is the last thing Barbara ever expected, and everything Melvin could ever want.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Mindy Steele is the award-winning author and bestselling author of over a dozen novels and novellas in Christian fiction. Raised in Kentucky timber country, Steele has been writing since she could hold a crayon on the wall and lives in northeastern Kentucky—where many of her stories are set.

More from Mindy

The Story Behind the Story

I’ve connected with many wonderful readers since my debut in 2021 and while attending my first multi-author and reader event in Shipshewana, Indiana, I was blessed to finally meet many of them in person. I connected with my amazing assistant, my Mississippi fishing buddy, and the golden girls who have been with me from the beginning. God handpicked each of these women and I am so thankful he did.

I knew before leaving home I would not be writing about Shipshewana or the touristy areas considering I love our small rural communities, but you know what they say about thinking you know everything. . .

I was charmed at a little Bed and Breakfast and further charmed by Bridgett the owner. After touring the Amish Market and a few other memorable sites, my husband and I spent an afternoon with our dear friends Barb and Mel. Barb insisted I see her favorite place, the Krider Fair Gardens. Being a lover of flowers and gardening myself, I was entranced. I walked over every inch and stored its details in my heart. I even called my mother.

I quickly learned the quilt gardens were signature in Indiana, sprawling along the Pumpkinvine Trail and covering multiple counties. From May to September, thousands come to photograph the designs that change each year. There is even an app for that now.

I had learned so much about Amish gardens and greenhouses from my neighbors who had family-owned greenhouses which I wrote about in An Amish Flower Farm.

It was also a no brainer that I would include quilting into the story. I love to quilt, much more than my dear sweet heroine needless to say.

I was especially happy to include the quilt shop, just a block down from The Blue Gate and the owner was thrilled her shop was the inspiration to Anna Beechy’s quilt shop.

Writing about two different Amish communities was a fun challenge made easy thanks to dear friends from both. Especially Anna Mae, the best garden tea maker north of Ohio who never let my questions bother her.

What was most memorable about writing this book over all others?

I had no desk!!!

I love writing about new things not explored yet, and well…my writer heart was ready to start before we even got home. Often, I let an idea percolate a few days, but this story unfolded like a favorite re-run and I knew all the words. It was time to get writing, but suddenly we had covid and hours turned to days and weeks. It was a scary time as my husband struggled with it terribly, but we got through and then Hurricane Ida struck the south and my husband was called up. I decided to travel with my husband and son to deliver Fema Relief.

My family needed me, and I needed to write this book!!! So, in pure Mindy fashion, I packed up my notepads, extra fine tip pens, and did both.

The draft of The Flower Quilter was written in the back of an old semi that leaked like a strainer as we delivered trailers and supplies from Kentucky to the hardest hit areas of Mississippi and Louisiana nonstop for nine days.

I hope to never try that again, but no matter what we encountered, those gardens of Indiana keep popping up and adding a little sunshine to the chaos around me. God sure knows how to keep beauty in focus when everything gets turned upside down.  He also knows how to take our worst traits and turn them into something remarkable.

I hope you love this story and my take on the gardens as much as I did. Thank you for being part of the tour!!! And may God bless and keep you!

My Thoughts

The Flower Quilter by Mindy Steele is a heartwarming Amish story.  I thought the story was well-written with developed characters.  I enjoyed getting to know Barbara Schwartz and Melvin Bontrager.  I also liked Barbara’s grandparents (they are sweet, caring people) and Sarah (Melvin’s sister).  Barbara’s mother and grandmother are both excellent quilters.  Barbara would rather be outside working in the gardens than getting her finger pricked by a needle (she really should wear a thimble).  Her quilting challenges were amusing.  I understood her struggle.  Barbara wants to please her family, but with regard to quilting, she is all thumbs.  Barbara managed to get herself into some comical situations.  I laughed often while reading The Flower Quilter. 

I enjoyed learning about quilt gardens and the Heritage Trail in Indiana.  It turns out there is more than one way to quilt. It was interesting learning the differences and similarities between Amish communities (in this case, Kentucky and Indiana).  I can tell that the author did her research for this book.  The Flower Quilter is a story full of emotions, and I like that I was left smiling when I closed the book.  The Flower Quilter is the first book in The Heart of the Amish series, and I am looking forward to the next installment.  One of my favorite quotes is, “Finding something you love, even for as short as a single summer, is a gift.  So is finding beauty in what others tend to overlook.”  The Flower Quilter is an uplifting tale with quilt quibbles, beautiful blooms, troublesome twins, amusing misadventures, bevy of red barns, and gorgeous gardens.  

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mindy is giving away the grand prize package a $25 Amazon gift card and a print copy of the book.  Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click here to enter.  Good Luck!

The Flower Quilter is available from Amazon*.  Mindy Steele has Courting an Amish Bishop coming out April 1, 2024.  It is the next book in the Heart of the Amish series.  You can find Mindy Steele's other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  Tomorrow I am featuring Lost and Found by Suzanne Woods Fisher.  I hope that you have an uplifting day.  Do not forget to enter the giveaway and leave a comment for extra entries.  Good Luck and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

Blog Stops

lakesidelivingsite, September 26

The Avid Reader, September 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 27

Lighthouse Academy Blog, September 28 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Texas Book-aholic, September 28

She Lives To Read, September 29

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 30

Mary Hake, September 30

Connie’s History Classroom, October 1

Christina’s Corner, October 1

The Book Club Network, October 2

Jeanette’s Thoughts, October 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 4

Books I’ve Read, October 4

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 5

For Him and My Family, October 6

Elly Gilbert, October 6

Cover Lover Book Review, October 7

Simple Harvest Reads, October 8 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Holly’s Book Corner, October 9

Splashes of Joy, October 9

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

Having a Fudgy Christmas Time by Nancy Coco

 Having a Fudgy Christmas Time

Book Summary

Fans of the perennially popular Candy-Coated Mystery series featuring Allie McMurphy are treated to a holiday e-novella in which Allie’s frequent sleuthing partner Carol Tunisian gets mixed up in a holiday homicide.

’TIS THE SEASON FOR FUDGE—AND SLEUTHING
 
Carol is looking forward to finishing plans for the Mackinac Island Senior Center Christmas Ball. But when she arrives at the center, she finds the door jimmied open and a dead man inside. The victim is a local senior who seems to have been sleeping in the center at night—but why? Although she promises Officer Rex Manning not to involve her book club in solving the mystery, Carol finds a way to fudge around that. Rallying her troop of silver-haired sleuths—and with some support from Ally in between her batches of Christmas fudge -- Carol sets out to discover which grinch tried to steal this Christmas. All she wants from Santa is to get this case wrapped up with a bow!

My Thoughts

Having a Fudgy Christmas Time by Nancy Coco is a cute story.  The story is told from Carol Tunisian’s point of view instead of Allie McMurphy’s.  It did take me a beat to adjust.  Carol is amusing.  I love her attitude.  It is winter on Mackinac Island, and I could feel Jack Frost nipping at my nose thanks to the author’s vivid descriptions.  I like the author's writing style.  It is friendly, which makes the story easy to read.  Carol is quick to rally the troops (aka the book club) when a local man is found murdered inside the senior center.  Rex Manning may have “requested” (aka told) Carol to keep her nose out of the case and to not involve the senior sleuths.  Carol had no intention of listening to Rex (I believe her fingers were crossed behind her back).  

The mystery is not complex, but it is fun to follow. There are some incidents along the way and the seniors learn sleuthing can be dangerous.  I thought it was amusing when Carol would stop a moment during the investigation and wonder what Allie would do (Allie has created a monster).  I love the members of the book club.  They are a lively, quirky group of seniors.  I would be honored to be a part of this book club.  There is plenty of holiday cheer as well as tasty treats.  The ending was not what I expected. Having a Fudgy Christmas Time is A Candy-Coated Mystery Novella.  Fans of the series will enjoy this enjoyable novella and it can be read by those who are new to the series.  Having a Fudgy Christmas Time is happy holiday tale with a murdered man, senior sleuths, a cold climate, flavorful fudge, Christmas cookies enticements, menacing calls, and a scheme to catch a killer.  

Having a Fudgy Christmas Time is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other A Candy-Coated Mysteries here.  You can follow Nancy Coco on Amazon and receive an email when she has a new book release.  Here are some of the other books that were published today:  Hunted at Christmas by Dana R. Lynn, Lost and Found by Suzanne Woods Fisher, Tracked through the Woods by Laura Scott, Down to the Wire by Patricia Sargeant, On Moonberry Lake by Holly Varni, The Teacher's Christmas Secret by Emma Miller, Now You See It by Carol J. Perry, Bright Lights Big Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews, An Amish Cinderella by Shelley Shepard Gray, Hanging by a Thread by Dorothy Howell, Murder in an Italian Village by Michael Falco, A Furry Little Christmas by Laurien Berenson, and Christmas Mittens Murder by Lee Hollis, Lynn Cahoon, and Maddie Day.  There is something for everyone.  Thank you for stopping by today.  Tomorrow I am featuring Hunted at Christmas by Dana R. Lynn.  It is the latest book in the Amish Country Justice 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.

The Prayer Jar Devotional: Forgiveness by Wanda E. Brunstetter

 The Prayer Jar Devotional:  Forgiveness

Book Summary

Inspired by New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter’s The Prayer Jars series. . .

 

The Prayer Jar Devotional: Forgiveness delivers the same life-changing inspiration as Wanda E. Brunstetter’s unforgettable stories. Every reading will help you draw closer to your heavenly Father. Your prayer life will be transformed as you read through these dozens of encouraging devotional readings centered around the theme of forgiveness. With each turn of the page, you’ll discover unchanging truths of God’s Word alongside meaningful prompts that guide you to write out your personal prayers or favorite, grace-filled Bible verses and then add to your very own prayer jar. (Simple instructions are included in the introduction.)

Once you’ve finished reading the last page, you’ll have a full prayer jar of your very own. Use it to infuse your heart with inspiration and encouragement when you need it—or share it with a friend who could use some faith restoration of her very own!

The Prayer Jar Devotional:  Forgiveness is available on Amazon*.  Wanda Brunstetter along with Richelle Brunstetter, Jean Brunstetter, and Lorine Brunstetter Van Corbach has Sisters by the Sea coming out October 1.  I will return tomorrow with Having a Fudgy Christmas by Nancy Coco.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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