The Beekeeper's Bride by Mollie Cox Bryan

Happy Valentine's Day

 The Beekeeper's Bride

Book Summary

When Josefina “Joey” Roma moves to Virginia with her sisters, she’s looking for a fresh start. Their fiber arts and weaving company, Three Sisters Roma, keeps Joey focused—and drained. When a sexy beekeeper-slash-veterinarian rescues her and her new lambs from a swarm of bees on a country roadside, she had no idea how ‘fresh’ her life would turn. She hadn’t expected a man with a cocky attitude, cool confidence, and a pair of blue, blue, blue eyes…

Arran Brody, home after his mother’s death to help turn around his family’s honey farm, is still trying to reconcile his feelings around his recently wed father. Exhausted, he's ready to give up and return to his vet practice in Vermont. But, when he rescues Joey from her road-side bee dilemma, he may have found the answer to “settle the bees” in his own heart.

My Thoughts

The Beekeeper’s Bride by Mollie Cox Bryan is an amusing romance.  It is a short story (71 pages).  There is a lively meet cute between Joey Roma and Arran Brody.  The lambs, Petunia and Uncle Guido, were sweet.  Due to the length of the story, there is a lack of character development.  I like the Roma family business Three Sisters Roma.  I could envision the artistic creations they produce.  The pieces they created for the contest sounded amazing.  The story does contain mild foul language.  I enjoyed the humor sprinkled throughout the tale.  The Beekeeper’s Bride is a lighthearted romance with busy bees, adorable lambs, feuding families, fabulous fiber arts, and rapid romance.

The Beekeeper's Bride is available from Amazon*.  If you are a Kindle Unlimited member, you can read The Beekeeper's Bride for free.  You can find Mollie Cox Bryan's other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  Tomorrow I am a stop on the Celebrate Lit tour for Rachael's Decision by Molly Jebber.  It is the sixth book in The Amish Charm Bakery series.  I hope you have a very Happy Valentine's Day!  I put together little gift bags for my neighbors with sweet treats (chocolates, cookies, and Conversation Hearts) along with some practical (heart pencil and eraser) and fun items (fidget toys, squishies).  I left them on their door handles during the night so they would have a surprise this morning.  Did you get something special for Valentine's Day?  My mother got me some cute character socks (I like to wear socks with Disney characters on them).  I got her a cardinal suncatcher and a sock money mug (she loves the sock monkey).  I hope that you have a lovely day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

Happy Valentine's Day

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

Every Good Gift by Kelly Irvin

 Every Good Gift

Book Summary

During the most difficult season of her life, how could she know whether their meeting was a gift from God—or another temptation?

Maisy never expected that a Plain girl like her could have her heart stolen by an Englisch boy. But when her rumspringa ends and Maisy realizes she’s pregnant, the reality of their choices—and their differences—sets in.

Maisy knows she will never leave her faith to marry her baby’s father. But she also knows the road to acceptance as an unwed mother in an Amish community will be long and hard. To protect her family from the scandal, she goes to live with her cousin in Haven, Kansas, where she will have some solitude to figure out what kind of future she might have.

In Haven Maisy begins to find her way—thanks in no small part to Joshua Lapp, a Plain man who’s made it clear he isn’t bothered by her situation or ashamed to be seen with her, despite the bishop’s warnings. But Joshua has struggled with his faith ever since the death of his twin brother, leaving Maisy to wonder: How can two people who are so lost ever help each other discover Gott’s plans for their future? 

My Thoughts

Every Good Gift by Kelly Irvin is the third novel in the Amish Blessings series.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series.  I was eager to read this story (I moved it ahead of other books on my TBR list).  I like Kelly Irvin’s writing style.  It is friendly and engaging.  I was easily drawn into the story.  Maisy Glick is on her rumspringa and has an English boyfriend.  When Maisy discovers she is pregnant, she makes a decision.   Maisy does not want her family to be embarrassed by her actions.  She departs for Haven, Kansas to stay with her cousin.  Joshua Lapp is at the bus station sending his family off on their trip.  He sees an exhausted Maisy and offers her transportation to her cousin’s farm.  Joshua is not a baptized member of the church despite being in his early twenties.  Joshua misses his twin brother who died when they were twelve.  He is angry at God and does not understand how God can allow a child to die.  Joshua befriends Maisy despite warnings from the bishop.   Maisy has some tough decisions to make.  What does God have in store for these two lost souls?  

Every Good Gift is a touching story.  I thought the characters were realistic and relatable.  The author did a wonderful job of describing the emotions the characters were feeling.  Maisy and Joshua learn some valuable life lessons.  Maisy needs to find a way to forgive herself so she can move forward while Joshua needs to let go of his grief and anger towards God.  I like that we are reminded that “Every one of us has sinned and fallen short of the glory of Gott.”  We only have to seek forgiveness and He will give it.   I was sorry when Every Good Gift came to an end.  I enjoyed getting to know the characters and going on their journey with them.   I like that we get to catch up with the characters from Love’s Dwelling and The Warmth of Sunshine.  Every Good Gift is a story about love, compassion, faith, family, forgiveness, and hope.  

Every Good Gift is available from Amazon*.  The first two books in the Amish Blessings series are Love's Dwelling and The Warmth of Sunshine.  You can find Kelly Irvin's other novels here.  Kelly Irvin has The Heart's Bidding coming out on August 1.  It is the debut of the Amish Calling series.  Thank you for stopping by today.  On Tuesday, February 14 I will share my thoughts on The Beekeeper's Bride by Mollie Cox Bryan.  It is the first novel in The Shenandoah Heart series.  I hope that you have an enjoyable weekend.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

Murder at an Irish Castle by Ellie Brannigan

 Murder at an Irish Castle

Book Summary

Rodeo Drive bridalwear designer Rayne McGrath expected her thirtieth birthday to start with a power lunch and end with champagne, lobster, and a diamond engagement ring from her fiancé. Instead, flat-broke and busted, she’s on a plane to Ireland where she discovers that she’s inherited a run-down family castle. Uncle Nevin’s will contains a few caveats—for example, if Rayne doesn’t turn McGrath Castle around within a year, the entire village will be financially destroyed.
 
With the fate of the town in her hands, and rumors that Rayne’s uncle’s death wasn’t actually an accident, she can’t possibly go back to her old life in L.A. As the devastating truth about her uncle dawns on Rayne, it’s not just her reputation that’s on the line, it’s her life.

Featuring a sharp and endearing protagonist, a colorful and quirky locale, and replete with twists and turns befitting an old Irish village, the first in Brannigan’s mystery series transports us to a milieu as romantic as it is deadly.

My Thoughts

Rayne McGrath wakes up in a good mood on her thirtieth birthday.  Unfortunately, the day goes downhill from there.  Rayne discovers that her business partner and boyfriend has drained their business account and emptied the store of its inventory.  Rayne is a bridalwear designer with a shop on Rodeo Drive.  She then receives a call that her Uncle Nevin has passed, and Rayne needs to be at the reading of the will.  Rayne discovers that her uncle has left her the family castle and estate, but there are a few caveats.  Rayne cannot leave for one year and she needs to find a way for the castle as well as the village to turn a profit.  Rayne has twenty-four hours to make her decision.  She also learns that she Uncle Nevin had recently discovered that he had a daughter.  Rayne’s new cousin expected to inherit the property.  Rayne’s cousin is a curt woman with a large chip on her shoulder.  The two need to find a way to work together if they are to receive the monetary reward at the end of the year.  Can Rayne find a way to make the estate turn a profit while making the wedding gowns for the brides who have already put down their deposit?

A unique Irish barn

Murder at an Irish Castle by Ellie Brannigan is the debut of An Irish Castle Mysteries.  I had trouble getting interested in Murder at an Irish Castle.  The story became easier to read as Rayne settled into Ireland.   I was not a fan of Rayne and her hostile cousin, Ciare Smith.  Rayne comes across as spoiled while Ciare is resentful and cruel.  Ciare’s nastiness quickly becomes tiring.    She seems to be irritable all the time even with her fiancé who works on the estate.  We get to meet the staff at the castle and some of the villagers. I do feel that the author could have done a better job at capturing the beauty of Ireland.  

The whodunit had several suspects, a red herring or two, and obvious clues.  The mystery can be solved early in the book.  Certain details are reiterated to make sure we did not miss them (I could envision a giant neon arrow with the words “killer” pointing at the guilty party). Rayne who was just ditched by her duplicitous boyfriend begins admiring estate employee, Amos.  I could understand Rayne finding him attractive, but it seemed too soon to think about dating (considering she is still dealing with the aftermath of the two-timers underhanded actions).  She admired Amos’ physical attributes many times (I cringed every time she mentioned his long locks—I am not a fan of men with long hair).  My favorite character is the adorable Blarney.  I loved his antics especially when he took off with one of Rayne’s expensive shoes.  I could envision the trail of crystals around the castle.  I am on the fence about reading the next An Irish Castle Mystery.  Murder at an Irish Castle is a sásúil story with a blackguard beau, an unimagined inheritance, a churlish cousin, a playful pup, spotty internet service, designer duds, a cold castle, and a course of crystals.

Murder at an Irish Castle is available from Amazon*.  You can follow Ellie Brannigan on Amazon and they will let you know when she publishes a new book.  Thank you for stopping by today.  Tomorrow I am sharing my thoughts on Every Good Gift by Kelly Irvin.  It is the third Amish Blessings novel.  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.

Sycamore Circle by Shelley Shepard Gray

 Sycamore Circle

Book Summary

New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray returns with the second novel in her “tantalizing” (Publishers Weekly) Rumors in Ross County series. In Ross County, love can stay the course, but first you have to know who to trust.

There’s a lot going on in Joy Howard’s life. She’s got an ex-husband who starts acting like he doesn’t want to be an ex anymore, a sixteen-year-old daughter in need of a guiding hand and a lot of rides to dance practice, more orders for paintings than she has time to paint, and a roster of tutoring clients who sometimes need far more than she can give.

What she doesn’t have is time for a new relationship.

Samuel “Bo” Beauman is a lot of things. He’s a counselor for transitioning ex-cons, a good friend to many, a construction worker, a brother and son, and even a part-time model for a high-end sportswear catalog. He’s also a man searching for redemption.

One thing he isn’t is a man in need of a girlfriend.

But none of that seems to matter when Bo hears Joy’s kind voice in a crowded coffee shop. He instantly knows she’s someone he wants to know better. The two of them hit it off—much to the dismay of practically everyone they know—but Bo doesn’t care what other people think. He feels at peace whenever he’s with Joy, and he won’t let her go without a fight.

When Joy starts getting mysterious texts and phone calls from unknown numbers, she tries to ignore it. But instead of going away, the messages escalate, and Joy realizes she can’t handle it alone. But she is juggling a jealous ex-husband, a handful of students with little to lose, and a brand-new boyfriend who spent several years behind bars. Who can she trust?

My Thoughts

Sycamore Circle by Shelley Shepard Gray is a charming story.   I enjoyed getting to know Samuel “Bo” Beauman and Joy Howard.  I thought Sycamore Circle was well-written with realistic, developed characters.  The story moved along at a quick pace.  I like that we get to catch up with the characters from Edgewater Road (Lincoln, Jennifer, and the ex-cons who are getting a second chance).  Joy is divorced and raising her teenage daughter who takes dance classes each day (which means driving her to and from).  Her ex-husband only takes their daughter, Chloe one night a week.  Joy tries to keep the relationship between her ex-husband and herself cordial.  Joy makes a living by selling her paintings and teaching people to read.  She is also a literacy tutor. We also get to know Joy’s daughter, Chloe and her Amish friend, Finn.  Chloe takes dance classes near the diner where Finn works for his relatives.  Finn has a difficult father and a mother who goes along with the father’s decisions and behaviors. Chloe and Finn become friends and there is a hint of something more.

I enjoyed the mystery which was suspenseful.  Bo is protective of Joy and Chloe.  He wanted to make sure no harm comes to either of them.  Bo is a man with a big heart.  He uses terms of endearment which touches Joy’s heart.  The ex-husband is a piece of work.  Joy is lucky to be rid of him.  Faith is nicely woven through the story.  I like that it is light (not preachy).  The author nicely blended romance, family, friendship, drama, faith, and intrigue into one touching story.  Sycamore Circle is the second book in The Rumors in Ross County series.  It can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading Edgewater Road. I am looking forward to the next book in The Rumors in Ross County series.  Sycamore Circle is an edgy and endearing tale with a caring ex-con, a pretty painter, a dancing daughter, an exasperating ex-husband, a scary stalker, a determined detective, and a gracious God.

Sycamore Circle is available from Amazon*.  The first book in The Rumors of Ross County Series is Edgewater Road.  You can find Shelley Shepard Gray's other novels here.  The author has Amish Fugitive coming out on July 25.  Thank you for joining me today. I will be sharing my thoughts about Murder at an Irish Castle by Ellie Brannigan tomorrow.  It is the debut of An Irish Castle Mysteries.  Every Good Gift by Kelly Irvin came out today along with Six Sweets Under by Sarah Fox.  I hope that you have a jubilant day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

Life and Love at Mulberry Lane by Rosie Clarke

Life and Love at Mulberry Lane

Book Summary

With Mulberry Lane's favorite pub, The Pig & Whistle undergoing renovation, proprietors Peggy and Able Ronoscki leave the chaos behind and head off on a trip of a lifetime to America. But disaster hits and Peggy finds herself in a critical condition in hospital.

Meanwhile, business is booming for young entrepreneurs Fay Ronoscki and Maggie Rowan with their new restaurant and catering empire. It seems neither has time for love.

But when fate throws a famous global singing sensation and glamourous racing car driver into the girls' paths, falling in love with Jace and Greg seems beyond their control. Cupid has struck.

Life is made up of laughter, love, and tears.

What is next for the folk of Mulberry Lane - can they find the happiness they all so crave?

Another passionate tearjerker from Rosie Clarke in the Mulberry Lane series.

My Thoughts

Life and Love at Mulberry Lane by Rosie Clarke takes us back to Mulberry Lane where The Pig & Whistle is closing for renovations.  Peggy and Able Ronoscki are heading to America on a much-deserved vacation.  Maggie Rowan will handle the food for the bar and the new restaurant while Fay Ronoscki is handling her new catering venture.  Both ladies are excellent chefs, and they want to make of success of both businesses.  Love may derail their plans when an up-and-coming singer sets his sights on Fay and a racing car driver fancies Maggie.  The family is shocked when they receive news that Peggy has been injured, and she is in critical condition.  The family will need to rally together to get through this difficult time.  

Life and Love at Mulberry Lane is the ninth book in The Mulberry Lane series.  While Life and Love at Mulberry Lane can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the series in order to get the full experience.  It is spring of 1961 which brings changes to Mulberry Lane.  Clothes, music, and attitudes are different.  It is great to catch up with Peggy, Able, Janet, Pip, Maggie, Fay, Freddie, and the other characters.  The author has created a great cast of characters for this series.  I find the characters to be realistic and relatable.  As with each book in the series, we are introduced to new characters.  Freddie, Fay, and Maggie are growing up.  While each one of them says they wish to delay getting married until their careers take off, cupid has a way of striking when you least suspect it.  I have enjoyed seeing the characters grow up and begin their own families.  I like how the family members are close and are there for each other.   The people who live on Mulberry Lane are part of the extended family.  We get to see how each member of the family copes with change, setbacks, and injuries.  I thought the accident that injures Peggy and Able suited the time period and events happening in America.  Peggy’s injuries were unexpected.  The author captured 1961 with local and world events, the music references, the books, movies, and the change in people’s attitudes.  I like that we get to see more career opportunities opening for women.  While the younger generation is open to the shift in values, some of the older generation is still clinging to traditional values.  I am looking forward to seeing what happens next with the residents of Mulberry Lane.  Life and Love at Mulberry Lane is a historical tale about family, community, friendship, and love. 

Life and Love at Mulberry Lane is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other books in The Mulberry Lane series here.  You can find the rest of Rosie Clarke's novels here.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return on Tuesday, February 7 with Murder at an Irish Castle by Ellie Brannigan.  It is the debut of An Irish Castle Mysteries.  I hope that you have a relaxing weekend.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

Love Through the Seasons by Tracie Peterson

 Love through the Seasons

Book Summary

Bestselling author Tracie Peterson celebrates 30 years of writing with a collection of both old and new stories.
 
Four short contemporary romances take readers to the author’s native state of Kansas.
 
Spring – Stormy Weather

Gina Bowden, a young widow, fights city council to regain funding for her son’s Boy Scout troop. Something better than lightning hits, though, when she teams up with the equally tenacious troop leader.

Summer – King of Hearts

Elise Jost is a non-traditional student just one credit short of graduating. A hard-working woman determined to establish herself in the business world, she enrolls begrudgingly in a Renaissance appreciation course that will complete her credit hours. Her life’s direction takes a different course when she makes a high grade with Professor Ian Hunter.
 

Autumn – Falling for Love

Karen Armstrong Jacobs has been widowed for five years and has taken in her mother to live with her. When she learns her mother’s three sisters need a place to live, she opens her home up to them as well. Now there are a lot of repairs that need to be made to the house for safety’s sake. Enter Dan Polk, a widower with a contracting business and a heart for ministry, who makes over the house and Karen's lonely heart.

Winter – Silent Nights

Lynn Murphy always dreamed of having the perfect marriage, and for a while she delighted in her dream come true. But Frank’s job has gradually overtaken their lives. When their plans for an anniversary trip at Christmastime are ruined by yet another business obligation, Lynn decides she’s had enough. She runs away to her grandfather’s house looking for answers. Only there does she begin to glimpse the surprising ways that God will satisfy the desires of her heart.

My Thoughts

Love through the Seasons by Tracie Peterson contains four contemporary, Christian stories.  Each story takes place during one of the four seasons.  We get to enjoy spring, summer, fall and winter along with the activities and holidays that take place during those seasons.  We are not given the year in the novellas.  I know that they are not the present day because of certain references.  Each story has a theme or moral.  I like the Christian themes in each novella.  There are good life lessons.  I found the stories to be easy to read.  Each story can be read in a sitting. Each novella begins with a problem, and we see the characters work to overcome them with help from God.  My favorite story was Falling in Love which takes place in autumn.  Karen Armstrong lives with her mother on the family farm.  They soon invite the mother’s sisters to live with them.  Modifications need to be done to the home.  Karen hires Dan Polk and his sons to do the needed renovations.  Karen and Dan have both lost their spouses.  Karen’s mother and aunts decide to do a little matchmaking.  It is a cute story.  I would have liked a whole book involving these characters.  

My least favorite story is Silent Nights (the winter tale).  Lynn Murphy and her husband, Frank have been married for ten years.  Frank is gone on business trips more than he is at home.  When Frank cancels their tenth anniversary trip to Mexico, Lynn decides she has had enough.  She heads to her grandfather’s home to think things through.  There is a lot of bickering which got on my nerves.  Frank and Lynn both have valid issues.  The problem is that neither one has bothered to share their concerns with their spouse. This tale was lacking.  I thought there was too much repetition.  My favorite character in this story is Gramps.    Love through the Seasons comprises four sweet, feel-good romances that transports readers to Kansas.

Love through the Seasons is available from Amazon*.  You can find Tracie Peterson's other novel here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  It is the first day of February!  Valentine's decorations are everywhere along with chocolates and candy.  I have decided to do something special for my neighbor's this year.  I know that many of them are alone which can make a person feel down.  I thought I would leave a little something for each of them anonymously.  Do you like to do surprises for people?  Do you have any recommendations for my gift bags?  I will return tomorrow to share my thoughts on Life and Love at Mulberry Lane by Rosie Clarke.  It is the latest novel in The Mulberry Lane series.  I hope that you have a special day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

Four Leaf Cleaver by Maddie Day

 Four Leaf Cleaver

Book Summary

The eleventh installment in Maddie Day’s deliciously popular Country Store cozy mysteries . . . It’s Saint Patrick’s Day in  South Lick, Indiana, but a holiday cooking competition at Robbie Jordan’s country store and restaurant Pans ’N Pancakes is put on the back-burner when a killer strikes.
 
There’s no mistaking Saint Patrick’s Day at Pans ’N Pancakes. Robbie may only be Irish by marriage to Abe O’Neill, but the shelves of vintage cookware in her southern Indiana store are draped with glittery shamrocks and Kelly-green garlands and her restaurant is serving shepherd’s pie and Guinness Beer brownies. The big event, however, is a televised cooking competition to be filmed on site.
 
Unfortunately, someone’s luck has run out. Before the cameras start rolling, tough-as-nails producer Tara O’Hara Moore is found upstairs in her B&B room, bludgeoned apparently by the heavy hilt of a cleaver left by her side. Now, not only does Robbie have a store full of festive decorations, she’s got a store full of suspects . . .
 
Includes Recipes for You to Try!

My Thoughts

Robbie Jordan has agreed to let producer Tara O’Hara Moore host her cooking competition show at Pans ‘N Pancakes.  It is St. Patrick’s Day which has the restaurant decked out in green shamrocks.  The crew is ready to begin filming, but Tara has failed to arrive.  Robbie goes upstairs to check on Tara with Buck and they find the producer dead in her room.  Tara was murdered and Robbie has a restaurant full of suspects. 

Four Leaf Clover by Maddie Day is the eleventh A Country Store Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series.  I like Maddie Day’s writing style.  It is casual (like a group of friends chatting) which makes her stories easy to read.  Robbie Jordan is enjoying married life.  She loves her husband, Abe and her stepson, Sean.  Several women in Robbie’s circle announce they are pregnant.  Robbie is happy for her friends, but she is sad as well.  Robbie and Abe have been trying to get pregnant without success.   The mystery was appealing.  I knew who committed the crime, but I did not know why until later in the story.  I like how the cleaver worked into the mystery.  There were several suspects because the victim was not liked.  Robbie asks questions and observes.  She shares her insights with Lt. Buck Bird and the detective on the case. Buck gets some good news.  He has come a long way since the first investigation.  I enjoyed the side story lines.  It was great to catch up with the characters.  The ending will leave fans of the series smiling.  The food cooked in Pans ‘N Pancakes and during the contest will have your mouthwatering.  I agree with the patrons that the asparagus omelet should not be repeated.  Four Leaf Clover is an appetizing tale with a cooking competition, a cleaver as a clue, a surplus of suspects, a dour detective, a profusion of pregnancies, tasty repasts, and an awful asparagus omelet.  

Four Leaf Cleaver is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other A Country Store Mysteries here.  Check out Maddie Day's other books here.  Maddie Day is the nom de plume for Edith Maxwell.  Thank you for stopping by today.  January is over already.  The month went by swiftly for me.  I have been busy working on sorting and organizing.  Storage space is limited in our home.  If we do not need it or use it, out it goes (sentimental items are the exception).  I will return tomorrow with Love Through the Seasons by Tracie Peterson.   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.

Her Amish Adversary by Vannetta Chapman

 Her Amish Adversary

Book Summary

Joining forces with her rival…

Means risking everything.  

Running the RV park at her father’s Amish market makes Bethany Yoder happy—until he hires her childhood nemesis, Aaron King. Soon Bethany’s quaint ideas clash with Aaron’s Englisch-style upgrades. But they must work together to turn a profit…or else. When their unlikely alliance turns into something more, will Aaron’s secrets break them—and the business—apart forever?

My Thoughts

Her Amish Adversary by Vannetta Chapman is an entertaining story.  It is the second book in the Indiana Amish Market series.  It can be read as a standalone, but you will be missing out on a cute story (An Amish Proposal for Christmas).   I like Vannetta Chapman’s writing style.  Her stories draw me right in.  There is humor throughout.  I laughed often while reading this book.  The Yoder girls are delightful.  I cannot wait for Eunice’s story (I bet it will be a hoot).  Eunice comes up with some creative mechanical devices.  Bethany Yoder and Aaron King were at odds especially in the beginning (I had to laugh when he tracked mud into her office).  

Bethany is not happy to see Aaron.  He teased her relentlessly at school (I know how Bethany felt).  The teaser might enjoy it, but the one being teased does not.  The author addressed the subject of mental illness.  She handled the subject with sensitivity.  We get to see how one family members mental illness affects the whole family.  We return to the Shipshewana Outdoor Market, which is run by Amos Yoder, Bethany’s father.   The focus is on the RV park where Bethany is the RV park manager.  I can imagine spending the whole day at this large market (the food sounds scrumptious).  I like that we get to catch up with Becca Yoder and Gideon Fisher as well as the rest of the Yoder clan.  The ending left me smiling.  I am eager for the next Indiana Amish Market novel.  Her Amish Adversary is a tender tale with a massive market, a grubby rug, a sensitive secret, wedding planning, an old adversary, and a meeting of the minds.

Her Amish Adversary is available from Amazon* and Harlequin.  The first book in the Indiana Amish Market series is An Amish Proposal for Christmas.  You can find Vannetta Chapman's other novels here.  I am always eager to read Vannetta Chapman's latest novel.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return on Tuesday, January 31 with my thoughts on Four Leaf Cleaver by Maddie Day. It is the eleventh A Country Store Mystery. I am heading out to our storage shed to clear out the clutter.  I have discovered that I own more ceiling fans than I need.  I only need six (the ceiling fans currently in our home are from the 80s and one light is from the 1970s).  I wonder what else is tucked into the storage shed (I know there are dozens of inflatables).  I hope that you have an enjoyable weekend.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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