The Amish Widower's Surprise by Laurel Blount

 The Amish Widower's Surprise

Book Summary

They think they’re done with love…

Will working together change their minds?

All widower Eben Miller wants is someone to help him run his general store, but every Amish woman who applies is more interested in marriage than employment. Falling in love again feels impossible for Eben, who needs a worker, not a wife. Straight-talking Lilah Troyer is different. The spinster gave up on finding a husband a long time ago and is desperate for an income to remain independent. She’s even willing to forget Eben’s humiliating rejection of her back in their youth. It’s the perfect solution, until romance comes knocking on their door…

My Thoughts

The Amish Widower’s Surprise by Laurel Blount is a cute story.  I like Laurel Blount’s writing style.  It is friendly and engaging.  I enjoyed the main characters, Lilah Troyer and Eben Miller as well as Susie, Lilah’s landlady and friend (who is also the local matchmaker). Lilah is plainspoken which tends to land her in trouble (with foot-in-mouth disease).  I liked that Lilah spoke her mind.  You always know where you stand with her, though, it can lead to hurt feelings (or you can find yourself trying to suppress a chuckle).  The children were a charming addition to the story.  The siblings allow us to see Lilah and Eben in a new light.  I liked the character growth, and the sweet ending. I enjoyed the humor sprinkled throughout the story.  The epilogue wrapped up the tale nicely.  I hope we get to catch up with the characters in the next book in the Hickory Springs Amish series.  I would like to see more of their delightful bishop.  The Amish Widower's Surprise is a sweet story with a sorrowful shopkeeper, a candid maedel, amiable matchmaker, cute foster kids, a dusty quilt, and rapid rumors. 

The Amish Widower’s Surprise will be released on Tuesday, December 24.  It can be preordered from Amazon*.  The second book in the Hickory Springs Amish series is Trusting the Amish Farmer which will be out on July 29, 2025. You can find Laurel Blount's other novels here.  If you follow Laurel Blount on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for stopping by today!  This is my last post of the year (Goodbye 2024!).  I will return on January 2, 2025 with The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie's Biscuits by Wanda E. Brunstetter and Martha Bolton. I hope that you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

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

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

Booked for Murder by P.J. Nelson

 Booked for Murder

Book Summary

In this atmospheric southern cozy debut, Madeline Brimley returns to the bookstore she inherited, discovering that small towns hold deadly secrets.

Madeline Brimley left small town Georgia many years ago to go to college and pursue her dreams on the stage. Her dramatic escapades are many but success has eluded her, leaving her at loose ends. But then she gets word that not only has her beloved, eccentric Aunt Rose passed, but she's left Madeline her equally eccentric bookstore housed in an old Victorian mansion in the small college town of Enigma. But when she arrives in her beat-up Fiat to claim The Old Juniper Bookstore, and restart her life, Madeline is faced with unexpected challenges. The gazebo in the back yard is set ablaze and a late night caller threatens to burn the whole store down if she doesn't leave immediately.

But Madeline Brimley, not one to be intimidated, ignores the threats and soldiers on. Until there's another fire and a murder in the store itself. Now with a cloud of suspicion falling over her, it's up to Madeline to untangle the skein of secrets and find the killer before she herself is the next victim.

My Thoughts

Booked for Murder by P.J. Nelson is the debut of the Old Juniper Bookstore Mysteries.  I enjoyed the descriptions of the Victorian mansion that housed the bookstore that Madeline Brimley inherited from her eccentric Aunt Rose.  If I had inherited the bookstore, my first task would have been organizing the books.  Aunt Rose did not believe in sorting them by author (by type only but there were no guarantees that the book you desired would be found in that area).  Madeline is not an endearing main character.  She is not an individual who will let people in, she jumps to conclusions despite obvious evidence and is extremely stubborn. The beginning of the story did not make a lot of sense.  There is a fire that is obviously arson, but the police fail to arrive.  I would expect a patrol police officer to show up to throw up some crime scene tape and ask questions while they await the detective.  After the murder, I would expect the bookstore to be crawling with police (well, the town only has four police officers, so I expect two of them plus a detective to show up along with forensics and a cornoner).  I would not expect to wake up the next day and enter my kitchen to enjoy coffee with my friends (I would expect Madeline to have been asked to leave and the place closed off as a crime scene—I know it is fiction, but geez).  

The mystery is predictable and lacks suspense.  I knew who would die and who would commit the crime long before it occurred.  Madeline does not investigate but rushes into things.  She fails to think things through (she reminds me more of a teenager than an adult). The reveal is unexciting (a big letdown).  The story moved along at a slow pace (the pace gets choppy near the end) with repetitive details.  I will never understand the need for one character to learn something important, then they must tell someone close to them, and then the two of them tell someone else.  There were unnecessary as well as odd scenes and dialogue. There were things that Madline should know (as an adult who has lived on her own for a number of years), but she seemed to have no clue (if someone burns down your gazebo, you need a police report for the insurance company and you need to call the insurance company).  I enjoyed the jazz and book references.  I also liked the cat. Booked for Murder is an unusual tale with a beautiful bookstore, a confusing conflagration, a helpful friend, a mystifying murder, a friendly reverend, and a delightful jazz collection. 

Booked for Murder is available from Amazon*.   I do suggest that you download a sample of Booked for Murder so you can see if it suits you. Thank you for dropping by today.  I will return tomorrow with The Amish Widower's Surprise by Laurel Blount which comes out December 24.  It is the first book in the Hickory Springs Amish series.  I am off to get packages ready for the post office as well as some cards.  My mother liked the idea of sending pop-up musical cards to each person on our Christmas card list this year (she is not the person who has to wait in line at the post office).  I need everything ready to go on Wednesday (wish me luck).  I hope that you have a jolly day!  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

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

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

Hunted on the Trail by Dana Mentink

 

Hunted on the Trail

About the Book

Book: Hunted on the Trail

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Suspense

Release date: December 24, 2024

A killer out for vengeance…

but this bloodhound has his scent.

Ambushed by sudden gunfire, former cop Stephanie Wolfe realizes the tracking competition she entered with her bloodhound is a setup. An escaped fugitive has lured her into the remote wilderness to exact his deadly revenge. And her ex-boyfriend, bounty hunter Vance Silverton, has fallen into the fatal trap, too. Now cut off from civilization with only minimal supplies and their two dogs, the pair must depend on each other to survive. But with a treacherous storm approaching, it’s not only a cold-blooded killer they’ll have to escape.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a USA TODAY and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author. She’s written more than forty mystery and suspense novels for Love Inspired Suspense, and Poisoned Pen Press. Her debut novel with Revell releases in the summer of 2025. She is honored to have received two ACFW Carol Awards, a Holt Medallion Award, and a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award.

More from Dana

My life has gone to the dogs! No joke! While readers enjoy the Wolfe family humans, I hear on the regular that their favorite characters are the bloodhounds. In book #1, Wally was just an irrepressible disaster, and he continues his naughty ways throughout the series. In book #2, we met Pinkerton who is a model canine, unless squirrels enter the picture. And now, you’ll get to know Chloe who is fabulous, but I will venture to say she is going to be outshined by her mutt companion Brutus (you’ll have to read the book to discover his real name and identity!) As this book launches, I’m deep into writing the last two and there are a couple more unpredictable hounds you have yet to meet. Such fun! Thanks for galloping along with me on this series!

My Thoughts

Hunted on the Trail by Dana Mentink is a suspenseful story.  I liked the action that kept things lively.  Stephanie Wolfe and Vance Silverton need to work together if they are to escape.  This will give them an opportunity to work out their past issues as well (they need something to do while hiding).  My favorite characters were Chloe and Pudge.  Chloe is Stephanie’s tracking dog.  Pudge is just plain adorable, and he has a good heart (he is a scene stealer).  I love the addition of Phil at the end. I hope we get to see how Phil does at his new job in the next book.  The mystery has a good ending along with a twist that may surprise many readers.  I finished the story with a smile on my face.  Hunted on the Trail is the third book in the Security Hounds Investigations series, but it can be read as a standalone  (I bet you will want to go back and read the other books in the series after finishing this one). Hunted on the Trail is a tense tale with a tracking competition, buzzing bullets, a crazed killer, marginal rations, rocky terrain, a scared canine, and freezing rain.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize of a $75 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!  Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54108

Hunted on the Trail is available from Amazon* as well as other major booksellers (Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Walmart).  The first two books in the Security Hounds Investigations series are Tracking the Truth and Fugitive Search.  The fourth book is Following the Clues and it will be released on May 27, 2025.  The fifth book in the Security Hounds Investigations series will be out on August 26, 2025 and it is Detecting Concealed Evidence.  If you follow Dana Mentink on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for joining me today.  Tomorrow I will be sharing my thoughts on Booked for Murder by P.J. Nelson. Don't forget to enter the giveaway before you depart!  I hope that you have a very merry day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 3

She Lives to Read, December 3

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 4

Wishful Endings, December 5

An Author’s Take, December 5

Betti Mace, December 6

Life on Chickadee Lane, December 6

Texas Book-aholic, December 7

Devoted To Hope, December 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 8

Stories By Gina, December 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 9

The Avid Reader, December 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 10

Blogging With Carol, December 11

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 11

Simple Harvest Reads, December 12 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Kyliegh Reads, December 12

For Him and My Family, December 13

Leslie’s Library Escape, December 13

Blossoms and Blessings, December 14

Labor Not in Vain, December 14

Holly’s Book Corner, December 15

Pause for Tales, December 15

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, December 16

Lights in a Dark World, December 16

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

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

Taken at Christmas by Jodie Bailey

 

Taken at Christmas

Book Summary

Keeping a little girl safe

means trusting no one…

When ex-deputy Mia Galloway is assaulted and threatened at her town’s Christmas parade, she’s convinced her adopted daughter is also in danger. Mia is rescued just in time by investigator Hayden McGrath, her late husband’s best friend, who vows to protect Mia and Ruthie. And the stakes only get higher when Ruthie’s birth mother is found murdered. Someone desperately wants this child, and they’ll stop at nothing to get her. With time running out, uncovering the truth is Hayden and Mia’s only hope of saving an innocent child…

My Thoughts

Taken at Christmas by Jodie Bailey is the first book in the Trinity Investigative Team series.  I found Taken at Christmas to be an emotional and suspenseful story.  I thought the characters were realistic.  Mia is a strong woman, but her husband’s death took a heavy toll on her.  She has yet to recover and fears that something could happen to her daughter, Ruthie. Her fears are keeping her a prisoner.  Hayden was Keith’s (Mia’s husband) best friend, and he is a constant in Mia and Ruthie’s life.  You can tell that there is chemistry between Hayden and Mia, but it is something the pair are not acknowledging for varied reasons.  There is tension between Mia and Hayden, but there is affection as well. Mia needs to get better, but it is hard to do when you are fighting for your life and trying to keep your child safe.  Hayden struggles with feelings of guilt and grief over the death of his best friend.  There is suspense, mystery, and a touch of romance. Taken at Christmas is an inspiring and suspenseful story about facing your fears, having faith despite doubts, having courage, finding a way forward, and opening your heart to love. 

Taken at Christmas is available from Amazon*.  The next book in the Trinity Investigative Team series is Protecting the Orphan which will be out on April 1, 2025. If you follow Jodie Bailey on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book released.  Thank you for dropping by today.  I will return on Tuesday, December 10 with Hunted on the Trail by Dana Mentink.  I am off to finish decorating our Christmas tree.  I am running behind this year.  Hurricane Milton destroyed our tree and I had to order a new one.  My mother wanted a tree identical to the tree we had owned.  I do not blame her because it was a beautiful tree.  Thankfully, I was able to find one (which made my mother very happy--she is seventy nine, so she deserves to be indulged). My mother just loves Christmas.  One year, we had fourteen trees throughout the house (and I had to put the lights on all of them).   I hope that you have a joyful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

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

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

The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unattached Neighbor by Jennifer Beckstrand

 The Amish Quiltmaker's Unattached Neighbor

Book Summary

Irrepressible Colorado Amish quiltmaker Esther Kiem is delighted to help the four Yoder sisters stitch together their beloved great-grandmother’s birthday quilt…especially when it means putting her matchmaking talents to use!

Infused with her signature humor and heart, award-winning, USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Beckstrand blends quilting, mischief, and matchmaking for the sixth Amish Quiltmaker romance – perfect for fans of Amy Clipston, Wanda Brunstetter, and Linda Byler.

At thirty-two, Ada Yoder is resigned to caring for her three sisters, her ever-impractical father, and their prosperous, but demanding, farm. The last kind of trouble she needs is Enos Hoover claiming that six acres of their land actually belongs to him—and taking steps to prove it. But Ada soon finds that battling Enos' clever strategies is delightfully intriguing—and lighting an impossible spark . . .

Enos is determined to make his mater proud by turning difficult acreage into a successful farm. Legally, he is in the right to reclaim the land from the Yoders. But Ada's hard-working stubbornness and refreshing honesty are proving to be more of an irresistible challenge than an obstacle. Now, can Enos and Ada find enough faith and understanding to reconcile family, duty, and love—and stake their claim on a forever happiness together?

Sometimes the greatest blessings come in disguise . . .

My Thoughts

The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unattached Neighbor by Jennifer Beckstrand is an entertaining story.  I like the characters in this series and the new ones introduced in this story.  I enjoyed getting to know Ada Yoder better.  Ada and Enos got off to an inauspicious start. Ada is a determined woman, and the Yoder’s new neighbor, Enos Hoover, is just as stubborn (patient and kind, but stubborn as a mule).  A dispute over six acres of land is going to test their mettle. I like that the story is told from Ada and Enos’s point of view.  We get to see each of their perspectives on the various situations.    I enjoyed the interactions between the pair.  Their conflicts and awkward moments were the beginnings of their relationship.  

Cathy is a hoot.  She has some great dialogue that provides many laugh out loud moments.  Her purse reminds me of Mary Poppins’ bag (you never know what will come out of Cathy’s bag next). I liked seeing the characters develop, especially Ada and Beth.  It was great to catch up with the other Yoder sisters and their families.  While The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unattached Neighbor is the sixth book in The Amish Quiltmaker series, it can be read as a standalone.  I like Jennifer Beckstrand’s writing style.  I find it to be engaging. Her characters are relatable, and I love the humor sprinkled throughout her stories (I laughed often while reading this story as well as the others in the series).  The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unattached Neighbor is a diverting tale with a land dispute, a firm fence, tent troubles, water rights, a messy house, foreshadowing quilt blocks, and a happy harvest.

The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unattached Neighbor is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other novels in The Amish Quiltmaker series here (the first four can be borrowed through Kindle Unlimited). If you follow Jennifer Beckstrand on Amazon, they will notify you when she has a new book release.  Thank you so much for joining me today.  I know it is a busy time of year.  Tomorrow I am featuring Taken at Christmas by Jodie Bailey. It is the first book in the Trinity Investigative Team series.  I am off to finish setting up my yard display.  I am working on the final section today. Then I can start on my neighbor's yard where Santa and his friends are going to be rockin' out.  I hope that you have a beautiful day.  Take care and Happy Reading! 

Kris

The Avid Reader

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

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

Tis the Time, Tis the Season by Chris Posti

 

About the Book

Book: ’Tis the Time, ‘Tis the Season (Next Act Series: Book Three)

Author: Chris Posti

Genre: Women’s Fiction with Elements of Faith & Later-in-Life Romance

Welcome to tiny Port Mariette, Pennsylvania, where three women in their late fifties reunite at Christmastime, facing tangled relationships with one another and the men in their lives.

Marla rushes from Manhattan to her daughter’s side in a quiet Port Mariette hospital,  determined to strengthen their relationship by backing her daughter’s dream project, no matter the cost. She wins support from the town’s general contractor, but fierce local opposition arises, spearheaded by her longtime friend Rachel.

Meanwhile, newlywed Suzanne, scarred by fears and heartbreaks, returns to Port Mariette from California, where the earth subsiding beneath her home threatens both her retirement savings and her marriage. Seeking refuge in the familiar embrace of friends, Suzanne finds herself boxed into a financial corner while navigating the delicate dynamics of friendship and rivalry.

Amidst the holiday cheer and twinkling lights, Rachel stands as a pillar of the community, deeply rooted in the small town she’s never left. Yet her steadfastness falters as she grapples with her own insecurities and desires. Unwittingly, she stirs a pot of conflict that strains her relationships with everyone who matters to her.

In this small town tale of love, friendship, faith, and forgiveness, these women will discover growth can emerge from the ashes of the past and that change is possible at any age.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Chris Posti writes award-winning fiction about real-life women experiencing the joys and challenges of friendships, families, careers, and later-in-life romances. Before pivoting to novels, she was a self-employed career & executive coach, newspaper columnist, and nonfiction author.

More from Chris

I wrote “’Tis the Time, ‘Tis the Season” (third book in the “Next Act” series) for women in the second half of their lives – age 50 to 100 – who want characters they can relate to, women who are facing challenges and overcoming them – along with a mix of faith, fun, and later-in-life romance.

When the Lord gave me the idea for the first book in this series, I had no idea it would morph into a trilogy. That’s the way it is with our Lord. He lights our path, we keep walking. Now, He has directed me to write a pilot for a TV series, and that’s what I’m working on right now. I pray one day you will see these characters come to life on your television screen. If you have a moment, would you offer up a prayer right now for that to happen? Thank you so much.

My Thoughts

‘Tis the Time, ‘Tis the Season by Chris Posti continues the story of Rachel, Suzanne, and Marla as well as their family and friends.  I like that the main characters are mature women (50s).  The women are close friends despite not living in the same town any longer.  Each woman has something going on in their life, but these struggles will help them grow.  I liked how the women would work out their differences when they have a conflict. It was nice to see the characters develop and become better individuals.  The story is told from each woman’s point of view, which can be confusing, especially in the beginning.  It gets easier towards the middle of the book.  The story does touch on topics that may be a trigger for some individuals (drunk driving and abortion). There are some word choices that I did not appreciate.   

‘Tis the Time, ‘Tis the Season is the third book in the Next Act Series.  I have not read the first two books in the series, and I believe it would have been helpful if I had.  While there were a couple of things that I did not enjoy, there were many that I did in ‘Tis the Time, ‘Tis the Season.  I like the varied characters, the town, and its residents, and how the friends were there for each despite what was going on in their own lives.  The story touches on reconciliation, forgiveness, trust, and new beginnings. ‘Tis the Time, ‘Tis the Season is a touching tale with reconnecting with old friends, an antique adventure, a chance at romance, a daughter in distress, teen troubles, and friends to the end.  

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chris is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card, a copy of the book, and bookmarks.  Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click here to enter.

'Tis the Time, 'Tis the Season is available from Amazon*.  The first two books in the Next Act Series are Falling Apart, Falling for You and Maybe Now, Maybe Never (all three can be borrowed through Kindle Unlimited).  You can find Chris Posti's other novels here plus you can follow her on Amazon (they will send you an email when she has a new book release).  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return tomorrow with The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unattached Neighbor by Jennifer Beckstrand.  I hope everyone had a delightful Thanksgiving weekend.  I made my first pumpkin pie and, much to my surprise, it turned out great (according to my mother).  The pie was gone by Saturday.  I have been working on decorating our front yard for the holidays in my spare time.  I have a cute gingerbread house as the centerpiece.  I have my first printed inflatable.  The graphics are printed onto the waterproof polyester.  It gives the tree a unique (in a good way) look (I will share pictures when I am done). Don't forget to enter the giveaway before you depart!    Leave a comment for an extra entry in the giveaway.  I hope that you have a delightful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 24

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 26

Stories By Gina, November 27 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, November 27

Artistic Nobody, November 28 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, November 29

Karen Baney Reviews, November 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 1

For Him and My Family, December 2

The Avid Reader, December 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 4

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, December 5 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, December 6 (Author Interview)

Leslie’s Library Escape, December 6

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

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