Lethal Reunion by Lacey Baker

 Lethal Reunion

Book Summary

Will a class reunion hold the answers

to her sister’s cold case murder?

The last thing Halle Jefferson expects is to receive a chilling threat at her high school reunion—or the gunshot that follows. It’s been fifteen years since her sister’s unsolved homicide, and now her twin’s killer is back. They want something from Halle, and they’ll stop at nothing to get it. And the only thing standing between her and certain death is her former high school sweetheart, Sheriff Kyle Briscoe. Can Halle and Kyle outwit a ruthless murderer and uncover the truth…before they’re silenced for good?

My Thoughts

Lethal Reunion by Lacey Baker started off with a bang.  I like stories that start off with action because they draw me in, and it makes me curious to see what will happen next.   Hallie is being targeted, and she needs to rely on her former high school boyfriend, Sheriff Kyle Briscoe, to keep her safe.  I enjoyed the suspense and action which kept the story moving.  I did, though, find certain elements to be lacking and I was required to suspend my disbelief at times. There were scant clues.  Despite this, the guilty party can be identified long before the reveal (actions speak volumes).  The faith aspect was prevalent in the story, and that it was at the center of each of the main characters’ lives as well. I would have liked the main characters to have been more developed.  I also did not feel the chemistry between Hallie and Kyle.  Hallie seemed focused on getting out of the town than on renewing her relationship with Kyle. There was too much repetition (I got it the first time).   Lethal Reunion had moments that I enjoyed, but, overall, it is a forgettable story.  

Lethal Reunion comes out February 25 and it can be preordered from Amazon.  You can find Lacey Baker's other novels here.  I told you yesterday that I had an appointment with a contractor.  Well, my bad luck streak continued.  Another no show.  I do not get it.  I am not picking random people.  These are businesses with valid licenses (I checked).  I just want a new carport with a porch (to keep my things dry and keep water from coming in my side windows).  I contacted another company and they will be out next week.  They did not like my request for an afternoon appointment though (anytime after 1 p.m. was my request).  We shall see.  If you have any suggestions, please leave a comment.  I will return on Tuesday, February 25 with Trained to Protect by Terri Reed.  I hope that you have a relaxing weekend.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

This is my type of exercise!

*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.

Killing Me Souffle by Ellie Alexander

 Killing Me Souffle

Book Summary

Another delicious installment in the Bakeshop Series set in Ashland, OR!

Amidst the rocky beaches of the Oregon coast, Torte’s beloved Sterling and Stephanie have been hired to take over the aging restaurant at the cliffside Whaleshead Resort. They’re nervous about striking out on their own, but excited by the opportunity to put their own spin a new menu. From fresh fish caught the very same day to vegan options and handcrafted pastries, they’re buzzing with ideas. What’s even better is that Jules and the team from Torte have come out for opening weekend to cheer them on.

Despite some opening night jitters, the dinner is off with a bang. Guests and long-term residents of Whaleshead Resort are eager to taste the young couple’s creations. As the tickets begin to line up and guests pile in the front door, Jules and Carlos offer to roll up their sleeves and help in any way they can.

Stephanie is taking on every chef’s nightmare—a fluffy chocolate soufflé—and Sterling is fast at work prepping shrimp linguini and pan-seared halibut when they suddenly hear screaming. Erik Morton, the manager of Whaleshead and their new boss, has taken a fatal fall down the steep and dangerous cliffside trail leading to the beach. Jules and her young protégés quickly realize this was no accident. Now, the team will have to juggle the investigation while keeping the restaurant—and Steph and Sterling's new jobs—from crashing like the waves along the cliffs.

My Thoughts

Killing Me Souffle by Ellie Alexander has Jules, Carlos, and Ramiro traveling to the Oregon coast for Sterling and Stephanie’s grand opening of the rejuvenated restaurant at the Whaleshead Resort.  I knew the opening would not go smoothly as soon as I learned about the nasty resort manager, Erik Morton.  It is a good thing that the Professor is on hand to assist the local detective with the investigation.  Of course, Jules and Lance (he can never miss a party) do a little probing on their own. Killing Me Souffle is easy to read.  We get to catch up with the gang from Torte as well as the Professor, Jules’s mother, Lance, Arlo, and Ramiro.  I liked that we get a change of scenery.  I enjoyed the picturesque descriptions of the Oregon coast.   The mystery was straightforward.  I was able to identify the guilty party early in the story (it was so obvious). 

Killing Me Souffle lacked substance.  There was an excessive amount of repetition (Jules learns some information, repeats it to Lance, then to the Professor, and so on). Food preparation and food descriptions seem like filler (do we really need the details on how Jules prepares different desserts).   There is a special moment at the end that will delight fans of the series.  Killing Me Souffle is the twentieth A Bakeshop Mystery.  Background details are provided for readers who are new to the series.  Killing Me Souffle is an upbeat tale with a mean manager, delectable desserts, a disappearing receptionist, a curious crime, unsettling queasiness plus Lance has plans for romance.

Killing Me Souffle will be out on February 25 and you can preorder it from Amazon.  You can find the other nineteen A Bakeshop Mysteries here.  Check out Ellie Alexander's other cozy mysteries.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return tomorrow with Lethal Reunion by Lacey Baker.  I am off to meet with a contractor for an estimate on the insulation and vapor barrier for underneath the house.  The hurricane (and a tornado from the hurricane) ripped it away.  I hope that you have a delightful 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.

Come Fly with Me by Camille Di Maio

 Come Fly with Me

Book Summary

It’s 1962, the dawn of the jet-set era. Hope takes flight for two Pan Am stewardesses navigating an adventurous new life in a novel about love, friendship, and escape by the bestselling author of The Memory of Us and Until We Meet.

Welcome to a glamorous gateway to the jet age.

Judy Goodman and Beverly Caldwell have different reasons for putting continents and oceans between themselves and their disparate pasts, but they have the same desire—to earn a coveted position on an elite team of stewardesses for Pan American Airlines. For Judy, running away from an oppressive marriage in small-town Pennsylvania is a risk she must take. And for Beverly, leaving behind the gilded cage of New York society will allow her to pursue a future of her own making.

Embracing the culture, etiquette, and strict rules of a thrilling and unpredictable new world above the clouds, Judy and Beverly are bound for faraway destinations and opportunities that other women dare only to dream about. But as they build a deep friendship, encounter love and danger, and discover what’s truly important, Judy and Beverly must also confront the secrets that could change their lives all over again—and forever.

My Thoughts

Come Fly with Me by Camille Di Maio took me back to 1962 when many young women were eager to become Pan Am stewardesses.  The stewardesses were considered beautiful and glamorous.   I could tell that the author did her research.  The airlines had strict requirements for stewardesses that included their weight, behavior, hairstyle, color of lipstick, and the type of shoes they could wear while on duty.  I liked the details about the training that the women had before they took to the skies. I would have liked more information about the work the women did on their flights and other details in the second half of the book. The story is told from Judy and Beverly’s point of view. The two women come from different backgrounds.  Despite their differences, they become good friends.  The pair grew from the choices they made and their experiences. 

I wanted the story to portray the ladies as strong, independent women.  I was disappointed when the focus switched to romance, but it is accurate.  Many women became a stewardess in order to snag a husband (hopefully, a successful one).  I like how Frank Sinatra’s song “Come Fly with Me” influenced one of the women to become a stewardess and that the song was referenced throughout the story.  I knew what was going to happen at the end based on hints throughout the story.  It was emotional.  It is based on a real life incident (read the author’s note at the end of the book).  Come Fly with Me was an enjoyable story with a touching ending.  

Come Fly with Me is available from Amazon and it can be read for free if you belong to Kindle Unlimited.  You can find Camille Di Maio's other novels here. Thank  you for stopping by today.  I met with a roofer last week to see about getting our roof reattached to the outside wall of the house (I live in a mobile home).  It turns out that our roof will need to be replaced as well (it is only four years old).  I have someone coming this week to give me an estimate for the carport. I am glad that to get the hurricane repairs underway.  I will return tomorrow to share my thoughts on Killing Me Souffle by Ellie Alexander which comes out February 25.  It is the twentieth  A Bakeshop Mystery.  I hope that you have a fabulous 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.

New Arrivals on West India Dock Road by Renita D'Silva

 New Arrivals on West India Dock Road

Book Summary

The first in a BRAND NEW historical series from Renita D'Silva. Welcome to West India Dock Road, in London’s East End...

1938: Divya has made the long sea journey from India to England, employed as a nanny by a British family. But once they arrive, she is cruelly abandoned, with no means to return home. Afraid and alone, she faces prejudice and rejection… until she finds her way to an Irish-run boarding house on West India Dock Road and meets Jack, Charity and a host of unexpected friends.

Divya is a good cook, and preparing meals for the other immigrants, homesick for the food they were raised on, gives her a new sense of hope and purpose. In time, she opens a thriving curry house, beloved by the local communities.

But as war in Europe looms, Divya’s fragile sense of belonging – through her business, her friendships and budding romance with sailor Raghu – comes under threat.

A world away from home, will she ever truly find happiness in life, on West India Dock Road?

My Thoughts

The beginning of New Arrivals on West India Dock Road by Renita D’Silva drew me in.  I liked Divya and felt for her.  She went through some trying times.  We get to meet a variety of characters as Divya journeys from India to England.  The West India Dock Road was an interesting area of London.  There were people from many different countries living there.  I loved Charity and her brothers. They added humor and heart to the story. I did not enjoy reading about the racism. It is a shame that people can be so cruel to someone from another country because they look or sound different.  The dishes that Divya cooked sounded delicious (they will have your mouth watering).  The author provides vivid descriptions of the food, homes, people, and more.  There are two people who care for Divya, but only one catches her heart.  I enjoyed New Arrivals on West India Dock Road, and I am looking forward to the next book in the series. 

New Arrivals on West India Dock Road will be out on February 13 and it can be preordered from  Amazon.  You can find Renita D'Silva's other novels here.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will be taking a few days off.  I have a little problem that I need to resolve (it seems my new neighbor is against cats and ducks). I refuse to let the cats that I have been caring for the last four years go hungry.  I hope that you have an optimistic 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.

A Protector for Her Baby by April Arrington

 A Protector for Her Baby

Book Summary

For one little boy,

he’ll change his whole life…

From the moment Mallory Kent arrives at his farm, pregnant and seeking shelter, Liam Williams vows to help her. Mallory’s fleeing an abusive ex-husband and needs to start over. Caring for Liam’s elderly mother, who has dementia, gives Mallory stability—for now. Soon Liam can’t picture life without Mallory or little Oliver. But Mallory struggles to trust any man, especially now she has a son to keep safe. Can Liam show her the family they’re building is worth risking her heart?

My Thoughts

A Protector for Her Baby by April Arrington is a sweet story.  The characters are likeable and relatable. The story spans several months which gives Mallory and Liam time to get to know each other.  It is a slow burn type of romance (old fashioned in a way which I liked).  Liam is a kind, caring, and compassionate man. You can tell by the way he cares for his ailing mother. Mallory needs a man with those qualities as she recovers from the abuse she suffered from her ex-husband.  It was great that Liam introduced Mallory to a wonderful group of women.  She needed additional support as Mallory struggled with her feelings for her soon to be born child.  I like that we get to catch up with Jessie, Holt, and their kids (from A Haven for His Twins).  The ending was not what I expected, but it is moving. I enjoyed the descriptions of the farm (I wanted to live there).  The epilogue left me smiling. A Protector for Her Baby is a touching, heartfelt tale with a heaven-sent haven, a mother with missing memories, a compassionate son, a welcome home, fireside chats, thoughtful friends, conflicted thoughts, and a generous God.

A Protector for Her Baby is avaiilable from Amazon.  You can find April Arrington's other novels here.  If you follow April Arrington on Amazon, they will email you when she has a new book release.  I appreciate you taking time out of your day to pop by today.  I will return on Tuesday, February 11 with New Arrivals on West India Dock Road by Renita D'Silva.  It is the first book in a new historical series.  

I am off to feed the ducks.  They are clever creatures.  They followed me to the backyard yesterday (see the picture above--this is only a few of the ducks) and watched me install these large shiny owls with bells in the pine tree that are supposed to scare them off.  One duck thought they were funny (he made these quacking noises and shook his tail feathers at the same time).  The contingent then followed me back to the carport for their evening feast.  The younger ducks (I call them the teenagers) have figured out how to get to the cats hard food dish.  They must duck under a child's size wood bench and stick their head through the fencing that I have around the cats food and water dishes (the realistic looking owl statues did not even phase them).  Their long necks allow them to accomplish this feat. The only thing that keeps them from going back into that area is the bear statue that I have at the entrance (at least something works).  I hope that you have a cheerful 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.

The Wagtail Murder Club by Krista Davis

 The Wagtail Murder Club

Book Summary

Holly Miller gets much more than she bargained for when she rescues an adorable stray pup by the side of the road in this all-new Paws & Claws Mystery from New York Times bestselling author Krista Davis.

Holly Miller is on her way home to Wagtail, Virginia when she spots something in the grass not far from her car. It turns out to be an adorable black Labrador in a cage with a note attached to his collar. My name is Squishy. I am a very good boy. Please take good care of me. Holly takes Squishy home to the Sugar Maple Inn, which she owns with her grandmother, who also happens to be the mayor of Wagtail. They decide to foster Squishy at the Inn. Days later, Holly is surprised to see her ex-boyfriend Ben checking in with a group of his attorney colleagues who all seem to think that he and Holly are still an item!

Aided by Squishy, Holly’s rascally dog and cat find one of Ben’s fellow attorneys who has died from a non-accidental fall. Is the fiend a resident of Wagtail or a visitor? Holly bands together with her mom, grandmother, and beloved elderly Inn butler, Mr. Huckle, to uncover the killer and the truth about Squishy. Because nothing brings a town together like murder.

My Thoughts

I enjoy my visits to Wagtail each year.  I wish Wagtail was a real town because my cat and I would love to live there. I found The Wagtail Murder Club by Krista Davis to be easy to read. There is a great core group of characters in the series that includes Holly, Oma, and Mr. Huckle.  Of course, we cannot forget Trixie and Twinkletoes.  Squishy was a delightful addition.  I was unhappy, though, to see Ben return to town.  I wish Holly would take a firmer stance with him (it would serve her better in the long run).  Ben, naturally, wishes to utilize Holly’s guest room.  I have a feeling that the freeloader does not pay for one thing at the Sugar Maple Inn during his stay.  I was unhappy with how a certain scene played out between Holly and Ben.  I can understand not wanting to embarrass someone, but I do not feel that Holly took Holmes feelings into account. 

I liked that there was more than one whodunit to solve (I love solving mysteries).  There is the present day mystery and one from the past where the wrong person may have been convicted.  I knew who committed each crime, but I did not know the why on one until later in the book.  The story had a sweet ending that will delight fans of the series.  The Wagtail Murder Club is the tenth book in A Paws & Claws Mysteries.  While it can be read as a standalone, a new reader may be a little lost in the beginning (the background details needed are soon provided). The Wagtail Murder Club is a dogtastic tale with cuddly creatures, a former boyfriend problem, convict moving into town, multiple murders, a sweet Squishy, offended feelings, and a joyful family. 

The Wagtail Murder Club is available from Amazon as well as other major retailers.  You can find the other novels in A Paws & Claws Mysteries here.   Check out Krista Davis's other books here.   Thank you for joining me today.  I hope that I have helped you find a new book and/or series to read.  On February 6, I am featuring A Protector for Her Baby by April Arrington.  I am still working on estimates for the various repairs that need to be completed to the house thanks to Hurricane Milton.  One estimate for a new air conditioner is outrageous.  It is almost the same as a new carport (plus a roof to the porch and storage shed).  I am going to get a second and third estimate (I am not a leprachaun with a pot of gold hidden away).  I hope that you have a charmed 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.

The Amish Baker Caper by Tracy Fredrychowski

 The Amish Baker Caper

Book Summary

Meet Ruthie Mast, the feisty and determined baker at the heart of The Amish Bakery, known for her bossy demeanor, which has kept suitors at bay—until now.

Ruthie’s world has turned upside down when her prized recipe box vanishes, threatening her bakery’s reputation and livelihood. The theft is just one in a series of unsettling crimes rippling through the tranquil town of Willow Springs, striking businesses and unsettling the tight-knit members of the New Order Fellowship Church.

With the arrival of Isaiah King, the quirky newcomer with ADHD tendencies and a fondness for chatter, Ruthie finds herself reluctantly drawn into an unexpected partnership to solve the mystery and restore harmony to Willow Springs. As they delve into their investigation, sparks fly between Ruthie’s no-nonsense approach and Isaiah’s social naivety, creating a dynamic that is as entertaining as it is endearing.

As they unravel the intricate web of secrets beneath Willow Springs’ idyllic façade, the community is rivetted by increasing tension. The frequent thefts have sown seeds of doubt, raising fears that the culprit could be one of their own or perhaps outside preying on the Amish.

Can they restore order before Willow Springs loses more than just cherished recipes? Join them in this heart-pounding adventure, where every clue counts, and now the secret is safe.

The Amish Baker Caper is the second book in the Willow Springs Amish Mystery Romance series. If you like secrets, disappearances, plot twists, and sometimes murder, then you'll adore Tracy Fredrychowski's small-town whodunnit Amish romance mysteries.

My Thoughts

The Amish Baker Caper by Tracy Fredrychowski is the second book in A Willow Springs Amish Mystery Romance series.  It can be read as a standalone if you have not had the opportunity to read The Amish Book Cellar.  Ruthie Mast whips up delectable pastries in her bakery.  Her rudeness and bossiness, though, do not endear her to customers or suitors.  Isaish King is a newcomer to town, and he has some quirks of his own.  He has yet to find a woman who will accept his fidgeting fingers.  The characters are developed and realistic. Their stories are ones that many people can relate to.   I admit that I did not like Ruthie Mast in the beginning.  She is a character that grows on you as you get to know her. The character’s faith is strong.  They know that God is there to help through the difficult times and guide them onto the right path.  

The mystery was different.  There were various clues that need to be found and followed.  Some people resorted to crime to get their hands on the clues (unfortunately, not everyone learns that crime doesn’t pay).  I searched and unraveled the clues alongside Ruthie and Isaish which allowed me to deduce what would be found at the end of the hunt (it suited the story nicely).  One of the themes in the story is to not let bitterness over an incident in the past ruin your future.  Bitterness can lead an individual down the wrong path.  I am looking forward to reading The Amish Widow’s Last Stitch when it comes out in the fall.  The Amish Baker Caper is a treasure of a tale with delectable baked goods, fidgety fingers, a cherished recipe box, curious crimes, an indomitable baker, and a remarkable treasure. 

The Amish Baker Caper is available from Amazon.  The first book in A Willow Springs Amish Mystery Romance series is The Amish Book Cellar.  The Amish Widow’s Last Stitch will be the third book in A Willow Springs Amish Mystery Romance series and it will be out on September 2.  You can find Tracy Fredrychowski's other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will be back tomorrow with The Wagtail Murder Club by Krista Davis.  It is the tenth book in A Paws & Claws Mysteries.  I am off to speak with another contractor.  I am hoping to get one to follow through and give me an estimate.  I need the carport completed (and the roof put back onto the one wall of the house) by June 1 and time is ticking away quickly. I have had three men show up from three different companies, take measurements, and talk the talk (a fourth one did not show up).  I have yet to get an estimate.  I have my fingers crossed that this one will follow through.  I hope that you have a positive 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.