The Mirror by Nora Roberts

 The Mirror

Book Summary

When Sonya MacTavish inherits the huge Victorian mansion on the coast of Maine, she has no idea that the house is haunted. The footsteps she hears at night, the doors slamming, the music playing, are not figments of her imagination. In her dreams she sees glimpses of the past. In the present she finds portraits of brides. And when she has visions of an antique mirror, she is drawn to it, sensing it holds dark family secrets.

Then one night the mirror appears and Sonya glides through this looking glass, into the past—and sees a bride murdered on her wedding day, the circle of gold torn from her finger. It is a scene that will play out again and again—a centuries-old curse that must be broken—and a puzzle she must solve if there is any hope of breaking the curse.

My Thoughts

The Mirror by Nora Roberts is the second book in The Lost Bride Trilogy.  You do need to read The Inheritance before beginning The Mirror.  The Mirror picks up where The Inheritance left off.   I have been reading Nora Roberts’ book since I was a teenager (I read her first book when I was twelve), and The Mirror felt like it was written by a different individual.  The story focuses more on food than it does on the curse and evil entity in the house.  I know how to cook a pot roast.  I do not need the process described step by step (this is not a cookbook).  Sonia and Cleo plan meals, shop for the ingredients, cook meals and desserts, create a garden, work, paint, and plan a party.  Of course, they spend time with the gentlemen in their lives, Trey and Owen. Let us not forget the pets.  The pets need to be fed, let in and out, and bathed (I find it amusing that the cat is named Pyewacket). 

The story moves at a snail’s pace plus there are repetitive details.  If something happens to Sonia, she needs to tell Cleo, and then Owen, and so forth.  There is no action (the dogs did more than the people).  The plot does not move forward (not a bit in the four hundred and fifty some pages).  I know that if I lived in a haunted manor with an evil squatter on the third floor, I would be searching for answers (not planning a party).  The story lacked suspense, chemistry, and eeriness (I was never freaked out by the banging doors and such).  The Mirror seemed an unnecessary addition to the trilogy (I bet the story could have been told in one book).  The writing is out of character for Nora Roberts.  It is a shame that the book does not live up to its intriguing premise.  I am hoping the action and suspense will appear in the final book of the trilogy (fingers crossed) as well as the long-awaited answers.

 The Mirror is available from Amazon* as well as other major booksellers.  The first book in The Lost Bride Trilogy is The Inheritance.  If you follow Nora Roberts on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  I do want to say that while The Mirror was a disappointment to me, I do suggest you download a sample to judge it for yourself.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return on Tuesday, November 26 with Madrigals and Mayhem by Elizabeth Penney.  It is the fourth book in The Cambridge Bookshop series. I need to work on my plans for my front yard Christmas display.  I believe I have more inflatables than will fit in the space.  I do not want a crowded space.  I am fortunate that my neighbor is letting me use her yard as well (I need every inch).  Presents is my theme this year.  I have Santa flinging gifts with a sling shot across the yard where they will be piled up, but the Grinch is trying to make off with them.  There will be a cute display in between.  I will share pictures when I have it all in place.  I hope that you have a jovial 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.

A Year of Flowers by Suzanne Woods Fisher

 A Year of Flowers

Book Summary

In this collection of four heartfelt novellas, three former friends have found success in the floral industry, but happiness--and love--remain elusive.

In An Apology in Bloom, wedding florist Jaime Harper is on a meteoric rise, working for an event company led by a successful and way-too-handsome boss. When a letter arrives from her past mentor with an offer too good to pass up, will she stay or head back to her hometown?

In A Bouquet of Dreams, Claire Murphy has always dreamed of owning a flower shop, and when her employers hint at retirement, she believes her moment has arrived. But first she must confront her past--and the man who caused her to flee her hometown years ago. 

In  A Field of Beauty, Tessa Anderson has found an acre of farmland to start her flower farm and forget the past. She's grateful for the help of two men--her boyfriend, Tyler, and a quiet soil specialist named Dawson. But as the farm finally starts to bloom, Tessa will discover something that challenges everything she's built. 

In A Future in Blossom, Jaime, Claire, and Tessa return to their hometown, finally ready to face each other and their beloved mentor, flower shop owner Rose Reid. As they unite to pull off an extraordinary wedding, amid the flurry of preparations they just may find their way to forgiveness.

My Thoughts

A Year of Flowers by Suzanne Woods Fisher contains four novellas that revolve around three women and a floral shop owner who was their mentor.  The first three stories feature Jamie, Claire, and Tessa who worked in the flower shop together when they were younger (a story for each character).  The fourth novella has them back in their hometown at Rose Reid’s flower shop.  I like how all the stories tied together.  In each story we get a glimpse of what happened in the past that changed the course of women’s lives. The full tale is not revealed until the last novella when the three women are brought back together.  

There is romance for each of the three ladies as well.  I liked all the characters in the four novellas.  Chris was the most transformed character.  I especially liked his occupation.  I like that the author included a glossary of floral terms.  It was interesting learning about the language of flowers.  It is amazing what you can say with a bouquet of flowers. The ladies need to forgive each other as well themselves.  They just need to be open to the truth.    This was a unique way for the author to tell this story.  A Year of Flowers is a story of friendship, faith, flowers, and forgiveness.  

A Year of Flowers is available from Amazon* as well as other major booksellers.  Suzanne Woods Fisher has Capture the Moment coming out May 6, 2025.  It is the first book in National Parks Summers series.  Thank you for dropping by today.  It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is next week.  This year has flown by.  I still need to pick up a few items for our Thanksgiving dinner.  Do you cook a traditional dinner?  I am not a fan of turkey, but I will cook it for my mother.  If it was up to me, we would order take out (making a Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings is hard work and then you have to clean it all up).  Tomorrow I am featuring The Mirror by Nora Roberts.  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.

*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.

I'll Be Home for Mischief by Jacqueline Frost

 I'll Be Home for Mischief

Book Summary

Innkeeper Holly White is decking the halls this Christmas season, but someone is on the naughty list when a body is discovered in the fifth installment in the Christmas Tree Farm mystery series from bestselling author Jacqueline Frost.

It’s Christmastime in Mistletoe, Maine, and the Historical Society has launched a widespread campaign to celebrate the town’s 150th anniversary. Descendants of the founding family, the Snows, have returned for the first time, and Holly is determined to make the family’s visit magical. In an attempt to put Mistletoe on the map, Holly’s mother, a respected local baker, attempts to break a record by baking the world’s largest gingerbread man, but her plans are whisked away when Mr. Snow’s body ends up in the batter. 

When Mr. Moore, the local mistletoe farmer, is accused of the crime, Holly reprises her role as amateur sleuth to protect the sweet older man. Between hosting the inconsolable Mrs. Snow and other guests at the inn, receiving threatening messages telling her to stop her investigation, and preparing for her first wedding anniversary with Sheriff Evan Gray, she might need a Christmas miracle to survive.

When someone breaks into Holly’s office and scratches a warning into her desk, she knows she has little time left. Can Holly uncover the killer before someone else gets burned, or is her involvement a recipe for trouble?

My Thoughts

I’ll Be Home for Mischief by Jacqueline Frost will have you humming Christmas carols and ready to deck the halls.  I always enjoy my visits to Mistletoe.  It is a festive town with fun activities for the whole family (I would love to live there).  I like the characters in this series especially Cookie (she is a hoot). Holly’s mother is attempting to bake the world’s largest gingerbread man and, if she accomplishes the task, it will have tourists flocking to Mistletoe.  You just know from the moment you hear about the challenge that something will go wrong (it’s a given).  The mystery was well-plotted with some twists and turns along the way.  Holly, naturally, is curious about the crime.  Despite being told to stay out of it (that is like waving a red cape in front of a bull), Holly searches for clues and asks questions.  She needs to be careful because someone is not happy with her sleuthing.  There is a good reveal at the end. 

I liked the humor sprinkled throughout the story and the smooth flow of the story. I’ll Be Home for Mischief is the fifth A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone, but I encourage you to read the series in order.  I enjoyed the descriptions of Holly’s jewelry (I want one of each item that she has created). I liked the hint of magic in the story.  You will find yourself wondering if certain guests are from the North Pole.  I’ll Be Home for Mischief is a charming Christmas cozy with a gingerbread challenge, a problematic murder, pesky podcasters, a chilly climate, gift wrapping problem, special guests, a galore of jewelry orders, missing cookies, and a happy holiday!

I'll Be Home for Mischief is available from Amazon*.  You can find the first four books in A Christmas Tree Farm Mysteries here.   If you follow Jacqueline Frost on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return on Tuesday, November 19 with A Year of Flowers by Suzanne Woods Fisher.  My mother is ready for the Christmas tree to make its appearance.  When Hurricane Milton ripped the roof off our storage area, our Christmas tree suffered water (the bag that it was stored in did not protect it despite its claims that it was waterproof).  My mother, naturally, was tickled that she got to pick out a new Christmas tree (she loves Christmas).  I get the tree set up this weekend, so it can "breathe" as we call it.  I shape it in my "spare" time.  When do you put up your Christmas tree?  Do you wait until after Thanksgiving or do you begin the day after Halloween?  I hope that you have a wonderful weekend.  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.

Guilt and Ginataan by Mia P. Manansala

 Guilt and Ginataan

Book Summary

Autumn is in full swing for the town of Shady Palms—the perfect time for warm drinks, cozy cardigans, and…dead bodies?

The annual Shady Palms Corn Festival is one of the town’s biggest moneymakers, drawing crowds from all over the Midwest looking to partake in delicious treats, local crafts, and of course, the second largest corn maze in Illinois. Lila Macapagal and her Brew-ha Cafe crew, Adeena Awan and Elena Torres, are all too happy to participate in the event and even make a little wager on who can make it through the corn maze the fastest—but their fun is suddenly cut short when a dead body is found in the middle of the maze…and an unconscious Adeena lies next to it, clutching a bloody knife.

The body is discovered to be a local politician’s wife, and all signs—murder weapon included—point to Adeena as the culprit. But Lila knows her best friend couldn’t have done this, so she and her crew put on their sleuthing caps yet again to find the killer who framed Adeena and show them what happens when they mess with a Brew-ha…

My Thoughts

Guilt and Ginataan by Mia P. Manansala is an enjoyable cozy mystery.  Shady Palm’s Corn Festival is underway with a plethora of corny treats and a crafty corn maze.  I like the characters in this series.  They are realistic and relatable.  I like the close family ties and friendships.  The food and drink descriptions will have your mouth watering (there are recipes at the end of the book).  The mystery was fun but a tad predictable.  Lila and her friends set out to prove that Adeena did not commit the crime.  There are several suspects along with a red herring.  There was plenty of drama.  The whodunit ended abruptly, and I was left with unanswered questions.  This time around, there was less time with aunties, but more with the friends.  

Ginataan 

I enjoyed the humor sprinkled throughout the story.  Guilt and Ginataan is the fifth book in A Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mysteries.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series.  I am looking forward to the next book in this charming series.  Guilt and Ginataan is a corntastic cozy with fantastic food, delightful drinks, an alarming corn maze, a friend in need, clever crafts, nosy aunties, and a killer to catch. 

Guilt and Ginataan is available from Amazon*.  You can find the first four books in A Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mysteries here.  If you follow Mia P. Manansala on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Death in the Cards is Mia P. Manansala's young adult debut and it will be out on May 13, 2025.  It is a young adult mystery that sounds intriguing (I put it on my wish list).  Thank you for stopping by today. I will return on Thursday with I'll Be Home for Mischief by Jacqueline Frost.  It is the fifth book in A Christmas Tree Farm Mysteries.  I hope that you have 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.

*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.

Serenity's Secret by Lisa Jones Baker

 

Serenity's Secret

About the Book

Serenity Holds Her Secrets Close

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

Serenity Miller has much to love about life as the owner of The Pink Petal in Arthur, Illinois, and enjoys trying natural remedies and exploring garage sales. Then comes the day her neighbor, Stephen Lantz, saves her from trespassers on her property and their friendship deepens into an attraction Serenity knows can never lead to marriage. She holds secrets she can never divulge, despite Stephen’s way of wooing her. But how can Serenity return to her life of contentment after a taste of love? And when danger returns, will it steal her last hope for a bright future?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Lisa Jones Baker writes Amish Inspirational fiction. She grew up near Arthur, Illinois, and became acquainted with the Plain Faith at an early age when they custom-made and installed her family’s kitchen cabinets. On weekends, she and her parents frequented the quaint Amish town, often the setting of her stories, where they purchased meat, cheese, and home-made baking spices. Now, decades later, she still loves visiting; the town and the people yet intrigue her, and she so appreciates the talent of quilt-making almost as much as she loves horse and buggy rides. But there is much more to this perplexing group than meets the eye; they are extremely disciplined, hard-working, and honest…and they don’t all think alike. For these reasons, writing about them is her passion.

Lisa was fortunate to have been raised in a loving, Christian home by two wonderful parents: a reading specialist mother who plays the piano, and a retired Junior High Principal father who’s also an avid fox hunter. She has a B.A. in French Education and is a former school teacher who loves gardening, cooking, reading, positive thinkers, and every dog she meets. Although a homebody, travel has played a large part of her life. Over three decades of working with the airline industry has landed her on five out of seven continents.

More from Lisa

Do you know a secret? Serenity Miller harbors something she can never reveal, not even to her two dearest friends. Her private knowledge has never interfered with her calm, steady life as owner of The Pink Petal in Arthur, Illinois until the day it impedes her from having what she truly yearns for, Stephen Lantz.

Serenity’s Secret is my utmost favorite of the books I’ve penned. I write to entertain myself, and as I created the very complex life of a simple, Gott-loving Amish woman, I wasn’t sure how I would eventually resolve the tough issues Serenity faces:  falling victim to a crime and completely unaware of why her assailant chose her, at the same time yearning for a future with true love Stephen Lantz, when their destiny together is blocked by a secret.

Stephen’s late aendi Margaret used to say that there’s nothing that love can’t overcome. But will the denouement concur with Margaret’s strong belief? Enjoy the twists and the turns that will eventually reveal Serenity’s Secret!

My Thoughts

Serenity’s Secret by Lisa Jones Baker is the sixth book in The Heart of the Amish series.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series, but I recommend reading the series in order (it will allow you to get to know the characters and their stories).  Serenity’s Secret is well-written and engaging.    I like that the character’s are realistic with strengths and flaws. It is nice that the relationship between Serenity and Stephen began as a friendship and slowly developed into something more.  Of course, if the pair are to have a future, Serenity must reveal her secret. I liked Serenity’s relationship with her rescue horse, Angel.  

Angel is a horse who knows who he likes and, more importantly, whom he does not like. Serenity’s family and friends have learned to steer clear of Angel, especially the men.  I enjoyed catching up with Trini, Abby, and their families.  Abby needs to be less pushy and slow her roll if she plans to push Gabriel into courting her.  The story is told from Serenity and Stephen’s point-of-view.  This does lead to some repetitive details. There is one scene near the end that had me laughing out loud (it cracked me up). I enjoyed learning about the meaning of the different flowers. It is amazing what you can say with a bouquet of flowers. The story has a sweet ending that left me smiling. I like how Serenity’s Secret combines romance, mystery, hope, suspense, forgiveness, and faith into one pleasing story.  Serenity’s Secret is a touching tale with intruders on the farm, a secret shame, the Pink Petal, a rescue horse, a thoughtful family, and facing the future.

Giveaway

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

 

Serenity's Secret is available from Amazon*.  The next book in The Heart of the Amish series is A Stolen Kiss by Mindy Steele and it will be out on December 1. You can find the other books in The Heart of the Amish series here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return on Tuesday, November 12 with Guilt and Ginataan by Mia P. Manansala.  It is the fifth book in A Tita Rosei's Kitchen Mysteries.  I had a little accident over the weekend (involving a runaway cat and a slippery driveway) and I need a few days to recover.  Don't forget to enter the giveaway before you depart.  I hope that you have a satisfying day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Blog Stops

Batya’s Bits, November 1

Vicky Sluiter, November 2

Texas Book-aholic, November 3

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 4

The Avid Reader, November 5

Lighthouse Academy Blog, November 6 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 7

lakesidelivingsite, November 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 8

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 9

For Him and My Family, November 10

Devoted To Hope, November 10

Cover Lover Book Review, November 11

Stories By Gina, November 12 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, November 12

Arthur, Illinois

Holly’s Book Corner, November 13

Bizwings Book Blog, November 14

*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 Color of Home by Kit Tosello

 The Color of Home

Book Summary

Audrey Needham, Bay Area interior designer to the rich and pretentious, is down to her last nerve. Her boss is impossible to please, her future is in jeopardy, and her great-aunt Daisy needs support as her husband descends into Alzheimer's.

When Daisy enlists Audrey's help preparing for a move to assisted living, Audrey risks her career to return to the idyllic small town of Charity Falls, Oregon, the summer stomping grounds of her childhood. But Charity Falls was also the place that broke her heart when her father was killed in a tragic fire at the Sugar Pine Inn thirteen years ago.

Despite Audrey's intent to avoid emotional entanglement, the pull of home is hard to resist. Something should be done about the deteriorating inn. A local girl with an incarcerated father needs a friend. And handsome local do-gooder Cade Carter is coloring Audrey all shades of uncertain.

Join award-winning writer and debut novelist Kit Tosello in this lyrical and often humorous exploration of how God redeems brokenness and draws us to the life we're meant to find.

My Thoughts

I had mixed feelings about The Color of Home by Kit Tosello.  I began reading the story and I wanted to quit reading after the first chapter. I found it hard to like Audrey who is a self-centered woman. The point of view alternates between Audrey and Daisy (story is told in the first person). The characters develop slowly. The way the author chose to develop the characters works for Audrey, but not so much for Daisy. We are introduced to a variety of characters, and it can be hard to keep them straight (it gets easier as the story progresses). I like the town of Charity Falls which is in the pacific northwest where I would love to reside. It is a charming town with endearing residents. Faith is nicely woven into the story. It is present without being obvious or overpowering. There is romance (of course) that must overcome misunderstanding and tension before it can bloom into something more. The pacing is leisurely which reminds me of the unhurried pace of a small town. I liked the names for the paint colors. I was not a fan of the longwinded writing style (I found myself skimming often). As you can see, there are pluses and minuses.  While The Color of Home did not resonate with me, I suggest you download a sample to see if it suits you.  

The Color of Home is available from Amazon*.  If the story sounds appealing to you, I do recommend downloading a sample so you can check it out for yourself.  If you follow Kit Tosello on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for popping by today.  I will return on Tuesday, November 5 with Serenity's Secret by Lisa Jones Baker.  It is the sixth book in The Heart of the Amish series.  I will be working on my Thanksgiving display this weekend.  The majority of the metal (from my carport, shed, and porch roof) has been removed from my yard and roof, so it will be safe to set up my display (my displays make me happy and I need joy in my life right now).  I hope that you have a serene weekend.  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.