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.

Caught on Camera by Kara Lacey

 

Caught on Camera

 

Caught on Camera: A Camera Club Mystery by Kara Lacey

About Caught on Camera

 

Caught on Camera: A Camera Club Mystery 

Cozy Mystery 

1st in Series 

Setting - Vermont 

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Level Best Books (September 24, 2024) 

Print length ‏ : ‎ 307 pages 

 

Blue skies and wildflowers signal the start of summer in southern Vermont, and the Stonebridge Keep it Snappy Camera Club lenses are zoomed in on…murder.

It's been more than a year since the sudden death of her husband, and photographer Bobbie Brooks wants nothing more than to escape her grief. Fleeing her life in the city, she seeks a fresh start in the serenity of the Green Mountains. But Bobbie’s new beginning comes to a halt when she finds a member of her camera club dead beneath the village’s idyllic covered bridge. Tragic accident or something sinister? With a keen photographer’s eye, Bobbie suspects murder.

As if transitioning to small-town life wasn’t challenging enough, Bobbie’s missing scarf is found at the murder scene, making her the primary focus. Scorned by local gossips, she enlists the help of her camera club and shifts her lens from photographer to amateur sleuth. Using photos found on the victim’s camera, they waste no time setting out to catch the killer—and discover no shortage of suspects. Secrets, lies, and blackmail…Danger abounds as they close in on the killer. Her camera holds the answers… But can she develop the clues in time to stop the killer?

About Kara Lacey

Kara Lacey is the author of the Camera Club Mysteries. Along with her husband, she lives in a tiny village nestled in the beautiful Green Mountains of Vermont—the inspiration for her novels. Kara is a photography enthusiast who also enjoys hiking, skiing, and getting cozy with a good book. When she’s not at her laptop creating havoc for her characters, you can find her rambling through the forest with her husband and spirited Labrador retriever, camera in hand.

Kara is a member of Sisters in Crime, Sisters in Crime-New England, and Mystery Writers of America. She is also a co-Member at Large for Vermont SinC NE writers.

Click here to get your copy of "Taste of Stonebridge"

Author Links

Instagram https://instagram.com/karalaceyauthor 

Facebook https://facebook.com/karalaceyauthor 

Website https://karalaceyauthor.com 

My Thoughts

Caught on Camera by Kara Lacey has Bobbie Brooks getting a fresh start in Stonebridge, Vermont.  I found the story easy to read with varied pacing. Bobbie is adjusting to life after the death of her husband. I could relate to Bobbie wanting a fresh start after the loss of a loved one. It is hard to move on when you are surrounded by memories of the one you lost. I do not blame Bobbie for wanting that house (I wanted it).  

The murder takes place at the beginning of the book (I thought it was a tad early).  Troublemakers do not last long in a cozy mystery.  Detective Cram has Bobbie at the top of the top of the suspect list.  Bobbie is determined to prove her innocence, and she enlists the help of her fellow Snappy Camera Club members.   The victim was not well liked, so there is no shortage of suspects.  The group uncovers more than they expected during their investigation.  The case has a good wrap at the end.  I was not a fan of the cliched detective (I hope he gets the boot and someone more open-minded takes his place).  I like the photography information included in the story.  I had no idea of all that goes into capturing the perfect photo.  Caught on Camera is a cute cozy with a missing scarf, barn renovations, an odd discovery, curious clues, rampant rumors, surprising secrets, and a helpful camera club. 

Caught on Camera is available from Amazon*.  You can follow Kara Lacey on Amazon and they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Would you like to win a print copy of Caught on Camera along with some swag?  Click here to enter or use the Rafflecopter form below.  Leave a comment for an extra entry.  Good Luck!  Thank you for stopping by today.  Tomorrow I am sharing my thoughts on The Color of Home by Kit Tosello.  Are you ready for the trick or treaters? Halloween is my favorite holiday. When I was a child, we went trick or treating on October 30 (in Ohio and it was called Beggar's Night).  The school party would be on Halloween as well as town events (two nights to get candy).  I hope that you have a spooktacular day! Don't forget to enter the giveaway! Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Participants

October 24 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

October 24 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

October 25 – Celticlady's Reviews – RECIPE

October 25 – Maureen's Musings - SPOTLIGHT

October 25 – Christy's Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST

October 26 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

October 26 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 27 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR GUEST POST

October 28 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

October 28 – Baroness Book Trove – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

October 28 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

October 29 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT

October 29 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

October 29 – Novels Alive – REVIEW

October 30 – Jody's Bookish Haven – REVIEW

October 30 – Boys' Mom Reads! – REVIEW

October 31 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW

October 31 – Deal Sharing Aunt – RECIPE

October 31 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW

*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 New Lease on Death by Olivia Blacke

 A New Lease on Death

Book Summary

Death is only the beginning in Olivia Blacke's A New Lease on Death, a darkly funny supernatural mystery that introduces an unlikely crime-solving duo.

Ruby Young's new Boston apartment comes with all the usual perks. Windows facing the brick wall of the next-door building. Heat that barely works. A malfunctioning buzzer. Noisy neighbors. A dead body on the sidewalk outside. And of course, a ghost.

Since Cordelia Graves died in her apartment a few months ago, she's kept up her residency, despite being bored out of her (non-tangible) skull and frustrated by her new roommate. When her across-the-hall neighbor, Jake Macintyre, is shot and killed in an apparent mugging gone wrong outside their building, Cordelia is convinced there’s more to it and is determined to bring his killer to justice.

Unfortunately, Cordelia, being dead herself, can't solve the mystery alone. She has to enlist the help of the obnoxiously perky, living tenant of her apartment. Ruby is twenty, annoying, and has never met a houseplant she couldn't kill. But she also can do everything Cordelia can't, from interviewing suspects to researching Jake on the library computers that go up in a puff of smoke if Cordelia gets too close. As the roommates form an unlikely friendship and get closer to the truth about Jake's death, they also start to uncover other dangerous secrets.

My Thoughts

I was looking forward to reading A New Lease on Death.  I liked the idea of a ghost and her living roommate working together to solve a mystery.  I found A New Lease on Death by Olivia Blacke to be a slow starter.   The pacing was unhurried and there were repetitive details (Cordelia zaps electronics if she gets near them, it is very cold in Boston, Cordelia died in the tub, Ruby has nosy neighbors with a morbid curiosity, the dead neighbor loved pizza, ghost abilities). The job duties for the front desk position at TrendCelerate are listed at least three times.  I did not warm up to Ruby or Cordelia.  I read A New Lease on Death, but I could not get into the story (I found myself struggling to get through it).  There are some fun, quirky elements (such as how Ruby and Cordelia communicated).  The mystery is lackluster.  It needed some zip and zing (a zap of electricity to bring it to life).  It is a simple whodunit to solve.  While the story is mostly lighthearted, it does touch on serious topics (murder, alcolhism, depression, suicide, domestic violence).  I did not feel that the sensitive topics fit into the story, and they should not be taken lightly.   The book ends with a cliffhanger. My interest is not piqued enough for me to pick up the next book in the series.  A New Lease on Death left me discontented.  

A New Lease on Death is available from Amazon*.  You can find Olivia Blacke's other books here. Thank you for joining me today.  Tomorrow I am a stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours for Caught on Camera by Kara Lacey.  It is the first book in A Camera Club Mysteries.  I am off to fill out more paperwork for FEMA.  All this paperwork reminds me of when I worked for a nearby city government.  I hope that you have spooktacular 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 Knife Before Christmas by Kate Carlisle

 The Knife Before Christmas

Book Summary

Contractor Shannon Hammer hopes for a peaceful Christmas with her fiancé, Mac, until murder throws a wrench in her holiday plans in a brand-new installment of the USA Today bestselling Fixer-Upper Mystery Series.

Christmas has come to Lighthouse Cove, but business hasn’t slowed down for Shannon Hammer. She’s been contracted to renovate a local hotel owned by the Garrisons, a family that’s so devoted to the holidays they serve a seven-course dinner every night from Thanksgiving through Christmas. Last year’s festivities featured a train that transported guests around the breathtaking Cliffside property. This year, Shannon and her crew have been commissioned to build a Victorian-style carnival midway with games and prizes galore.

Everyone in town loves the hotel’s spirit, except the Garrisons’ children and their spouses, who are hum-bugged by the money being wasted on holiday cheer while their inheritance goes up the chimney. Things turn nasty when a mischief-maker close to the family is found dead. It’s up to Shannon and Mac to catch a sinister Scrooge before all of Lighthouse Cove receives coal for Christmas.

My Thoughts

I always enjoy Kate Carlise’s cozy mysteries, and The Knife Before Christmas was no exception.  We get to visit Lighthouse Cove at Christmas where Shannon Hammer and her crew are creating a Victorian carnival midway on the grounds of the Cliffs Hotel. I loved the descriptions of the hotel and the midway (I wish it was in my town). The carousel was a great addition. The story is easy to read with great characters. Shannon and Mac make a great couple. I enjoy the interactions between them.  I like Shannon’s relationship with her crew.  I find it funny that the guys do not like to borrow her pink tools.  

I appreciated that the whodunit did not take place at the beginning of the story.  We get to learn about the carnival and spend time there, enjoy the local Christmas festivities, and catch-up characters.  I had an idea who would die and who would do the deed, but I did not know why.  I enjoyed following Shannon as she asked questions and searched for clues. There is a twist or two along the way as well as with some strategically placed clues for an armchair detective like me.  I like that Shannon and Mac work together to solve mysteries by playing their Scooby Doo game.  I was sorry when my visit to Lighthouse Cove came to an end.  I hope I get to return soon.  The Knife Before Christmas is a festive story with a regal hotel, a clever carnival, a delightful dinner with friends, an adorable carousel, Scooby Doo for two, and a cheery Christmas.  

The Knife Before Christmas is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other A Fixer-Upper Mysteries here.  Kate Carlisle also writes the delightful A Bibliophile Mysteries. If you follow Kate Carlisle on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return tomorrow to share my thoughts on A New Lease on Death by Olivia Blacke. It is the debut of the Supernatural Mysteries.  I wanted to remind you, that you still have a few days to enter the contest for an Amazon gift card (which will allow you to buy a book on your wish list).  Click here to go to the post for more information.  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.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions book 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.