A Texas Easter Blessing by Mindy Obenhaus

 A Texas Easter Blessing

Book Summary

A new ranch home

could lead to a new family.

After his marriage fails, single father Ryder Sinclair returns to his hometown with his young son to care for his ailing mother. He’s surprised to run into his teenage crush, Kendall Hunt, whose career as a professional chef has been shaken by scandal. As the two work together to save an Easter event usually hosted by Ryder’s mother, Kendall finds herself longing for this sense of family with Ryder and little Shepard. But when she has a chance to go back to the life she once knew, will she choose the dream she’s spent years chasing…or the new dream that has taken hold of her heart?

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Books in Legacy Ranch Series

Book 1: Their Texas Christmas Redemption

Book 2: A Texas Easter Blessing

My Thoughts

A Texas Easter Blessing by Mindy Obenhaus is a sweet story.  The book was easy to read and featured appealing characters.  Kendall has a big heart, and I like her desire to help others. Ryder’s son, Shepard is a scene stealer.  Shepard is curious, lively, and affectionate.  There chemistry between Ryder and Kendall is unmistakable.  Unfortunately, the path to happily ever after is not a smooth one.  A thread of faith is nicely woven through the book. The story conveys two important life lessons: words can cause harm, and false information can disseminate rapidly, particularly through social media.  I liked the setting of Hope Crossing which has a supporting community.  A Texas Easter Blessing is the second book in the Legacy Ranch series, and it can be read as a standalone (but why would you want to).   A Texas Easter Blessing is an uplifting story that will leave you smiling.

A Texas Easter Blessing can be obtained from Amazon*.  Their Texas Christmas Redemption is the first book in the Legacy Ranch series.  The next book in the Legacy Ranch series is The Pastor’s Christmas Prayer which comes out October 27 and it can be preordered on Amazon. You can find Mindy Obenhaus' other novels here.  If you follow Mindy on Amazon, they will notify you when she has a new book release.   

Thank you for joining me today.  On Thursday, March 19, I am a stop on the JustRead Publicity Tour for When They Met Again by Leslie Gould. It is the second book in the Letters from Lancaster County Series. It has been a chilly two days in Florida.  I am enjoying winter's last hurrah (gives me a chance to wear a pair of my pretty embroidered Driftwood jeans).  I am taking my mother to an appointment this afternoon. I sincerely hope that she does not cancel (it has been rescheduled twice).  Wish me luck!  I hope that you have a cozy day.  Take care, stay warm, 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.

All Booked Up by Melody Carlson

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

All Booked Up

Book Summary

When preserving precious memories means welcoming unexpected changes, Riva finds that her heart has room for so much more than she imagined.

Widowed empty nester Riva Owen lives in the Victorian house that's been in her family for three generations, but finances have become a challenge she can no longer ignore. Her daughter is pushing her to move, and after considering all her options, Riva knows selling would be the smartest course. But she just can't bring herself to leave decades of memories--and her cherished library filled with hundreds of books.

When she pursues an alternative--opening her home to women like her who need a room to rent--Riva is unprepared for the mix of personalities and peculiarities of her new housemates. She is even more unprepared for Marcus, the handsome and handy older brother of one of her new tenants. The possibility of finding love again feels overwhelming, even as her tenants seem to have romantic schemes of their own.

Warm your heart with a story of found family, book lovers, and a second chance at love.

A heartwarming contemporary romance featuring a bookish widow finding a second chance at love. This small-town rom-com about new beginnings makes a perfect read for your book club.

My Thoughts

All Booked Up by Melody Carlson is a delightful tale.  I always look forward to Melody Carlson’s latest story.  I like the author’s friendly writing style which makes the book easy to read.  I liked the main character and understood why she did not want to move.  Riva had a large book collection, and she knew that no other dwelling that she could afford would be able to accommodate it.  I was shocked when Riva’s daughter suggested she burn the books.  I liked  that Riva assigned a different book for each roommate to read.  I could relate to the ladies in All Booked Up since I am close to their age (and I have a feeling that roommates are in my future). Each woman has their own story and struggle.  One of the roommate’s has a handsome brother which results in rivalry (the green-eyed monster is quick to appear, and it has claws).   This charming story has friendship, a book club, delectable dinners, jealousy, forgiveness, and romance.   All Booked Up suggests that even adults still have lessons to learn and room to grow.  

All Booked Up can be obtained from Amazon*.  You can find Melody Carlson's other novels here.  I am looking forward to fall when her latest Christmas book will come out (there is a new one each year). Christmas at Harrington's, The Christmas Joy Ride, and The Christmas Bus are my three favorites Christmas stories by Melody Carlson.  If you follow Melody Carlson on Amazon, they will notify you when she has a new book release.  Happy St. Patrick's Day!  When I was a kid, it was important to wear green or a classmate would pinch you (hard).  I will be sharing my thoughts on A Texas Easter Blessing by Mindy Obenhaus on Wednesday, March 18.  I am off to work on my "To Do" List.  I believe it grows while I am sleeping.  May you have a lucky 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.

No. 17 Curiosity Lane by Christie Barlow

No. 17 Curiosity Lane

Book Summary

We regret to inform you of the passing of your great-aunt, Matilda Hartley. As the sole beneficiary of her estate, you have inherited her business, No. 17 Curiosity Lane, Puffin Island…

Music journalist Fern Talbot has just inherited a dusty antique shop from a woman she never knew. Her plan is simple: get in, sell it, and get out.

But when she discovers that her charming lodger, Daniel, is her train ride meet-cute, and a tantalising mystery wrapped up in a vintage wedding dress demands to be solved, Puffin Island quickly captures this devoted city girl’s heart…

My Thoughts

No. 17 Curiosity Lane by Christie Barlow transported me for a few hours to Puffin Island. The story combines an antique-related mystery with a forced proximity romance.  It starts off slowly with the pacing picking up a tick when the mystery comes into play.  Daniel, the male main character, is kind and a good balance to the self-assured Fern Talbot.  I liked Puffin Island with its quirky residents and small-town charm.  The antique shop is charming and filled with unique items (I could spend days in there).  The mystery develops clearly and fits the story.  This is a story about belonging, making friends, and finding your home in an unexpected place. No. 17 Curiosity Lane is  a warm-hearted and whimsical tale that is lovely to read in a comfy chair on a rainy afternoon. 

No. 17 Curiosity Lane can be obtained from Amazon*.  The Clockmaker's Cottage is the sixth book in the Puffin Island series and it will be out on May 30.  You can find the other books in the Puffin Island series here.  If you follow Christie Barlow on Amazon, they will let you know when she has a new book release.  Thank you for taking the time to visit today.  On Tuesday, March 17, I am a stop on the JustRead Publicity Tours for When They Met Again by Leslie Gould.  It is the second book in the Letters from Lancaster County series.  I hope that you have a relaxing 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.

Tangled Past by Mary Alford

Tangled Past

Book Summary

A murdered police chief. A missing truth. A witness who can’t remember.

Twenty-five years after his father’s unsolved murder, Asa Dutton returns to Hope Island determined to uncover the truth. His only lead is Maya Callahan—the little girl found hiding in the barn the night his father died.

Maya has no memory of that stormy night. But as fragments of her past resurface, so does danger. Someone is watching. Someone who will kill to keep the truth buried.

As Asa and Maya grow closer, the stakes turn deadly. Because remembering the past may be the only way to survive it.

My Thoughts

Tangled Past by Mary Alford has a dynamic and captivating cold case. I found Asa and Maya to be well-developed, relatable characters.  I felt for Maya who has lost treasured and scary memories.  I enjoyed watching Maya and Asa gradually develop trust and love as their relationship grew.   The suspense and action were engaging, though I did identify the killer early on (my mother attributes it to me reading an abundance of mysteries). Still, I wanted to know why this person committed the crimes and how they eluded investigators.  I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of Hope Island.  The graphic word depictions of the decaying barn, Asa’s childhood house, the forest, and the neglected lighthouse helped me picture each setting clearly.  While Tangled Past is the seventh novel in the Hope Island Securities Series, it can be read as a standalone.  Tangled Past is a tense tale with a murdered father, missing memories, a cold case, a resolute killer, clues coming together, and helpful flashbacks.

Tangled Past can be obtained from Amazon*.  If you belong to Kindle Unlimited, you can read it for free. You can find the other books in the Hope Island Securities Series here.  Mary Alford has Unsolved Amish Abduction coming out March 31. When you get a chance, check out Mary Alford's other novels.  I appreciate your presence here with me today. I am featuring No. 17 Curisosity Lane by Christie Barlow on Thursday, March 12. It is the fifth book in the Puffin Island series. I am off to work in the garden.  I need to pluck the weeds out of the raised garden beds.  I want to get them out before the poppy vines cover them up (I weeded last week, but you would not know it).   May you have a sunny 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.

Death at a Firefly Tea by Laura Childs

 

Death at a Firefly Tea

 

Death at a Firefly Tea (A Tea Shop Mystery) by Laura Childs

About Death at a Firefly Tea

 

Death at a Firefly Tea (A Tea Shop Mystery) 

Cozy Mystery 

30th in Series 

Setting - South Carolina 

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Berkley 

Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 10, 2026 

Print length ‏ : ‎ 336 pages 

 

A brazen killer sparks Theodosia Browning’s sense of justice in this latest installment of the New York Times bestselling series.

As fireflies dazzle like tiny glowing lanterns, tea maven Theodosia hosts an elegant evening tea on the patio of the Tangled Rose B and B. But in this gentle darkness an intruder has made their way in and slipped deadly drugs into the baked Alaska of Mrs. Van Courtland, one of Charleston’s local grande dames. Shocked by this brazen act, urged on by Mrs. V’s grieving son, Theodosia begins her own shadow investigation. Soon, she finds herself at odds with a greedy developer, the questionable residents of Honey Badger House, a vengeful ex-daughter-in-law, ne’er do well relatives, and a housekeeper who knows all the secrets.

As Theodosia hosts a Moulin Rouge Tea and a Queen Victoria Tea, her tea sommelier Drayton is assaulted by a masked stranger and the fiancé of Mrs. V’s son is kidnapped. It’s only at the Starry Starry Night black tie ball that Theodosia stumbles upon the killer and gets pulled into a dramatic life and death chase.

About Laura Childs

 

Laura Childs is the New York Times bestselling author of the A Tea Shop Mysteries, Scrapbooking Mysteries, and A Cackleberry Club Mysteries. In her previous life she was CEO/Creative Director of her own marketing firm and authored several screenplays. She is married to a professor of Chinese art history, loves to travel, rides horses, enjoys fundraising for various non-profits, and has two Chinese Shar-Pei dogs. Laura specializes in cozy mysteries that have the pace of a thriller (a thrillzy!) Her three series are: The Tea Shop Mysteries – set in the historic district of Charleston and featuring Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop. Theodosia is a savvy entrepreneur and pet mom to service dog Earl Grey. She’s also an intelligent, focused amateur sleuth who doesn’t rely on coincidences or inept police work to solve crimes. This charming series is highly atmospheric and rife with the history and mystery that is Charleston. 

The Scrapbooking Mysteries – a slightly edgier series that takes place in New Orleans. The main character, Carmela, owns Memory Mine scrapbooking shop in the French Quarter and is forever getting into trouble with her friend, Ava, who owns the Juju Voodoo shop. New Orleans’ spooky above-ground cemeteries, jazz clubs, bayous, and Mardi Gras madness make their presence known here! The Cackleberry Club Mysteries – set in Kindred, a fictional town in the Midwest. In a rehabbed Spur station, Suzanne, Toni, and Petra, three semi-desperate, forty-plus women have launched the Cackleberry Club. Eggs are the morning specialty here and this cozy cafe even offers a book nook and yarn shop. Business is good but murder could lead to the cafe’s undoing! This series offers recipes, knitting, cake decorating, and a dash of spirituality. 

Laura's Links

Website – Facebook 

My Thoughts

Death at a Firefly Tea by Laura Childs is the thirtieth A Tea Shop Mystery.  I look forward to a new A Tea Shop Mystery each year.  This series is one of the two that introduced me to cozy mysteries and made me love them.   The story is accessible and features likable, relatable characters.  It was great to catch up with Theo, Drayton, Haley, and Earl Grey.  The author's vivid descriptions bring the tea shop, city, and characters to life. The mystery is straightforward.  I was surprised that Theo was reluctant to investigate this time around.  It seemed out of character for her.  The takedown was entertaining.  There are ideas for tea parties as well as recipes at the end of the book.  Death at a Firefly Tea can be read as a standalone.   Death at a Firefly Tea  is a diverting tale with mouthwatering morsels, tasty teas, a poisoned patron, chasing a suspect, hesitant sleuth, absent boyfriend, a Victorian visitor, and fashionable reveal. 

Would you like to win a hard copy of Death at a Firefly Tea?   Use the form above to enter or click here to enter.  Leave a comment for an extra entry.  Good Luck!

Death at a Firefly Tea can be obtained from Amazon*, B&N, Kobo, Bookshop.org, and PenquinRandomHouse.  You can find the other books in A Tea Shop Mysteries here.  You should check out Laura Child's A Scrapbooking Mystery series (they are entertaining).  You can find Laura Child's other cozy mysteries here.  You can follow the author on Amazon and they will notify you when she has a new book release.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return tomorrow, March 11 with Tangled Past by Mary Alford.  I am off to an appointment (hopefully--I gave my mother the wrong time in the hopes that we will get there on time).  I hope that you have a fantastic day.  Don't forget to enter the giveaway (you will see a little pop up in the lower right hand of the screen).  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.

Booking for Trouble by Jenn McKinlay

 Booking for Trouble

Book Summary

It’s all hands on deck when a dead body is found near the small town of Briar Creek in this Library Lover’s Mystery from the New York Times bestselling author of A Merry Little Murder Plot.

Just off the shores of the coastal Connecticut town of Briar Creek are two small islands, which library director Lindsey Norris visits with her new book-boat, inspired by the bookmobiles she’s seen traveling across the country. Nothing, not even the infamous feud between the families who own the Split Islands, can stop Lindsey from getting books into the hands of readers. But when Lindsey and her boat captain husband, Mike Sullivan, discover a body on the rocky outcropping of one of the islands, Lindsey’s new library venture quickly becomes a murder investigation.

At news of the crime, hostilities between the two families are reignited. Long buried secrets are revealed, tensions spark, and suspects abound. As Lindsey navigates treacherous waters (both literal and metaphorical), she must use her research skills and community ties to solve the murder and bring peace to the islands before her book-boat dreams are sunk.

My Thoughts

Booking for Trouble by Jenn McKinlay is a delightful tale.  I always enjoy visiting Briar Creek, Connecticut and checking in with the crafternoon club.  I just love Beth’s creative story time costumes. I do not understand why people think libraries are not essential.  Lindsey has a fight on her hands and comes up with a clever idea.  To provide library books to the various islands near Briar Creek, Lindsey acquires funding for a book boat.  

Book Boat

I just knew they were going to come across a dead body (it was inevitable).  Lindsey dives into the case with help from her friends and family.  It was great to catch up with Lindsay, Sully, Beth, and the other characters.  Robbie provided some amusing moments (he is quite a character).  While Booking for Trouble is the sixteenth A Library Lover’s Mystery, it can be read as a standalone.  The background information needed is provided.  Booking for Trouble is an entertaining tale with  budget cuts, a book boat, feuding families, snobbish country clubbers, coming across a corpse, and designer duds. 

Booking for Trouble can be obtained from Amazon*.  Check out the other novels in A Libary Lover's Mysteries. You may follow Jenn McKinlay on Amazon to receive notifications regarding her upcoming book releases.  Thank you for joining me today.  On Tuesday, March 10, I am a stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours for Death at a Firefly Tea by Laura Childs.  It is the 30th A Tea Shop Mystery.  This is one of the two series that got me hooked on cozy mysteries.  May you have a relaxing and enjoyable 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.

 

Amelia's March Arrangement by Mindy Steele

Amelia's March Arrangement

Book Summary

One funeral. Three orphaned boys. And two hearts torn between duty and desire.

Owen Miller had no plans in returning to Cherry Grove, Kentucky until now. At the wake of his brother’s funeral, Owen discovers three young nephews need him to stay as well as the young aunt now responsible for them. He will do his part, for a time, but his life isn’t here anymore.

Amelia Delagrange lost more than a sister. She lost her best friend. No one knew her heart like Mary did. Now with three boys needing her, Amelia must muster up the strength to become a mother to them. She cannot let their uncle take them, even if her only option is to marry a man she doesn’t love. What choice does she have?

One quick decision is about to change the lives of many.

My Thoughts

Amelia’s March Arrangement by Mindy Steele is a touching Amish tale.  The narrative was both inspiring and poignant, featuring characters and scenarios that many readers can identify with.  I felt for Amelia, who at eighteen becomes responsible for her sister’s three boys.  The author illustrates how a tragic loss impacts a family, but shows that eventually life improves.  I especially liked the green tin of recipes that Amelia found in a kitchen cupboard and how the recipes played into the romance. 

Amelia's March Arrangement is the third installment of An Amish Romance Birthday Series, and it can be read as a standalone.  A quote from the book that stuck with me is, “Life doesn’t always go as planned, dochter, but Gott always gives you the means to make it better than it was before.”  Amelia's March Arrangement is stirring story with a tragic death, busy boys, parent getting treatments, an unexpected uncle, the bishop’s pronouncement, an unexpected proposal, special recipes, and hoping for a happily ever after. 

Amelia's March Arrangement can be obtained from Amazon*. The fourth book in An Amish Romance Birthday Series is Arie's April Adoption by Rachel J. Good which comes out April 1.  You can find the other books in An Amish Romance Birthday Series here.  If you follow Mindy Steele on Amazon, they will email you when the author has a new book release. Mindy Steele's next release is A Heart on Consignment (digital version out on March 15 and paperback on April 1) which is the twelfth book in The Heart of the Amish series. 

I wanted to share with you a current picture of Quackers, the duck.  Quackers (the duck nearest the doormat) is one of the baby ducks that appeared with Mama Duck about two months ago.  Quackers is now larger than her mother (the duck eating at the food dish).  Quackers is adorable. Please pardon the look of my porch.  I am getting ready to put together some furniture out there.  I willl return on Thursday, March 5 with Booking for Trouble by Jenn McKinlay.  It is the 16th A Library Lover's Mystery.  I hope that you have a lovely day.  I am enjoying the beautiful spring weather.  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.

 

Kentucky Book Festival

*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.