When They Met Again by Leslie Gould

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for When They Met Again by Leslie Gould, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: When They Met Again 
Series: Letters from Lancaster County 
Author: Leslie Gould 
Publisher: Bethany House 
Release Date: March 17, 2026 
Genre: Fiction / Romance / Amish / Contemporary

A gently humorous just friends romance from Leslie Gould, threaded with heart-deep characters and the timeless traditions of simple Amish life. 

It's love at first sight for Adam Slaybaugh, yet while Joanna Grebel finds him attractive and is intrigued when he declares his interest, she's less certain of the potential for a romantic future together. Instead, she proposes they be "just friends," but Adam's not willing to settle for anything less than a romantic relationship. In response, he leaves Lancaster County for Florida, and soon after, Joanna begins courting Jacob Byer--someone she deems a much more suitable match. 

When Adam returns to Lancaster County years later to pursue a career in his grandparents' successful home renovation business, he finds Joanna suffering from a broken heart. Misunderstandings and matchmaking schemes begin a tender journey of healing and romance--but is Adam's love enough to finally win Joanna over?  

For readers of Beverly Lewis, Wanda E. Brunstetter, and Shelley Shepard Gray, a sweet Amish romance with matchmaking grandmas and themes of enemies to lovers, he falls first, and love at first sight versus "just friends."  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Baker Publishing Group | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

More in This Series

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About the Author

Leslie Gould is a Christy Award-winning and #1 bestselling author of more than fifty novels, including multiple Amish fiction series. She holds a bachelor's degree in history and an MFA in creative writing. She enjoys church history, research trips, and hiking in the Pacific Northwest. She and her husband live in Portland, Oregon, and have four adult children and two grandchildren. Learn more at LeslieGould.com.

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My Thoughts

When They Met Again by Leslie Gould is an engaging narrative. Leslie Gould demonstrates a commendable writing style throughout the work.  Her stories are engaging, readable, and feature well-developed characters. I like the relationship Joanna had with her grandmother, Mammi Lu.  They were friends as well as grandmother and granddaughter.  Mammi Lu and her three friends were a hoot.  I enjoyed hearing about their antics while they were on their rumspringa.  I also valued the portrayal of the characters as imperfect individuals, each facing their own challenges. 

My favorite book!

I liked the classics that were featured in the story (Women is my favorite).  I was surprised that Adam read the stories (few men are willing to read Jane Austen).  The romance between Joanna and Adam progressed slowly, but it gave them a chance to get to know each other and become friends first.  The Amish are known for their strong communal bonds, providing mutual support during both prosperous and challenging times.  There was only one thing that I found odd in the story, and it was Joanna’s reaction to the letters Adam left her.  It was out of character for such an insightful and caring individual.  The second book in the Letters from Lancaster County series was truly heartwarming, and I found When They Met Again to be thoroughly enjoyable.

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Excerpt

The moment the ladybug landed on her arm, Joanna Grebel decided she wouldn’t go to her cousin’s wedding after all. She’d been cutting flowers for the bride, but now she couldn’t seem to move. Why had she thought going away for a night was a good idea?

The sound of a vehicle approached, and she turned toward it. A van slowed as it came up the driveway, and the passenger window lowered as Ike Slaybaugh called out, “Joanna! Get your grandparents. We have a long drive ahead of us.” His silver beard blew in the wind.

As the van stopped, the side door swung open and a dark-h aired boy—young man, rather—jumped down. It was Adam Slaybaugh, Ike’s grandson. He wore a blue shirt, black pants, and no hat. His wavy hair was too long. He was new to the community, but her friend Mandy already had a crush on him. 

Mammi Lu stepped onto the back porch carrying a basket of food. “Joanna, grab your bag.”  Adam started toward the house, asking Mammi Lu if he could help.

“Denki. The bags are in the kitchen.” Mammi nodded toward the door, where Dawdi Marcus struggled to come through the screen door with his bag and Mammi’s.

Joanna brushed the ladybug against the columbine. Then she added the flowers— dianthus, lupine, and baptisia— to the ones in the bucket and carried it and the clippers out the gate and to the back porch. Dawdi Marcus hadn’t made it through the door yet, but it wouldn’t do for her to take one of the bags. Instead Adam hurried past her, brushing his hand against Joanna’s arm as he did.

“Sorry.” He grinned as he sped by.

She rubbed her arm. He took both bags from her grandfather.

Mammi Lu waited at the bottom of the steps as the men continued on to the van. Again, she said, “Grab your bag.” Joanna loved her grandparents’ place with its garden, red barn, and two-s tory house with a wraparound back porch.  She told her grandmother, “I’m not leaving.” “Why do you want to stay?” Joanna shrugged.

“I don’t think you should.”

“Why?” Joanna was nineteen. And more than trustworthy.

“Your father wouldn’t approve.”

“He’s in Maine.”

Mammi’s eyes shone. “Emily is expecting you.”

“She won’t notice if I’m not there.” They hadn’t seen each other for several years. Mammi’s expression softened. “Joanna.” Her voice was just above a whisper. “I can’t let you stay here alone. Please grab your bag.” Joanna shifted her gaze toward the van. Ike and Becky Slaybaugh stood beside it. They and Adam and Dawdi all waited in a semicircle, watching her. She turned her attention to Mammi Lu, locking eyes with her. “I can ask Mandy to spend the night.” Mammi shook her head. “Both stoves are cold, I promise. Dawdi and I each checked. And I know you did too—several times.”  Joanna’s face warmed. Was she that obvious?

“We do our best to make sure our home is safe,” Mammi Lu said, “but then we have to trust the Lord.”  Joanna took a deep breath, exhaled slowly, and then handed the bucket of flowers to her grandmother. “I’ll get my bag.”  She sat in the back of the van, ignoring the chatter and laughter of the others as they left Strasburg Township. Too anxious to read the book she’d brought, she stared at Becky’s snow-white bun right in front of her. It was so white—as pure as her bleached Kapp— that it looked as if she used a rinse on her hair, but Joanna knew that couldn’t be true.  When they stopped for a picnic dinner at a park a couple of hours later, Adam sat across from Joanna and said, “So how are you related to Noah?”

“Noah?”

Adam smiled. “The groom.”

“Oh.” Joanna frowned. “I’m not. Emily is my cousin.”

“First?”

“Second.” She paused. “Maybe third. They left Lancaster County a few years ago.” Joanna wanted to retrieve her Buch from her bag and read, but Adam kept talking. There was something endearing about his chatter, in an annoying sort of way. “I’ve known Noah since we were kids, when I moved to Spartansburg.” Joanna forced a smile.  Adam asked, “Do you live close to your grandparents?”  Joanna answered, “I live with them.”

He leaned closer. “I’m living with my grandparents too, as of two weeks ago.”  Joanna already knew that. Becky and Ike lived a half mile away. Mammi and Becky had been best friends since they were girls.

Soon they were back on the road, and Joanna fell asleep. Three hours later they arrived in Spartansburg, near both the Ohio and New York borders. The Englisch middle- aged driver, whose name was Nick, dropped Joanna and her grandparents off at a relative’s farm first.

“See you tomorrow,” Adam called out from the van. Mammi turned toward Joanna as they walked to the front door. “He’s such a nice young man, don’t you think?”  Joanna forced a smile. “He and Mandy are interested in each other.”  Mammi narrowed her eyes. “Really?”

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 B&N gift card plus a copy of The Shop Down the Lane and When They Met Again!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 16, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 23, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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When They Met Again can be obtained from Amazon*.  The first book in the Letters from Lancaster County series is The Shop Down the Lane.  The third book in the Letters from Lancaster County series is A Second Chance to Remember and it will be out on October 20 (you can preorder it now). If you follow Leslie Gould on Amazon, they will notify you when she has a new book release. 

Thank you for dropping by today.  I will return on Tuesday, March 24 with Murder Unshelved by Vannetta Chapman.  It is the debut of A Stitches, Perks, & Pages Cozy Mystery series.  I am off to search for my Easter decorations.  It is time to decorate the front yard with cute bunnies and chicks.  Don't forget to enter the giveaway.  I hope that you have a wonderful weekend.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*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 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.