Stitched in Crime by Emmie Caldwell

Stitched in Crime

Book Summary

When murder pierces the fabric of the close-knit Crandalsburg Craft Fair, it's up to the Ninth Street Knitters to make a killer slip their stitch.

The Craft Fair may have hit a few snags lately, but knitting enthusiast Lia Geiger is hopeful her quiet life will return to its usual patterns in no time. Her daughter has officially moved back home, and sure, the house is a little crowded with Hayley's take-home work from the alpaca farm, but that's a price Lia will happily pay. All seems well until Cori Littlefield, a new vendor with a gift for crochet, is found dead, sending shock waves through all of Crandalsburg.

What begins as a tragic accident turns into a snarled spool of lies that only the combined efforts of the Ninth Street Knitters can untangle. When Lia makes a connection between Cori's death and a decades-old murder, it's up to her to weave together the clues and find the truth.

My Thoughts

Stitched in Crime by Emmie Caldwell has Lia solving the murder of fellow crafter, Cori Littlefield.  Stitched in Crime is the second A Craft Fair Knitters Mystery and it can be read as a standalone.  The story contains good writing with medium pacing.  The characters are realistic and relatable.  They are, though, still works in progress.  I feel the characters especially the background characters need more development.  It can be hard to keep track of the various secondary characters because there are so many of them.  I thoroughly enjoyed the descriptions of Cori’s crocheted items.  They sounded amazing.  The mystery was thought out with good clues, several suspects, and a red herring.  Cori was a talented artist, but she had an issue from her childhood that troubled her.  It led to the woman having problems as an adult.  It depends on your sleuthing level on how soon you solve this whodunit.  I thought one suspect stood out above the others.  The case was neatly wrapped up at the end.  I like the Ninth Street Knitters.  They are a great bunch of people who create lovely knitted items.  It is great how Lia and the group work to solve the case (they are a clever bunch who do not let grass grow under their feet).  Stitched in Crime is a creative cozy with a creative crocheter who is now a corpse, a daughter’s muddled mess, a confusing cold case, messy memories, delicious dinners, an awful accident, and a frustrating fundraiser.  

Stitched in Crime is available from Amazon*.  The first A Craft Fair Knitters Mystery is A Wicked Yarn.  Follow Emmie Caldwell to receive updates on her latest release.  Emmie Caldwell aka Mary Ellen Hughes can be found here on Amazon.  Thank you for taking the time out of  your day to read my review.  I would appreciate it if you follow my blog.  Tomorrow I am featuring Hot and Sour Suspects by Vivien Chien.  It is the eighth A Noodle Shop Mystery.  My mother just loves Kindle Unlimited.  She has been reading books from the KU section for the last two years.  My mother enjoys paranormal tales (witch books are her favorite).  Have you checked out Kindle Unlimited?  Thousands of books are available to read.  Click here for more information.  I hope that you have a relaxing day.  Take care, stay safe, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

A Secret at Tansy Falls by Cate Woods

A Secret at Tansy Falls

About the Book

The old farmhouse at Tansy Falls. A little patch of paradise in the hills of Vermont. Home to happy couple Connie and Nate. And a long-buried secret that will ignite a devastating spark…

As the summer sun sets over the sleepy Vermont town of Tansy Falls, Connie is reminded of how lucky she is. Every day, when she leaves the job she loves, managing the Covered Bridge Inn with her best friend Piper, she looks forward to returning to the farmhouse she shares with her husband Nate. At home, her flowerbeds overflow with day lilies and the weathered brick walls of her beautiful house glow in the evening light. The air is filled with the scent of the puffed apple pancakes she prepared that morning.

But one night, when Nate returns home, he is distant. He and Connie have been married for a long time, and while the laughter and lingering kisses have dwindled, Connie believed they would be together forever. So when a stranger arrives on their doorstep with a shocking secret about Nate, Connie’s life changes beyond all recognition.

Connie never thought she’d need to start over and live a life without Nate by her side. But as her heart breaks, Piper and the team at the inn are ready to help stitch it back together, with thoughtful advice washed down with warm spiced cider. As Connie begins to feel whole again, distraction arrives in the form of olive-skinned, broad-shouldered newcomer James. Nate has taught Connie that she doesn’t need a man, but James’s arrival helps her discover that she can follow her own dreams too. But as more secrets come to the surface, Connie wonders if she’ll ever truly be able to leave behind her past for good…

If you love gripping, heartbreaking romantic stories by Elin Hildebrand and Robyn Carr, you will be hooked by A Secret at Tansy Falls. A completely compelling read about secrets and betrayal that will have you reaching for the tissues.

About the Author

Cate Woods made the most of her university degree in Anglo-Saxon Literature by embarking on a career making tea on programs including The Big Breakfast, Who Wants to be a Millionaire, and French & Saunders.  After narrowly missing out on a chance to become a Channel 5 weather girl, she moved into the world of magazine journalism, then ghostwriting, and now writes novels under her own name.  She has two best-selling romantic comedies.  They are Just Haven't Met You Yet and More Than a Feeling.  Cate also wrote The Christmas Guest under the name Daisy Bell.  Cate lives in London with her husband and two children. 

Author Links

Facebook

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Amazon

My Thoughts

A Secret at Tansy Falls by Cate Woods is the second novel in the Tansy Falls series.  Each novel in the series is a standalone.  It was great to return to Tansy Falls, Vermont with its charming shops and homes as well as the friendly residents.  Connie is the manager of the Covered Bridge Inn and lives in a restored farmhouse with her husband, Nate.  Nate has been out of work since he was deemed redundant at the travel magazine where he worked as an editor.  It has really affected his self-esteem.  Connie has noticed that their marriage has been on a downward spiral since Nate last his job.  There is a lack of communication and intimacy.  Connie has no idea how to fix her marriage.  To help their financial struggle, the couple take in a charismatic boarder.  Connie is flattered by the boarder’s attention especially since she has not been feeling attractive or wanted.  In the meantime, Connie is working on a special press weekend for the inn.  A new hotel is being built and Connie wants to make sure they loose as few customers as possible.  The weekend turns out to be a challenge.  Connie’s customer service skills and patience will be tested.  Can Connie save her marriage and keep the inn profitable?  A Secret at Tansy Falls takes us back to the charming town of Tansy Falls, Vermont.  I would love to live in such a cozy town.  Nell from The Inn at Tansy Falls is barely mentioned in this book.  There are a couple of different intersecting narratives that tie to Connie.  Her son is under investigation at his college, her father has a new girlfriend, a flirtatious artist, an enigmatic boarder, a pregnant boss, an upcoming press weekend, and the boss’s cantankerous grandparents.  We get to follow Connie as she goes about her life and deals with the various problems.  I did feel that the ending was rushed.  I loved the descriptions of Tansy Falls.  Tansy Falls is such a friendly town and there is plenty to do all year round. I hope there will be another novel in the Tansy Falls series.  A Secret at Tansy Falls is an emotional story with a distressed son, an uncomfortable marriage, a grumpy grandmother, pregnancy problems, an alluring lodger, problematic press, and a tempting town.

A Secret at Tansy Falls is available from Amazon*, Apple, Kobo, and Google Play.  The first novel in the Tansy Falls series is The Inn at Tansy Falls.  You can find Cate Woods other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today and reading my review.  I will return tomorrow to share my thoughts on Stitched in Crime by Emmie Caldwell.  It is the second A Craft Fair Knitters Mystery.  I hope that you have a day filled with joy.  Take care of yourself and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

A Secret at Tansy Falls

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Spirits and Sourdough by Bailey Cates

 Spirits and Sourdough

Book Summary

Hedgewitch Katie Lightfoot works at the Honeybee Bakery in Savannah, and she's always up for investigating her adopted home's rich supernatural history. That's why she's taking a ghost tour for the very first time. But when the psychic tour guide tells Katie that she's being followed by the ghost of a recently murdered woman, Katie realizes she met the victim earlier that day, just before she died. She knows she must bring the killer to justice.

And this murder isn't the only mystery Katie needs to solve. Her new husband, Declan McCarthy, is missing the guardian spirit who always watched over him, and she's concerned that Deck's life could be at risk if they can't find him. Under pressure from the living and the dead, Katie will have to use all of her magical skills to start an investigation from scratch and avoid half-baked alibis, because this baker kneads to find a killer.

My Thoughts

Katie Lightfoot is on a ghost tour with some of her fellow spellbook members when their tour guide, Teddy LaRue suddenly stops talking and turns white.  She then takes Katie aside to let her know a recently deceased woman wants Katie to find her killer.  It turns out that Teddy can see and talk to spirits which is why her ghost tours are so popular.  From Teddy’s description of the woman, she was in the Honeybee Bakery earlier that day for a book club meeting.  Katie works with the members of the spellbook club to search for the killer.  With Samhain approaching, Katie knows the veil between this world and the next will be at its thinnest.  She knows that this special night is the best opportunity to retrieve Declan’s Irish guardian spirit.  Katie is worried what will happen to Declan if he does not have Connell inside him.  The only problem is that Katie needs a tether to pull off the dangerous spell.  Can Katie find a killer so the murdered women’s spirit can move on and retrieve a guardian spirit before the end of Samhain?  

Spirits and Sourdough by Bailey Cates is the tenth A Magical Bakery Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone because the author provides the necessary background information.  However, I recommend reading this enchanting series in order as it will allow you to get to know the characters and their backstories.  I always look forward to picking up the latest A Magical Bakery novel.  This series contains delightful characters who live in the charming town of Savannah, Georgia.  It is nice to catch up with Katie, Lucy, Ben, Declan, Mungo, and the members of the spellbook club.  Spirits and Sourdough is well written with developed characters.  The plot is well thought-out.  The magic is believable and well done.  The author explains the magic in easy-to-understand terms (magic of a hedge witch or kitchen witch).  I like how this group of witches use their powers for good.  They help other people especially at the Honeybee Bakery.  The mystery was interesting.  There are subtle clues (if you pay close attention) as well as key pieces of information that will help readers solve the crime.  I like that there was only a handful of suspects (just the right amount).  I had a good time following the clues and solving the whodunit.  I liked the reveal that nicely wrapped up the crime.  My favorite part of the story is Katie trying to retrieve Connell.   Connell is amusing and I love his accent.  Bailey Cates did a great job at mixing mystery, romance, and the paranormal into one magical tale.  Spirits and Sourdough is a spirited story with a dragonfly bodement, a lost leprechaun, a bevy of baked goods, a departed patron, trick or treating, a Samhain spell, and Katie works to catch a killer. 

Spirits and Sourdough is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other nine A Magical Bakery Mysteries here.  Follow Bailey Cates on Amazon to receive updates on her latest releases.  Thank you for visiting today.  Tomorrow I am featuring A Secret at Tansy Falls by Cate Woods.  It is the second book in the Tansy Falls series.  I hope that you have a spirited day.  I am off to do some work around the house.  I have several projects that need to be taken care of inside and out.  I tend towards procrastination, but I have to get them done sometime.  Do you procrastinate or just tackle the job right away?  I look forward to hearing from you.  Take care, stay safe, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Daughters of Victory Street by Pam Howes

 The Daughters of Victory Street

Book Summary

From Amazon charts bestseller Pam Howes comes a heart-breaking and uplifting historical novel about a community pulling together in the shadows of war, and one young woman’s fight to make her mark on the world.

1952, Liverpool. The Second World War has cast a long shadow over Victory Street, and who knows if the remaining families will ever fully recover?

In the face of hardship, Bella Harrison is determined to see the bright side. She is back recording songs with her singing trio, The Bryant Sisters, and against all odds, Bella and her husband Bobby are finding ways to muddle through life as newlyweds whilst raising little Levi, Bella’s child with Black American pilot Earl Franklin Junior.

Meanwhile Earl’s daughter Dianna is adjusting to her new life in Liverpool. Determined to forge her own path, she has her heart set on becoming a nurse. However Dianna soon discovers that the reality of nursing is long hours of gruelling work, performed under constant scrutiny from the dreaded matron – who seems to take pleasure in making Dianna’s life miserable. When a handsome art student catches her eye, Dianna finds herself at the crossroads between ambition and love.

But just as the young women settle into their new lives, the close-knit community of Victory Street is rocked once more. Can the daughters of Victory Street face their challenges together, and seize a chance at happiness now that it is finally within reach?

A totally unforgettable, heart-warming historical novel, packed with family secrets, perfect for fans of Dilly Court, Diney Costeloe and Nancy Revell.

About the Author

Pam Howes is a retired interior designer, mum to three daughters, grandma to seven assorted grandchildren and roadie to her musician partner.

The inspiration for Pam’s first novel came from her teenage years, working in a record store, and hanging around with musicians who frequented the business. The first novel evolved into a series about a fictional band, The Raiders. She is a fan of sixties music and it’s this love that compelled her to begin writing.

Author Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100041354393134

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PamHowes1

My Thoughts

The Daughters of Victory Street by Pam Howes is a charming post-World War II historical saga.  It is the fourth novel in The Bryant Sisters series.  I recommend reading this series in order.  This will allow you to get to know the characters and their back stories. We return to Wavetree, Liverpool, England on Victory Street where it is February of 1952.  It is a close community on Victory Street.  The residents take care of each other.  Bella and Edie have been focusing on their families.  Fran has been absent from Liverpool following the scandal with her ex-husband, but she misses her friends.  When another resident on Victory Street decides to move, their house is perfect for Fran and her child.  With Fran’s return, The Bryant Sisters begin rehearsing.  They have plenty of new songs thanks to Fran and Bobby.  Dianna, Earl’s daughter, is a beautiful singer.  Earl has her and Levi entering a singing competition.  Singing, though, is not what Dianna wishes to do when she graduates.  She wishes to become a nurse following in her Aunt Ruby’s footsteps.  We follow Dianna as she passes her exams and enters the nursing program at the Royal Hospital.  We get to see Dianna blossom into a lovely woman who makes big decisions regarding her future.  It is great catching up with Bella, Edie, Fran as well as their families and friends.  

The Daughters of Victory Street is an emotional novel that lets readers see what life was like after World War II in England.  Restrictions are still in place even in the 1950s.  People are happy the war is over and are looking forward to moving on with their lives.  I thought The Daughters of Victory Street was well-written with likeable, relatable, and realistic characters.  It is enjoyable catching up with Fran, Bella, and Edie plus get them develop as time moves forward. Dianna experiences racism in her life at various times.  I like how the author dealt with this issue.  Bella and Bobby discover their daughter, Lizzie has a health issue.  The couple takes the matter in stride, and I like how everyone rallies around to help them.  We watch the families grow and adapt as the years pass by.  The Daughters of Victory Street is a heartwarming saga with laughter, courage, grief, perseverance, disappointment, hope, and most of all- love.

The Daughters of Victory Street is available from Amazon*.  The Bryant Sisters consists of The Girls of Victory Street, Wedding Bells on Victory Street, and The Mothers of Victory Street (all of them can be borrowed through Kindle Unlimited).  You can find Pam Howes other historical novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I hope that I have helped you to find a new book and/or author.  I will return on January 19 with Spirits and Sourdough by Bailey Cates.  It is the tenth A Magical Bakery Mystery.  May you have cheery day.  Take care, stay safe, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The War Girls of Goodwill House by Fenella J. Miller

 The War Girls of Goodwill House

About the Book

Lady Joanna Harcourt and her daughter Sarah discover their life of luxury at Goodwill House is over. Because with Lord Harcourt away fighting, the Harcourt girls are facing financial ruin.

Lady Joanna is terrified of losing their home, but for Sarah, this means her dreams of becoming a doctor are over. Headstrong Sarah isn’t one to quit! War or not, she’s determined to find a way to save her home and follow her dreams– whatever it takes!

Dashing RAF officer Angus Trent might just save the day. The new RAF base at Marston will soon be full of young women all hoping to serve their country, and Goodwill House will make the perfect home for them. But can Sarah convince Lady Joanna to agree to her plan?

Angus has never met a woman quite like Sarah – courageous, brave, unwavering. She has a huge task ahead of her, but if anyone can do it, his war girl can.

About the Author

Fenella J. Miller is the bestselling writer of eighteen historical sagas. She also has a passion for Regency romantic adventures and has published over fifty to great acclaim. Her father was a Yorkshireman and her mother the daughter of a Rajah. She lives in a small village in Essex with her British Shorthair cat.

Social Media Links

Facebook   https://www.facebook.com/fenella.miller/

Twitter   https://twitter.com/fenellawriter

My Thoughts

The War Girls of Goodwill House by Fenella J. Miller is an engaging historical novel.  I started reading this story and I was quickly engrossed.  We travel to Goodwill House in Stodham, Kent, England in January of 1940.  It is bitterly cold inside the large and drafty Goodwill House.  Lady Joanna Harcourt and her daughter, Sarah are on their own with Lord David Harcourt away fighting in France.  David only left Joanna with postal orders to handle the household finances since he was sure the war would be over in a few months.  When Sarah answers a call from Flight Lieutenant Angus Trent asking if they could house some incoming WAAFs, she quickly agrees.  This is the solution to their problem.  The pay for boarding the WAAFs will give them some much needed income.  When Sarah first meets Angus, she is put off by his attitude.  But after a couple of encounters, Sarah finds herself looking forward to spending time with the pilot.  What does the future hold for Joanna, Sarah, and Angus?  I enjoyed reading The War Girls of Goodwill House.  It is well-written with developed, realistic characters.  I liked Sarah who is seventeen and very grown up for her age.  For the first time, Joanna and Sarah are out from under the overbearing and smothering thumb of David.  With a lack of funds, they need to find a way to earn money.  They have a large drafty house (colder inside than outside) and an RAF base nearby.  It was the perfect arrangement to take in boarders.  Joanna was having to learn a whole new set of skills so she could help manage the house.  Sarah is a capable young lady who wants to become a doctor.  She was accepted at Oxford, but it looks like that will not be possible without the proper funds.  Sarah is a resourceful woman who works to find a way to achieve her objectives.  I enjoyed the authors descriptions of the area, the base, and Goodwill House.  I could envision the places from the author’s word imagery, and I could feel the cold conditions the characters were experiencing.  I thought the author captured the time period.  The War Girls of Goodwill House is a spiffy novel.  I was sorry when I reached the end of the book.  I cannot wait to return to Goodwill House in the next book.  The War Girls of Goodwill House is a captivating tale with a plucky pilot, a deficiency of funds, a polar parlor, helpful houseguests, biting blizzards, a crashed car, and a prospective physician.  

The War Girls of Goodwill House is available from Amazon*.  The next novel in Goodwill House series is New Recruits at Goodwill House which publishes April 7.  You can find Fenella J. Miller's other novels here.  Many of her novels are available with Kindle Unlimited.  Thank you for joining me today.  Tomorrow I am featuring The Daughters of Victory Street by Pam Howes.  It is the 4th novel in The Bryant Sisters series.  I do hope that you have cheerful day.  Take care, stay safe, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Bake, Borrow, and Steal by Ellie Alexander

Bake, Borrow, and Steal

 Book Summary

As the autumnal hues of November fall over the Shakespearean hamlet of Ashland, Oregon, Jules and her team at Torte are working on their biggest event ever. They’ve been invited to create chocolate showpieces for the gala opening of a new exhibit, Shakespeare’s Lost Pages at SOMA. The museum, located on the campus of Southern Oregon University, is getting ready to unveil the Bard’s lost manuscript, Double Falsehood, which is being touted as the greatest artistic discovery of modern times. In addition to molding luscious, silky chocolate into magnificent structures, Torte will be serving an authentic Elizabethan feast straight from the pages of a sixteenth century cookbook featuring Lardy cakes, Frangipane tarts, and jellies with chestnut cream.

Jules has underestimated the amount of work required to pull off such a culinary feat. She finds herself in the strange position of feeling frazzled and stressed as the day of the gala approaches. However, her team rallies around her and once the massive works of chocolate art are safely installed at the museum, she can finally let out a sigh of relief and revel in the excitement of the grand celebration. But her relief is short-lived. Right before the unveiling, news quickly begins to spread that Shakespeare’s lost manuscript is missing. Not only that, but the security guard tasked with keeping the priceless artifact safe has been killed. Is this a case of a heist gone terribly wrong? Or could it be that a killer is lurking in the museum archives?

My Thoughts

Bake, Borrow, and Steal by Ellie Alexander has Jules Capshaw and the Torte team working to create Shakespearean treats for a gala.  SOMA will be hosting a new exhibit titled Shakespeare’s Lost Pages which will feature the Bard’s lost manuscript, Double Falsehood.  Jules is creating a stunning chocolate centerpiece for the event and Torte will provide treats authentic to the time period.  Just before the unveiling of Double Falsehood--it disappears, and the laidback security guard charged with safeguarding it is murdered.  The museum needed this exhibit, or it could cease to exist.  Jules and Lance set out to bag the villain who committed these dastardly deeds so the museum can regain its reputation and host a new unveiling.  Bake, Borrow, and Steal is the fourteenth A Bakeshop Mystery.  Each book in the series can be read as a standalone.  However, I recommend reading them in order so you can watch Jules come into her own and watch the other characters grow as well.  I like Ellie Alexander’s casual writing style.  It makes the story easy to read.  There is a great cast of characters that includes Jules, Carlos, Sterling, Thomas, The Professor, Andy, and so many more.  Torte has a great staff who create delectable delights.  Lance is an over-the-top character.  He adds humor to the story with his antics.  The mystery was well-plotted, but it was a cinch to solve.  I knew who would commit the crime before it occurred.  I also suspected where the lost manuscript was hidden.  I would like to see this author make the mysteries more complex.  I would love to be stumped. There is misdirection to send readers down the wrong snow-covered path.  It all wrapped up nicely at the end.  Bake, Borrow, and Steal has a sweet ending.  The detailed descriptions of Torte’s tempting treats will have you heading to your local bakery.  I enjoyed reading about the construction of the chocolate desk and chair.  It is not easy to make that type of item out of chocolate.  Bake, Borrow, and Steal was an enjoyable cozy mystery to read.   I like seeing how the lives of the various characters have changed since the beginning as well as Torte.  The business continues to expand under Jules leadership.  Bake, Borrow, and Steal is a sweet story with scrumptious pastries, a missing manuscript, a chocolate conundrum, a security guard who is a goner, a zealous Lance, a bothersome board member, and a thoughtful Thanksgiving. 

Bake, Borrow, and Steal is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other thirteen A Bakeshop Mysteries here.  Meet Your Baker and A Batter of Life & Death (first two books in A Bakeshop Mysteries) are available on Kindle Unlimited.  Check out Ellie Alexander's A Sloane Kraus Mystery series (first two books available on Kindle Unlimited).   I appreciate you joining me today.  I will return on Monday with The War Girls of Goodwill House by Fenella J. Miller.   I hope that you have a relaxing weekend.  Take care, stay safe, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nursing Her Amish Neighbor by Marta Perry: Review and Excerpt!

 Nursing Her Amish Neighbor

Book Summary

Healing his physical wounds is just the beginning…

Seeking a break from her nursing duties, Miriam Stoltzfus returns home to Lost Creek—and encounters her most difficult patient yet. Her childhood neighbor, Matthew King, is suffering after an accident left him injured and his younger brother dead. But he doesn’t want anyone’s help. Can Miriam guide him through his grief to prove he’s still the strong, confident man she remembers?

About the Author

Marta Perry realized she wanted to be a writer at age eight, when she read her first Nancy Drew novel. A lifetime spent in rural Pennsylvania and her own Pennsylvania Dutch roots led Marta to the books she writes now about the Amish. When she’s not writing, Marta is active in the life of her church and enjoys traveling and spending time with her three children and six beautiful grandchildren. Visit her online at www.martaperry.com.

My Thoughts

Miriam Stoltzfus returns home after caring for a patient in Ohio and is looking forward to spending time with her mother.  Miriam needs a break after taking care of her last patient and the incident.  But then Miriam is approached by Abel King asking for her assistance with his son, Matthew.  Matthew was in a devastating accident that has cost him his ability to walk and his brother.  He has spent the time since the accident in bed and only doing minimal rehabilitation.  Miriam will need patience as well as tenacity.  As Miriam works with Matthew to get him on the road to recovery.  The more time she spends with him, the more Miriam begins to care.  Will Matthew consider a future with Miriam?  

Nursing Her Amish Neighbor by Marta Perry is the sixth book in the Brides of Lost Creek series.  Each book in the series can be read as a standalone.  I enjoyed this engaging Amish novel.  I thought it was well-written and the story moved along at a good pace.  There are good, developed characters in this story.  I enjoyed getting to know Miriam, Matthew, and their families.  Miriam’s household is lively thanks to her siblings.  She has a thoughtful and caring mother who dispenses wise advice.  Nursing Her Amish Neighbor is a character driven story.  The author captured the Amish culture with their rules and traditions.   I appreciated that this was not a story where everything is rosy.  We get a realistic view of life among the Amish.  Matthew’s family lost one son and the other son is angry (bitter).  The King family needs Miriam to come in and help not only Matthew, but the whole family.  The themes in this story are forgiveness, healing, family, and hope.  While the story does have some predictability, it did not diminish my reading pleasure.  The ending will leave readers smiling.  I can always count on Marta Perry to provide me with a diverting and satisfying tale.  Nursing Her Amish Neighbor is an inspiring Amish story that will ensure you have a messy house because you will become immersed in this story and completely forget about your household tasks.  

Excerpt

“It takes time to come bac

k from lying in bed,” Miriam said, as if she knew his thoughts. “I’ve heard a therapist say a week of exercise for every day in bed.” She’d moved closer, and as he tried again, she put her hand on the middle of his back, pressing.

He could feel how much easier that made it to pull up. And he could also feel the shape of her palm and the warmth of her skin through the thin cotton of his nightshirt. He looked at her, feeling that awareness move between them.

“Here, let me help.” Betsy charged in, inserting her­self between him and Miriam.

Jealous? He couldn’t be sure.

“That’s right.” Miriam, unruffled, moved Betsy’s hand slightly. “Good. Now don’t push. Just use your hand for a little extra support. We want his muscles to work but not strain.”

“Yah, I see. I can feel it.” Betsy sounded pleased, her antagonism slipping away.

With the two of them behind him, he couldn’t see either of their faces. But he didn’t like the idea of them ganging up on him.

“Betsy, do we have any lemonade?”

“I don’t think so. Do you want some? I can make it.” All her eagerness to please him rushed back.

“We could all use some after we finish here, ain’t so? Why don’t you make a pitcher?”

“Right away.” She hurried off.

“Don’t worry about it.” Miriam seemed amused. “She’s still your willing servant.”

“That wasn’t the idea,” he said stiffly, his temper flaring that she could read him so easily. “In case you haven’t noticed, it makes her happy to do things for me.”

“I noticed.” She looped the handles back up over the bar and pulled down a pair of stretchy bands. “As long as she’s helping you to get stronger, I don’t object.”

“Stronger.” He almost spat out the word. “Stronger for what? None of this is going to do any good. It’s use­less. I can’t be the person I was.”

She seemed unaffected by his anger. “We’ll never know that if you don’t try, will we?”

He glared at her for a long moment as

He glared at her for a long moment as a thought formed in his mind. He turned it over, looking at it from all angles. Would it work?

“I’ll tell you what,” he said. “I’ll make a deal with you.”

“What kind of a deal?” Miriam’s expression was cautious.

“I promise to do everything you say…to try my hardest…for a month. If I’m not much better by then, you agree to quit.”

Miriam stood very still, considering before she spoke. “I can’t speak for Tim. Just for myself.”

“Yah. Just for yourself.”

“Who’s going to decide whether or not you’re much better?” she said. “You?”

His jaw hardened. She wasn’t going to make this easy.

“No,” he said abruptly. “How about… Betsy?”

Her lips twitched. “Don’t you think Betsy has her own reasons for wanting to be rid of me?”

He raised one eyebrow, a gesture that used to attract the girls. “If you’re really making progress, you’ll have won her over by then. What’s wrong? Don’t you have any confidence in your work?”

She seemed to wince at that. After a long moment, she nodded. “All right. It’s a deal.”

Nursing Her Amish Neighbor is available from Amazon*, Barnes & Noble, and Harlequin.  Check out the other novels in the Brides of Lost Creek series.  You can find Marta Perry's other novels here.  Thank you for visiting today and reading my review.  Tomorrow I am featuring Bake, Borrow, and Steal by Ellie Alexander.  It is the 14th A Bakeshop Mystery.  I hope that your day is filled with joy.  I am off to spackle holes around the house.  I am prepping the walls for painting.  It is going to take me a long time, but I am going to get the walls painted (the shyster we hired only did the ceilings and then departed to never be seen again).  The trim and doors is another matter (it will all get done by the end of the year--I promised).  Wish me luck!  Take care of yourself, stay safe, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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