The Great Amish Baking Battle by Debra Torres

 The Great Amish Baking Battle

Book Summary

Juggling four jobs and a teetering homelife, Sadie Beiler, Amish baking columnist for the Buggy Crossing newspaper, already lives at breakneck speed.

But the pressure intensifies when her boss and owner of the Apple Blossom Inn shares a blockbuster announcement with the press before consulting Sadie.

"It's going to be big!" announces Mrs. Eloise Sorensen to the Mountain Laurel Star news team.

But "big" means even more crushing anxiety for Sadie, who secretly struggles to keep her panic attacks at bay.

Jubal King, maintenance man at the Apple Blossom Inn, knows how to fix broken-down appliances and assist with a leaking septic system, but when it comes to Sadie Beiler, he finds himself scratching his head more times than not. What is it about her that keeps him working at a job that he desperately wants to leave?

Can Sadie rise above her fears and step into something as exciting as it is fearsome? And will a budding romance with Jubal King help or hinder her harrowing journey to self-discovery?

Love “can’t put it down” Amish books? Book Two in the Amish of Newspapers of Mercer County series will have you reading till morning!

My Thoughts

The Great Amish Baking Battle by Debra Torres is a sweet story with an inspiring message.  Sadie finds herself overwhelmed with her various jobs as well as helping her family.  When her boss at the Apple Blossom Inn adds a baking competition to her load, it becomes too much for the eighteen-year-old especially with the anniversary of her mother’s death fast approaching.  I felt for Sadie who has so much on her young shoulders.  I recognized the factors contributing to her anxiety and recurrent panic attacks and found the author's depiction of these experiences to be thorough and accurate. 

However, I did experience some frustration with Sadie’s reluctance to accept assistance from those offering support.  Sadie will need to lean on God when she becomes anxious, overwhelmed, or full of grief, and He will help her through the difficult moments. The dessert descriptions will have your mouth watering for a bite.  There is a touch of romance as well.  I hope Sadie gets her happily ever after in the future.  The Great Amish Baking Battle a tasty tale with a crowded household, columns to create, nerve racking videos, a cousin’s contract, a baking battle, helpful hikes, and finding a way forward.

The Great Amish Baking Battle is available from Amazon* (digital and paperback). The first book in Amish Newspapers of Mercer County series is Amish Home Remedy for the Heart.  Debra Torres has Hannah’s December Gift coming out on November 24. It is the twelfth book in An Amish Romance Birthday Series.  You can find Debra Torres' other novels here. 

Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return tomorrow, February 4 with Katie's Amish Journey of Hope by Tracey Fredrychowski.  It was such a cold weekend (I slept with three blankets plus my electric blanket).  We will have one semi-warm day this week before the next cold front rolls in (brrrrr).  May warm days be in our future! I hope that you have an uplifting 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.

A Spirited Supper at Dundoon Castle by Darci Hannah

 A Spirited Supper at 

DUNDOON CASTLE

Book Summary

When chef Bridget “Bunny” MacBride got a role on the reality show Food & Spirits, she thought “spirits” meant cocktails. Instead, she’s cooking up dinners meant to tempt the departed to appear. And to her surprise, she’s discovered abilities to connect with the beyond—and crack murder cases . . .

Now that Bunny’s entrées come with a side of the Other Side, it comes in handy to have a grandma who’s friendly with the elderly owners of a haunted Scottish castle. During Bunny’s childhood she heard all about Dundoon’s bloody history and the “ghostly piper” who roamed the grounds—and soon she’ll be visiting the ancient place with her ghost hunter and psychic co-stars. The annual bagpipe competition in the late piper’s honor will make for some good footage as well.

After Bunny serves a feast fit for a 17th century king, including lamb chops with plenty of fresh herbs, she heads outdoors for the ghost hunt. But in the dark, dense fog, someone fatally plunges from the clifftop over the loch. The sound that follows is a mournful, otherworldly bagpipe . . . and once the body of another perished piper is retrieved, Bunny is determined to solve this Highlands homicide—and prevent a killer from getting off scot-free . . .

Includes Delicious Recipes!

World's Biggest Bagpipe Competition

My Thoughts

A Spirited Supper at Dundoon Castle by Darci Hannah is the second in A Food and Spirits Mystery series but works well as a standalone with provided background. The story reads smoothly, with leisurely pacing and vivid descriptions of Scotland, Bunny’s childhood home, and Dundoon Castle. The cliffs with the fog were eerie.  I wish more time had been spent inside the castle which had a creepy ambiance.  I liked the ghost stories and the ghostly atmosphere. I find it annoying that Bunny does not like being around ghosts.  I wish she would embrace her gift (like her grandmother).  

I love Bunny’s grandmother.  She is a hoot as well as helpful.  The mystery was interesting, but it was a snap to solve. I liked that Bunny’s grandmother and brother were involved. There were some parts of the investigation that were a tad farfetched (I rolled my eyes a number of times).  I wish there was less repetition and a snappier pace.  Bunny whipped up a mouthwatering meal that had the corporeal guests asking for seconds (recipes at the end of the book).   A Spirited Supper at Dundoon Castle is a misneachail tale with piper specter, a delicious meal, a bagpipe competition, wonderful whiskey, an eliminated judge, craggy cliffs, and reunifying with family.

A Spirited Supper at Dundoon Castle is available from Amazon*.  The first book in A Food and Spirits Mystery series is A Fatal Feast at Bramsford Manor.  You can find Darci Hannah's other novels here.  

Thank you for joining me today.  I will return on Tuesday, February 3 with The Great Amish Baking Battle by Debra Torres. It is the second book in the Amish Newspapers of Mercer County series.  It has been a very cold week.  I have exhausted my extreme cold weather wardrobe.  I will need to do some shopping before winter next year.  My mother employs a different approach.  She wears long flannel nightgowns (they go down to her feet) along with a matching sweater.  She keeps herself toasty by staying in bed.  She has a heated mattress pad (instead of an electric blanket) and Snoopy flannel sheets (plus a Sherpa lined blanket and a quilt). When my mother needs anything, she rings a bell (she is not budging unless it is absolutely necessary).  If I do not hear the bell, she uses a duck call (its loud). 

My cat, Dickens, has taken to sleeping on the cable box in my mother's room (makes it hard to change the channel).  I hope that you have a relaxing weekend.  I have a feeling that all of us will be staying indoors this weekend since another cold front is coming through (good reading weather).  Take care, stay warm (and safe), 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.

Target for Abduction by Virginia Vaughan

 Target for Abduction

Book Summary

The search for missing children

reveals a dangerous enemy.

Thwarting a kidnapping attempt places Sheriff Deena Thompson in the crosshairs of a child-abduction ring, and now they want her son—and want her dead. To track down the vanished children, she teams up with FBI agent John Pearson, who’s determined to make up for his rocky past…and unaware that he’s the father of her child. When their investigation uncovers a sinister cult bent on brainwashing their young victims, Deena and John know they need to close in fast. With danger coming from all sides and threats against their son escalating, they race to dismantle this menacing scheme…before more innocent lives are taken.

My Thoughts

Target for Abduction by Virginia Vaughan is a suspenseful story. The action began early and persisted. I enjoyed getting to know Sheriff Deena Thompson, FBI Agent John Pearson, and little Charlie.  The author effectively conveyed Deena and John's emotions.  I could imagine the shock Deena felt when she saw John.  I understood her hesitancy to tell John about their son.  The pair had obvious chemistry.  I liked the suspense, mystery, action, and underlying faith in the book. The ending wrapped up the story well.  Though Target for Abduction is the fourth Lone Star Defenders book, it works well as a standalone.   Target for Abduction is a tense tale with snatched children, a blast from the past, a startling revelation, blasting bullets, a crunched car, and time for the truth. 

Target for Abduction is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other novels in the Lone Star Defenders series here.  Check out Virginia Vaughan's other novels.  If you follow Virginia Vaughan on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I really appreciate it.  I will return tomorrow, January 29 with A Spirited Supper at Dundoon Castle by Dardi Hannah.  It is the second book in A Food and Spirits Mysteries. In case you were wondering about my mother and the appointment, we did not make it.  She said she was too sick to leave the house (she reminds me of my daughter when she went through the terrible two's that lasted until she was four).  I have rescheduled the appointment and I am hoping the weather will be warmer (it will give her one less excuse).  I hope that you are having merry 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. 

An Amish Widow's Hope by Pamela Desmond Wright

 An Amish Widow's Hope

Book Summary

Regrets from the past

could lead to a chance for redemption…

After a terrifying break-in, widowed dressmaker Isla Stohl finds herself leaning on town sheriff Evan Miller. Sixteen years ago, Evan chose a law enforcement career over her and their Texas Amish community, and now he’s determined to make amends. Evan vows to keep Isla and her two children safe, but old feelings begin to arise once more. As he’s drawn back to his heritage and faith, he must decide if he can leave behind the life he built for himself in the Englisch world for the woman he’s never been able to let go of.

My Thoughts

An Amish Widow’s Hope by Pamela Desmond Wright presents a thoughtfully crafted and encouraging narrative. The character development of Isla and Evan is well executed, with each facing distinct personal challenges. The portrayal of Isla drawing upon her faith to address the trauma of a break-in and theft is particularly notable. The depiction realistically reflects the difficulty individuals may experience in regaining a sense of security following such incidents.  I loved Aunt Hazel, Stewart the raccoon, and Hambone the pig (love the name).  The story explores themes such as hope, faith, redemption, love, family, mercy, and the concept of second chances. Additionally, the element of mystery was particularly engaging.  An Amish Widow’s Hope is a heartfelt tale with a bad break-in, cute kids, an animated aunt, a Hambone in the bedroom, grief and guilt, finding faith, and a second chance at romance. 

An Amish Widow’s Hope is available from Amazon* as well as other major booksellers.  Pamela Desmond Wright has Her Reluctant Amish Heart coming out July 28. You can find Pamela Desmond Wright's other novels here.  Thank you for dropping by today.  On Wednesday, January 28 I will be featuring Target for Abduction by Virginia Vaughan.  I am off to an appointment with my mother (hopefully--she has been trying to get out of it since yesterday) and then to stock up on provisions for the cold settles in tonight.  My new electric blanket arrived just in time.  It should not get down to freezing in Florida (my parents moved us to the Sunshine State to avoid this type of weather--I will need to remind myself of this in July)!  I hope that you have a delightful 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.

Death by Irish Coffee by Alex Erickson

Death by Irish Coffee

Book Summary

In Pine Hills, Ohio, the bars are hopping—and bodies are dropping—as bookstore-café owner Krissy Hancock gets drawn into a deadly St. Patrick’s Day mystery . . .

Krissy is ready to provide one of the essential ingredients for Irish coffee this St. Patrick’s Day—though without a liquor license, she’ll have to team up with a local bar owner to complete the recipe. It’s a perfect chance to distract herself from her upcoming wedding . . . and her worries about how her beloved cat will get along with his new canine stepsiblings.

As she doles out some much-needed caffeine the day after the festivities, she learns that the town is dealing with something worse than a hangover: homicide. Like many a reveler before him, the bar owner ended up green around the gills, but after he passed out, he never woke up. Now, between brewing, bookselling, and house-hunting, Krissy is reviewing a whole parade of suspects . . .

My Thoughts

Death by Irish Coffee by Alex Erickson has Pine Hills, Ohio celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.  The story is easy to read, with a relaxed pace and vivid descriptions that make the town feel real.  Pine Hills was certainly going all out for St. Patrick’s Day.  We get to meet the local bar owners which includes Bucky who Krissy was collaborating with for a St. Patrick’s coffee drink.  When Bucky ends up murdered, Krissy, of course, feels compelled to investigate.  Krissy runs around town asking questions.  The mystery is simple and easily solved before the reveal.  Krissy picks up three new employees along the way and considers buying her shop’s doppelganger from her rival in California.  Wedding planning and looking at homes for sale are worked in between sleuthing and working.  

Death by Irish Coffee is the fifteenth A Bookstore Café Mystery and it can be read as a standalone for those new to the series (or for those who may have missed a book or three along the way).  Death by Irish Coffee is a Éadromchroíoch cozy with a St. Patrick’s Day parade, a painful pinch, a dead bartender, house hunting, an injured father, nuptial planning, and a killer to catch. 

Death by Irish Coffee comes out January 27 and can be pre-ordered from Amazon*.  You can find the other A Bookstore Cafe Mysteries here.  You can find Alex Erickson's other novels here.  Thank you for dropping by today!  I am taking the rest of the week off.  My cold took a turn during the night.  I need to rest and get better (I do not want my mother to catch it).  I will be back on Tuesday, January 27 with An Amish Widow's Hope by Pamela Desmond Wright. 

Thankfully, it is warmer in Florida today. We get a couple of days of warm weather before the next cold front moves in. Did you know that it snowed in Florida on Sunday? The western panhandle of Florida briefly saw snow on Sunday morning when cold air rushed in behind a cold front turning the last rain showers into snowflakes.  I wish I could have seen it in person (I have not seen snow in person since I was eleven).  I hope that you have a joyful 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. 

A Very Novel Murder by Ellie Alexander

 A Very Novel Murder

Book Summary

Opening a detective agency above her beloved bookstore seems like the perfect business plan—until Annie Murray’s first case involves a suspicious death right on her doorstep.

June Munrow, an elderly resident of Annie’s home town, Redwood Grove, is convinced that young Kelly Taylor’s recent drowning wasn't the tragic accident everyone believes it to be. Despite the police ruling, June is determined to prove there’s more to the story and hires the Novel Detectives to uncover the truth.

As Annie delves into Kelly’s life, she discovers a tangled web of secrets involving Kelly’s complicated relationships, a peculiar landlord, and her mysterious roommate. Everyone connected to Kelly seems to be hiding something, and the deeper Annie digs, the more puzzling the case becomes.

With her trademark blend of curiosity and compassion, can Annie piece together the clues and solve her first official case—before she gets into deep water herself?

My Thoughts

A Very Novel Murder by Ellie Alexander is the first book in The Novel Detectives series.  It is a spin-off from A Secret Bookcase Mysteries. A Very Novel Murder works as a standalone, but reading the previous series gives more character background.  I found the story to be easy to read, and the main characters are likeable.  The book describes rooms, items, food, and clothes in great detail, and its pacing is leisurely.  First Annie and Fletcher have no business and then they have two cases to solve.  Novel Detectives is hired by June, the nosy neighbor on the block, to uncover the truth regarding the death of Kelly, an up-and-coming surfer.  June believes her friend was murdered and has even compiled a list of suspects for the duo.   

I liked this mystery.  It was not complicated, but it made me smile (if I told you why, I would spoil it for you).  Annie and Fletcher’s other case will require more time. Caroline asks them to investigate Hal’s ancestry.  Hal believes that he is related to Agatha Christie and Caroline has found an item that may reveal the truth.  Much like A Secret Bookcase Mysteries, I believe this whodunit will be revealed gradually across multiple books. I am curious to see how that storyline will play out.  My favorite quote from A Very Novel Murder is, “It just went to show you couldn’t judge a book by its cover, or a reader by the book.” 

A Very Novel Murder is available from Amazon*.  The next two books in The Novel Detectives Mystery series are  A Death in the Dark which comes out on April 21 and A Murder at the Mansion on July 21.  You can find A Secret Bookcase Mysteries here.  Ellie Alexander also wries A Bakeshop Mysteries and has The Whisking Hour coming out February 24.  You can find all of Ellie Alexander's novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return tomorrow which is Wednesday, January 21 with Death by Irish Coffee by Alex Erickson.  It is the 15th A Bookstore Cafe Mystery.  I am off to rest.  I caught a cold last week (I did not move fast enough to avoid it) and it is lingering (the cold weather is not helping).  Luckily, my mother has not caught it.  I hope that you have a delightful 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.

The Good Mothers by Caitlin Weaver

The Good Mothers

Book Summary

With an eight-year-old son struggling with ADHD and nowhere else to turn, soon-to-be-divorced mom Lacey answers a life-saving ad: “Seeking responsible single mom to join our household. Motherhood can be lonely and we support each other!”

When she arrives at Wildwood Lane she finds a ramshackle house with a welcoming bright yellow door and a wraparound porch with its cozy couch and scattered toys. And inside, three mothers who have forged their own rules for survival.

As Lacey battles her conspiracy-theorist ex-husband for custody while juggling a new, make-or-break job, she discovers these women offer more than shared childcare, communal dinners and late nights bonding over wine after the kids’ bedtime. They're building something revolutionary: a chosen family where women don’t just survive—they thrive.

But when her enigmatic housemate comes up with a risky plan that could secure her financially and protect her son’s future, she faces an impossible choice: How far will she go to protect the family she’s found?

A fierce, tender novel about how sometimes women have to break the rules to build the life they really want. Perfect for readers who loved Big Little Lies and All They Need to Know.

My Thoughts

The Good Mothers by Caitlin Weaver portrays men and women in a bad light.  In the beginning, I felt for Lacey who is trying to protect her son from her husband.  Lacey’s son has been diagnosed with ADHD and needs medication, but her conspiracy theorist husband does not agree.  Thus ensues a bitter divorce and custody battle.  Every evening the four women residing in the “mommune” sit around the kitchen table drinking copious amounts of wine while complaining about men.  I did not like the methods the women employed to get ahead.  The men in the story with the exception are portrayed in a bad light.  

Lacey’s husband is awful and I do not blame Lacey for being nervous about him gaining custody of their sensitive son.  I found myself shaking my head and rolling my eyes over the actions taken by the women.  The ladies condemn the men for their action, but they felt it was okay to “break a few rules (they stomped on the rules).”   Breaking the rules and violence are never the answer.  I thought Lacey would have learned her lesson after the truck incident.  The ending was expected.  I did not feel that the story lived up to the blurb.

The Good Mothers is available from Amazon*.  If you are a member of Kindle Unlimited, you can read it for free.  While The Good Mothers was not my cup of tea, I suggest you download a sample to see if it suits you.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will be back on Tuesday, January 20 with A Very Novel Murder by Ellie Alexander. It is the first A Novels Detective Mystery. I hope that you have a wonderful weekend.  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.

Detecting Deadly Threats by Carol J. Post

 Detecting Deadly Threats

Book Summary

With ruthless criminals closing in, this K-9 is on a mission to defend.

Amateur photographer Lauren Hollander narrowly escapes a kidnapping attempt—moments before a disastrous earthquake rocks her small town, destroying her store. She’s saved from the rubble by Zachery Kimball and his search and rescue K-9, Ranger. Someone is determined to get to Lauren—but who, and why? Is it tied to her brother’s criminal past? Or are the culprits after the pictures on her camera? Under Zach and Ranger’s protection, Lauren races to discover the truth behind all the attacks. But as the danger escalates, can they survive long enough to untangle the mystery that’s putting their lives on the line?

My Thoughts

Detecting Deadly Threats by Carol J. Post is a compelling narrative.  I liked the characters especially Zach’s nephew, William, and his dog, Ranger.  I felt for Lauren who seemed to suffer one loss after another.  It is a lively story with drama, suspense, and action.  I liked the fast pace which had me quickly flipping the pages.  I could not wait to discover who was after Lauren and why.  I liked the epilogue which nicely wrapped up the book.  Detecting Deadly Threats is the sixteenth book in the  K-9 Search and Rescue series.  It can be read as a standalone like all the books in the series.  Detecting Deadly Threats is a fastmoving story with masked men, a quivering earthquake, a tumbling building, a clever canine, blasting bullets, and a tire rasper threat. 

Detecting Deadly Threats is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other K-9 Search and Rescue novels here.   Carol J. Post has Witness Safeguard Mission coming out April 28. It is the fourth book in the Canine Defense series.  You can find Carol J. Post's other books here.  Thank you for dropping by today.  Are you keeping warm?  I was talking to my neighbor's about their cold weather wardrobe.  I was curious to see if they were prepared for this cold snap or only had an outfit or two like me.  It turns out that they only have a couple of outfits for when the weather turns frigid (in the 50s during the day is what we consider frigid).  Everyone has an electric throw to use while watching television or reading in the living room. 

I will be sharing my thoughts on The Good Mothers by Caitlin Weaver on Thursday, January 15.  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.