Scent of Peril by Darlene L. Turner

Scent of Peril

Book Summary

An innocent witness taken…
A K-9 in hot pursuit.

Dispatched with her K-9 partner, Shadow, to locate an abducted boy, Constable Taylor Grant finds herself ambushed in the wilderness along with Wyatt Hoyt, the child’s father. As Taylor and Wyatt relentlessly pursue the kidnappers and follow the little boy’s cryptic clues through treacherous terrain, they face persistent attacks and lethal traps. Each step closer to rescuing young Levi uncovers a deadly conspiracy tied to Wyatt’s past and a weapons-smuggling ring. With time running out, can they outwit a ruthless mastermind to save Levi before it’s too late?

My Thoughts

Scent of Peril by Darlene L. Turner is an action-packed, suspenseful story that pulled me in right away. The danger starts at the beginning and doesn’t let up, which kept me turning the pages. The villains are relentless, so Wyatt and Taylor are always on their toes. I also loved Taylor’s K-9, Shadow, who is such an important part of the story. As Taylor and Wyatt search for Wyatt’s son, Levi, they also have to deal with the feelings they still have for each other. There’s plenty of chemistry between them, but they need to work through the reason for their breakup before they can move forward.

I thought the story was well written, with strong characters and fast pacing. I had a feeling about Ridge’s identity, so I was eager to see if I was right. Faith is woven throughout the story, and even though this is the third National Park Protectors novel, it can definitely be read on its own. Overall, it’s a gripping story with an uplifting ending.

Scent of Peril is available from Amazon and other major booksellers (Barnes & Noble, Walmart, BAM, Kobo).  The first two books in the National Park Protectors series are Danger in the Wilderness and Trail of Mountain Secrets. You can find Darlene L. Turner's other novels here.  

Other books out today are Survival in the Mountains by Carrie Stuart Parks, A Refuge in Montana by Allie Pleiter, The Sheriff's Secret Past by Tina Radcliffe, My Nightmare is Yours by Diane Vallere, Danger in the Rockies by Terri Reed, The Lake House by Lori Foster, and The Final Target by Nora Roberts. There is something for everyone.  I will be sharing my thoughts on The Final Target by Nora Roberts on Wednesday, May 27.  I am heading out to the screened porch to clean.  We have had heavy rains for the last few days which led to our screened porch and carport to flood (lots of debris to clean up). I am glad that I had the foresight to roll up the rug on the screened porch. The rain is welcome, though, after months of drought.  I hope that you have a terrific 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. 

Masher of Ceremonies by Victoria Hamilton

 Masher of Ceremonies

Book Summary

A fundraiser for the local historical society nearly goes bust when someone fills the coffers with blackmail and murder . . .

The annual Tea With the Queen fundraiser always makes for a festive weekend in Queensville, drawing visitors from far and wide and giving local shops a welcome boost. This year, vintage kitchenware collector Jaymie Müller is running the event, and she’s got her hands full organizing old and new volunteers along with a surly catering crew. Then her master of ceremonies tells her he’s being blackmailed but can’t go to the police, and before Jaymie can sort that out she stumbles over a dead body at the tea.

Despite the demands of keeping the event up and running, Jaymie can’t help puzzling over the murder. There’s no concrete evidence linking the cretin behind the blackmail scheme to the dead body, so she begins questioning everyone connected to the blackmail, hoping to expose the killer. And just as she discovers a web of relationships that leads her to the culprit, she realizes that the Tea With the Queen may have been a royal pain, but outwitting a blackmailer and catching a killer may be the death of her . . .

My Thoughts

Masher of Ceremonies by Victoria Hamilton is the latest A Vintage Kitchen Mystery. Because the cast and backstory build over time, it’s best to read this series in order. Jaymie has her hands full with opening a new store and organizing the annual Tea with the Queen event. If the tea is not successful, it will be discontinued, much to Jaymie’s dismay. There’s a lot happening in this story, and it never slows down. The whodunit was entertaining and fun to solve. I enjoyed hearing about the vintage kitchenware items. I wish Jakob and Jocie had a bigger presence; it felt like Hoppy got more page than Jaymie’s husband and daughter. I like the cast of quirky characters—they keep things time lively. The author weaves family drama, blackmail, murder, secrets, a store opening, and a grand tea event into a charming cozy mystery. Masher of Ceremonies pairs perfectly with a cuppa and a scrumptious scone.

Masher of Ceremonies can be obtained from Amazon along with the other novels in A Vintage Kitchen Mysteries.  You can find Victoria Hamilton's other novels here and you can follow her as well (and they will send you an email when she has a new book release). Thank you for joining me this week.  On Tuesday, May 26, I will be featuring Scent of Peril by Darlene L. Turner.  I am off to rest because I hurt my back yesterday.  I have learned that I can not bend over and see under the car any longer (an abandoned cat was under the car).  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.

The Island Bakeshop by Roseanna M. White

 The Island Bakeshop

Book Summary

Come back to the sun-drenched shores of the Outer Banks and immerse yourself in another exciting and inspiring tale from Roseanna M. White, The Island Bakeshop. This dual-timeline, clean romance will have you reading late into the night to find out what happens next.

In this uplifting story of hope and renewal, you’ll meet Harper Dailey, who returns to Avon, North Carolina, so she can help run the family business, Sunshine Bakery, after her father’s heart attack. Suddenly, her thriving career at an upscale Savannah bakery is behind her, as is her rocky relationship with her ex-boyfriend—that is, until he shows up in Avon, letting her know he now owns the building the shop is in, and he may not renew the lease.

For Beckett Mills, Avon is a quiet refuge after his eight years of active service in the Navy. He works as hard at keeping folks at arm’s length as he does at running his fishing charter business. His plan for distancing himself from others works well until the fateful day he enters the bakery and sees a beautiful Harper being harassed by her ex-boyfriend. Suddenly, he casts his fears aside and steps in to save the day.

Harper and Beckett have no intentions of beginning a romance, but when the pasts they are running from collide, they know it’s not just a coincidence that they have ended up here at the same time. God has placed them together for a reason. Can Beckett let go of the worries that haunt him and welcome Harper into his life? Will Harper realize she can face any challenge with God—and just maybe Beckett—by her side? Don’t miss this faith-filled story of hope, courage, and the grace to begin anew.

My Thoughts

The Island Bakeshop by Roseanna M. White is a delightful, heartfelt story that transports readers to Avon, North Carolina. I loved the author’s descriptive writing style, which vividly brought both the setting and the characters to life. The historical chapters blended beautifully with the main storyline and added extra depth to an already charming novel. Harper and Beck were absolutely wonderful together, and I thought they were perfect for each other. Their banter was fun and engaging, and I especially loved the nicknames they came up with for one another. There is also a terrific cast of secondary characters, including Kennedy and Lara from The Island Bookshop, the first book in The Island Shop series. It was such a treat to catch up with Lara, Kennedy, and their friends. 

A subtle thread of faith runs through the story, and there is just the right touch of mystery to keep things even more interesting. Roseanna M. White skillfully weaves romance, drama, mystery, and faith into an engaging, well-paced story that kept me eagerly turning the pages. The Island Bakeshop can definitely be read as a standalone. I finished this book with a smile on my face and a craving for ginger fairings.

The Island Bakeshop can be obtained from Amazon along with The Island Bookshop. Both books can be read for free if you belong to Kindle Unlimited.  You can find Roseanna M. White's other novels here. Thank you for popping by today.  

I will return on Thursday, May 21 with Masher of Ceremonies by Victoria Hamilton. It is the latest A Vintage Kitchen Mystery.  I am off to clean up our porch. It poured last night (a deluge) and our screened porch flooded.  I will not need to water my garden for several days which is helpful since we are experiencing a drought.  I hope that you have a cheerful 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.

Chase the Light by Suzanne Woods Fisher

 Chase the Light

About the Book

Book: Chase the Light National Parks Summers 

Series:  National Parks Summers (Book 2. It can be read as a stand alone.)

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Contemporary

Release Date: May 5, 2026

When Acadia National Park ranger Scout Johnson discovers a weathered note near a remote lighthouse, she never imagines it will expose a century-old mystery. The cryptic message points to a forgotten shipwreck, a vanished treasure, and a lighthouse keeper’s suspicious death. Seeking answers, Scout enlists Naki Dana, a thoughtful man whose Penobscot heritage provides crucial insights. As they venture deeper into Acadia’s rugged wilderness, their unlikely partnership begins stirring feelings Scout didn’t expect to find. But they aren’t the only ones searching.

Chase Fletcher, a charming local journalist, sees this treasure hunt as his last opportunity to save his failing paper–and finds himself increasingly drawn to the ranger leading the search. With pressure mounting and loyalties tested, Scout must navigate a winding path between history and justice, truth and betrayal . . . and determine who–and what–deserves her trust.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Suzanne Woods Fisher is a bestselling author, Christy finalist, Carol and Selah winner, and two-time ECPA Book of the Year finalist, with over forty books to her name. She writes contemporary, historical and Amish novels. Suzanne lives in California with her husband, where life (and friends) inspire her stories.

More from Suzanne

If a trip to Acadia National Park isn’t already on your bucket list, it should be—and when you go, don’t miss warm popovers on the lawn at the iconic Jordan Pond House.

The Unofficial-but-Close-Enough Jordan Pond Popover Recipe*

Back in 1895, Nellie and Thomas McIntire bought a Maine farmhouse overlooking the clear waters of Jordan Pond. On their wide green lawn, they served tea and towering popovers to well-to-do summer travelers. In 1928, J. D. Rockefeller purchased the land and later donated it to Acadia National Park. The lawn remains. The view remains. And the popovers? Still iconic.

While the original recipe is famously guarded, this version comes deliciously close.

Makes 6–8 large popovers.

What You’ll Need

• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• Pinch of baking soda
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Let’s Make Them

1. Start with a hot oven (and a hot pan).
   Preheat your oven to 425°–450°F. Place your popover pan (or a muffin tin) in the oven while it heats.
2. Whisk the batter.
   Beat the eggs for about 2–3 minutes until slightly frothy. Slowly pour in the milk, then add the flour, salt, and baking soda. Mix just until combined. The batter should be smooth but not overworked.
3. Fill the cups.
   Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven and grease it generously with butter or spray. Pour the batter into each cup, filling them about halfway to three-quarters full.
4. Bake.
   Bake at 425°–450°F for 15 minutes. Then, without opening the oven door, reduce the temperature to 350°F and bake another 15–20 minutes. The high heat creates the lift; the lower heat helps them set inside.
5. Resist the urge to peek.
   Do not open the oven door while they bake. The steam inside is what makes them puff and keeps them tall.

Serve immediately with plenty of butter and strawberry jam.

A Few Tips for Sky-High Popovers

• Room temperature matters. Cold eggs or milk will slow the rise. Let them sit out a bit before mixing.
• Heat is your friend. A properly preheated pan jump-starts the puff.
• No peeking. Steam is everything here. Let the oven do its work.

*Recipe adapted from Weston Table.

My Thoughts

Chase the Light by Suzanne Woods Fisher transported me to Acadia National Park.  I like the author’s friendly writing style.  I appreciated the list of characters at the beginning of the book (a good reference).  I love Maisie who is fifteen years old and has a crush on self-centered and dull-witted, Frankie.   Maisie is in for a learning experience and maybe a little excitement.  The story features a treasure hunt, saving a newspaper, romantic interests, family drama with a shocking secret, and several other mysteries.  I felt for Scout Johnson who was endowed with an unsuitable name and a Southern mother who was determined to interfere in her life.  I wish Scout’s reaction to the tall and handsome, Naki Dana had been more mature instead of on par with Maisie’s crush on Frankie.  Chase the Light is the second National Parks Summers novel, and it can be read on its own.  The ending of Chase the Light left me smiling.  

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!  Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below (or here) to enter.

 Chase the Light Celebration Tour Giveaway

Chase the Light is available from Amazon.  The first a National Park Summers novel is Capture the Moment.  Suzanne Woods Fisher has A Plain Confession coming out October 20.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will be sharing my thoughts on The Island Bakeshop by Roseanna M. White on Wednesday, May 20.  It is the second book in The Island Shop series.  I hope that you will have a positive day.  Don't forget to enter the giveaway.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 16

Lyssa Loves Books, May 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 17

Texas Book-aholic, May 18

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, May 19

The Avid Reader, May 19

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 20

Lakesidelivingsite, May 20

For Him and My Family, May 21

Holly’s Book Corner, May 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 22

EmpowerMoms, May 23

Pause for Tales, May 23

Blogging With Carol, May 24

Lily’s Corner, May 25

Devoted To Hope, May 25

She Lives to Read, May 26

Life on Chickadee Lane, May 27

Cover Lover Book Review, May 27

Simple Harvest Reads, May 28 (Guest Review from Donna)

Lights in a Dark World, May 28

Wishful Endings, May 29

Mary Hake, May 29

Do you have ORD?

*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.

The Island Bookshop by Roseanna M. White

The Island Bookshop

Book Summary

When Kennedy Marshall sets off for a prestigious career in the city, she leaves behind the sunlit shores of North Carolina’s Outer Banks—and runs from a love she believes she can never have. With her sister, Lara, managing their grandmother’s beloved island bookshop, Kennedy feels confident she’s escaped the past. But when Lara is suddenly injured, Kennedy is drawn back into the island’s warm embrace—and bittersweet memories she thought she’d buried forever.

For Wes Armstrong, the Outer Banks is more than home—it’s his anchor. Building a successful family business was supposed to bring stability, but life has been anything but steady since his wife’s passing. Haunted by past regrets and facing a life-changing decision, Wes is determined to make the right choice for his family’s future. Yet Kennedy’s unexpected return stirs up old emotions and mistakes he thought he’d put to rest.

As hidden family secrets surface and long-buried truths come to light, Kennedy and Wes must navigate the delicate tides of forgiveness, second chances, and the unspoken love that still lingers between them. Can they find the courage to rewrite their story and create a new future on the island’s shifting sands?

Perfect for fans of clean, wholesome romance and gentle mysteries, The Island Bookshop is a heartwarming story of love, family, and the enduring power of second chances.

My Thoughts

The Island Bookshop by Roseanna M. White is a delightful diversion.  I like the author’s descriptive writing style which brought the setting and characters to life.   I was surprised by the historical chapters, but they were a great addition. The letters give the sisters a glimpse into the past as well as a teentsy mystery.  Those chapters added another layer to the story, and I like how everything tied together. The sister’s strong relationship added to the story.   I loved the sister’s charming bookstore. I enjoyed the references to some of my favorite childhood books.  The romance was sweet, especially with it being centered around the bookstore which is brimming with  books. I found the authenticating of old books to be fascinating. Faith is beautifully woven into the story.  The Island Bookshop made me want to hop into my car and head to the Outer Banks.

The Island Bookshop is available from Amazon.  The next book in The Island Shop series is The Island Bakeshop which comes out May 19.  If you follow Roseanna M. White on Amazon, they will notify you when she has a new book release.  Thank you for joining me today.  

I will return on Tuesday, May 19 with Chase the Light by Suzanne Woods Fisher.  I will be learning how to do create community newsletter this week.  They advertised for a couple months looking for someone with Microsoft Word experience.  My Mother told me to check it out.  I hesitated because I feel that I have enough on my plate.  However, it came down to the last month (May is her last month of working on the newsletter) and they still had not found anyone. So, I found myself volunteering.  The newsletter is digital and a hard copy (it contains about a dozen pages with articles, calendar of events, advertising, etc.). Wish me luck.  I hope that you have brilliant week.  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.

I, Spy by L.M. Kemp

I, Spy

Book Summary

Kendal Carter is out in the cold and she wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s been four years since her daughter Rosie was born and Kendal has kept her miles away from the danger of her former life as a spy. But when their hiding place is discovered, Kendal is forced to turn to old contacts for help. Her longtime friend and ex-handler Rico doesn’t miss his chance to pull his best spy back in. Whisking them to London, Rico offers them a luxury safe house in an area with good schools. How can Kendal resist?

But there’s a catch, of course. Rico wants Kendal to come back to work for his espionage agency Bon Temps. He’s offering an assignment with no apparent downside, investigating one of the dads at Rosie’s new school who works at one of London’s biggest, murkiest tech firms and suspected of being up to no good. It should be easy enough for someone with her experience, and luckily, mother is the perfect cover.

However, it doesn’t take long for Kendal to realize that Rico’s got an agenda of his own. The tech firm may be dealing in darker and more deadly secrets than they all realize, plus the world of coffee mornings and playdates comes with its own web of allegiances and betrayals. Kendal soon finds herself in way too deep . . .

A gripping blend of suspenseful spy thriller with heartfelt women’s fiction, I, Spy is the first in a propulsive debut series about the masks we all wear, whether as a spy or as a parent.

My Thoughts

I, Spy by L.M. Kemp is a fun and fast paced spy story.  This was an original take on a spy story.  I thought the interactions between Kendall and Rosie were sweet. Kendall is clever and capable (watch out bad guys).  The side characters were engaging and droll.  I enjoyed the twists and turns which kept things lively along with the action.  I loved all the humor.  The author left room for a sequel or series.  I am looking forward to Kendall’s next adventure.  

I, Spy can be obtained from Amazon. If you follow L.M. Kemp on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for popping by today.  On Tuesday, May 12, I will be featuring The Island Bookshop by Roseanna M. White.  May your weekend be a little island of sunshine in the ocean of your week. 🌴🌞  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.