Waiting for Christmas by Lynn Austin

 Waiting for Christmas

Book Summary

In this hope-filled Gilded Age Christmas novella from bestselling author Lynn Austin, the year is 1901 and the hustle and bustle of the holidays is descending on New York’s Fifth Avenue.

For the first time in her privileged life, Adelaide Forsythe won’t be swept up in it. She couldn’t be happier about the prospect of a quieter Christmas. That’s not to say her transition from Miss to Mrs. has been without challenge. Though she doesn’t regret marrying for love instead of wealth, she can barely light the hearth or cook more than burnt toast. She feels woefully unprepared to run her own household.

Then, on the first Sunday of Advent, winter winds bring change through two unlikely means: a young orphan boy, hiding near Adelaide’s front steps, and a seasoned housekeeper who seems too good to be true.

The boy, Jack, claims he isn’t an orphan at all and is desperate to reunite his family. Adelaide and her husband Howard work tirelessly to solve the riddle of Jack’s story, while Adelaide’s new endeavors open her eyes to a world beyond her past experience—and all the challenge and possibility it holds. As Christmas approaches, small glimmers of wonder light the way toward the answers Adaleide seeks and the most miraculous gift of all.

My Thoughts

Waiting for Christmas by Lynn Austin is a sweet holiday story.  I discovered when I began reading Waiting for Christmas, that it continues the story of Adelaide and Howard from All My Secrets.  I was able to read the book as a standalone.  Addy and Howard are newly married and there will need to be adjustments on both of their parts. The couple must deal with financial issues and social pressures.  They also need to make decisions regarding their future.  I liked the main and secondary characters. I thought it was a well-rounded cast of characters.  Jack was a little rapscallion while Polly was a sweetheart. Mrs. Gleason was a dear. I thought the author captured the time and place. 

Addy is actively involved in the women’s suffrage movement. Most people associate women’s suffrage with the right to vote, but they advocated for other rights for women as well.  The other topic addressed was the plight of orphans.  It was heartrending the number of children without homes.  I like how the author tied the meaning of the Advent candles to the story.  The true meaning of Christmas is discussed, and I loved the reading the description of the beautiful nativity that Addy received from her mother.    Waiting for Christmas is a touching tale with a tenacious child, financial tension, a lost little one, an upsetting search, lighting candles, helpful lessons, and a happy holiday.  

Waiting for Christmas can be obtained from Amazon* along with the other major booksellers (Barnes & Noble, Kobo, etc.).  All My Secrets tells of Addy and Howard's romance.  If you follow Lynn Austin on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for joining me today.  On Tuesday, September 10, I am a stop on the Celebrate Lit Tour for Tracking Tilly by Janice Thompson.  It is the first book in The Little Red Truck Mysteries.  I am heading outside to work on my fall decorations.  I have been wanting to decorate since the first day of Sepember, but it has rained  every afternoon (leving my yard a big wet puddle).  The sun has dried up the water, so I can finally begin.  I hope that you have a joyful 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.

The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson

The Christmas Tree Farm

Book Summary

When Madison McDowell returns from several years teaching overseas, she has high hopes of picking up where she left off at her family's Christmas tree farm in Oregon. But between damage from a recent wildfire and the neglect due to her sister Addie's unwillingness to invest, the farm is in sad shape. In fact, Addie is intent on selling the property. And to top it off, her former high school flame, the now-widowed Gavin Thompson, has plans to break Madison's heart again by turning his neighboring property into a dusty, noisy dirt bike track for his daughter.

With the odds stacked against her, Madison decides there's only one thing to do: double down on her dreams. It will take a ton of hard work--and some help from an unlikely ally--to save the farm she so dearly loves. But it may take a miracle to restore her relationship with her sister.

Bestselling and award-winning author Melody Carlson charms and delights with this uplifting Christmas story full of old memories and new beginnings.

My Thoughts

The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson is a feel-good Christmas story.  The story was easy to read and can be read in one sitting.  I liked the characters except for Madison’s sister, Addie. I felt Addie needed a swift kick in the pants.  Gavin’s daughter, Lily, is spunky, smart, and an industrious worker (though her father has spoiled her with the dirt bikes and dirt bike track).  I would have liked to see a tad more character development.  There were some issues that were never addressed between Maddie and Gavin plus I felt that the ending was rushed. I wish there had been a couple more chapters or an epilogue that would have allowed things to be wrapped up properly.  The Christmas Tree Farm is a nice story, but it lacked the charm and humor that is normally present in the author’s Christmas novellas.  The Christmas Tree Farm is a cute Christmas tale with sister troubles, a faltering tree farm, loud dirt bikes, planting trees, and holiday happiness.  

You can purchase The Christmas Tree Farm from Amazon*.  You should check out Melody Carlson's other Christmas novellas.  My top five are Christmas at Harrington's, The Christmas Shoppe, The Christmas Joy Ride (can be read for free if you are a member of Kindle Unlimited), The Christmas Bus (can be read for free if you are a member of Kindle Unlimited), and The Christmas Dog.  The Happy Camper is another cute novella by Melody Carlson.  Thank you for visiting today.  I will be sharing my thoughts on Waiting for Christmas by Lynn Austin tomorrow.  I hope that you have a merry 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.

A Lancaster Amish Christmas by Anne Blackburne, Mindy Steele, Amy Clipston, and Amy Lillard

 A Lancaster Amish Christmas

Book Summary

Christmas Is Simply a Time for Love 

Enjoy a simple Amish Christmas in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, that is sweetened by second chances, trimmed in love, and wrapped in faith.

Lucy’s Christmas Sunbeam by Anne Blackburne

When her parents suddenly died, Lucy stepped into the mother role for her infant sister with Down’s Syndrome. But Lucy’s boyfriend wasn’t interested in a readymade family. Living in the dawdi house on her brother’s farm, Lucy is happy with life—until she literally runs into the hardware store owner and desire for romance returns.

A Bird-in-Hand Christmas by Amy Clipston

After learning her boyfriend, Wyatt, was seeing someone else, Makayla moved across state and married. Recently widowed, she visits her parents for Christmas, only to find that Wyatt is still single and working for her father. When her five-year-old son instantly bonds with Wyatt, Makayla starts to hope for a second chance at love.

Christmas Lily by Amy Lillard

Seven-year-old Jacob Bontrager is working hard to help his lonely widower father find love again. He believes his pretty new teacher who has just moved to the community is perfect, but none of his matchmaking works until a snowstorm strands Lily Kate Troyer at the Bontrager farm. Could God and nature be on Jacob’s side?

Leaving Lancaster by Mindy Steele

The Wicky sisters didn’t expect their father to sell their thriving deer farm with plans to move them to Kentucky. Always obedient Louise fears for her growing jam business. Beth cannot wait to start a new adventure while her twin, Leah, is running out of time for a happy-ever-after. They have only one Christmas left in Lancaster. Can God deliver a Christmas miracle for all three? 

My Thoughts

A Lancaster Amish Christmas contains four novellas by Anne Blackburne, Amy Clipston, Mindy Steele, and Amy Lillard.  I enjoyed all four stories, but Lucy’s Christmas Sunbeam is one that really touched my heart.  All four stories had good characters and plots.  I did feel that Leving Lancaster had a little too much going on.  I wish the story had focused on Louise and left the twins stories for another novella. There is a recipe for jam at the end of Leaving Lancaster.  Christmas Lily by Amy Lillard had my favorite character, Jacob Bontrager.  He is a young boy who loves his temporary teacher.  I liked the humor in this story.  We get to learn about Amish Christmas traditions in each novella including their school Christmas program and making Christmas cards.  Faith is nicely woven into each tale.  Family, friendship, second chances, romance, forgiveness, and faith are some of the themes.  I enjoyed the four uplifting holiday novellas.  A Lancaster Amish Christmas left me smiling and ready for the holidays.  

Christmas cards made by hand

A Lancaster Amish Christmas is available from Amazon* as well as other major booksellers.  Mindy Steele has Stolen Kiss coming out November 15.  It is the seventh book in The Heart of the Amish series. You can follow the authors, and Amazon will send you an email when they have a new book release (Anne Blackburne, Amy Clipston, Amy Lillard, and Mindy Steele). Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return tomorrow with The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson (Christmas is in the air this week).

I thought I would share an amusing (sort of) story with you before I sign off.  I have two cats, Dickens and Bucky.  Bucky is a sweet cat, but she is not adventurous (she is my shy girl).  When I got up, I noticed that Bucky was not in her usual spot (near her food dish).  I looked around for her and called for her (I knew she would not answer, but I gave it a try).  I looked in all the usual spots, but I did not find her.  I was in the shower, and I kept hearing all this noise (sounded like someone was going to come through the wall).  When I got out of the shower, I hurried out to the hall to the linen closet and opened the door, and out shot Bucky.  That is when I remembered that the door to the linen closet had not been shut all the way when I got up (the door had been pushed against the jam, but not shut), and I had pushed it shut (not knowing Bucky was inside).  Needless to say, the linen closet needs straightening after Bucky's ordeal (it is a mess). I am glad that Bucky is uninjured.  I hope that you have a magical 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.

Pumpkin Spice Puppy by Laurien Berenson

 Pumpkin Spice Puppy

Book Summary

It’s autumn in Connecticut and there’s a chill in the air, the fall leaves are a riot of color, and pumpkin spice is the flavor of the season. Melanie Travis is perennially busy, of course—but when the owner of a local pet supply shop is found murdered, sleuthing tops her To Do list . . .

Between taking care of her family and assorted Standard Poodles, Melanie is also working as a special needs tutor for Howard Academy, a private school in Greenwich, where her younger son attends kindergarten. This year, the headmaster has come up with an idea for a school fundraiser. All students will participate in a town-wide treasure hunt, with grades competing against each other.

Tokens shaped like pumpkin spice muffins have been hidden in downtown stores. Students will scramble to collect as many as they can in exchange for prizes. At first all goes smoothly, and the uptick in foot traffic to the stores is a win-win. . . . . Until the pet supply shop owner lodges a complaint. When Melanie stops by to smooth things over, she instead finds the man dead, a knife in his back, and his loyal, ever-vigilant Chow Chow locked in the storeroom.

Over the headmaster's objections, Melanie is once again drawn into an investigation. It doesn't take her long to gather a list of suspects, from neighbors balking about the number of rescue Chows the man was fostering in his home, to the landlord who’d filed an eviction notice against him, to the bitter ex-wife who is happy he's gone. With the fundraiser soon drawing to a close and celebrations imminent, Melanie will have to follow every clue—before the biggest prize is staying alive . . .

My Thoughts

Pumpkin Spice Puppy by Laurien Berenson is a cute cozy mystery.  Melanie Travis and her standard poodle sidekick, Faith discover a shopkeeper dead and, naturally, she finds herself drawn into the investigation. Pumpkin Spice Puppy is easy to read with steady pacing.  The author captured fall in New England (makes me eager for fall to arrive which will be November in Florida).  I was able to identify the killer from the moment of their introduction (I have read a number of mysteries over the years, so it is not often that I am stymied), but I did not know their motive (and I want to know why they did it).  There are clues to help readers solve the whodunit (if you pay attention).  I like Melanie’s straightforward method of questioning.  Melanie and Faith have a great relationship (it’s like they know what each other is thinking).  

Melanie has a very busy life with her job, husband, the two boys, the dogs, and dog shows.  And let us not forget the formidable Aunt Peg.  I do not know how she fits in sleuthing.  It helps that she has Sam who is an understanding and helpful husband. The story has a good ending.  I am looking forward to Melanie’s next sleuthing adventure. Pumpkin Spice Puppy is the thirtieth A Melanie Travis Canine Mystery, but it can be read as a standalone for those new to the series.  Pumpkin Spice Puppy is a fun fall whodunit with treasure hunt troubles, a Chow called Cider, pumpkin spice cookies, falling leaves, dog show season, and a happily hectic home.

Pumpkin Spice Puppy can be purchased from Amazon*.  You can find the other A Melanie Travis Canine Mysteries here (many of the Kindle versions are on sale).  If you follow Laurien Berenson on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for dropping by today.  I will return on Tuesday, September 3 with A Lancaster Amish Christmas by Anne Blackburne, Amy Clipston, Amy Lillard, and Mindy Steele. It is hard to believe that August is almost over.  The month whizzed by so quickly that I almost got whiplash.  I hope that you have a relaxing and happy Labor Day weekend.  It is  a great weekend to cook on the grill and spend time at the pool or the beach (a great way to beat the heat and humidity). Take care, stay 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. 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 Scene by Carol J. Perry

Death Scene

Book Summary

It takes a lot for Salem locals to get excited about their historic Massachusetts town being known as “the witch city.” But when a major studio arrives to shoot a witchcraft-themed movie, folks go Hollywood. For WICH-TV’S program director and chief documentary-maker, Lee Barrett, however, the project may come complete with a real-life death scene . . .

Between documenting the progress of the movie, corralling starstruck autograph seekers and fans, and managing unmanageable traffic on Salem’s narrow streets, Lee and her police detective husband, Pete Mondello, are beyond busy. Even Lee’s best friend, River North, tarot card reader and practicing witch, gets in on the action, landing a job as a stand-in and body double. But it only takes one interview for Lee to realize that the male and female leads—whose roles include torrid love scenes—despise each other. Yet the problem is short-lived, literally . . .

When the gorgeous lead actress is found dead on a set staged to replicate the room where suspected witches were tried in 1692—and her on-screen lover, in full costume, is discovered sound asleep in her trailer—the hunt is on for a killer on the loose. Nevertheless, the producer decrees “the show must go on!” Now, even with help from River, Lee’s Aunt Ibby, and O’Ryan, a remarkably clairvoyant gentleman cat, sorting out a witch’s brew of secrets, sorcery, and special effects might turn Lee’s documentary into her own final act . . .

My Thoughts

Death Scene by Carol J. Perry is the fourteenth A Witch City Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series as there is a recap in the first chapter. I enjoyed visiting Lee in Salem, Massachusetts in late October (Halloween is my favorite holiday).  I am glad, though, that I did not have to deal with the traffic.  Lee is a strong, likeable protagonist with a special talent.  I always enjoy Lee’s visits with Aunt Ibby (Aunt Ibby is smart and resourceful plus she is supportive of Lee).  My favorite character is O’Ryan.  I like how he goes back and forth between two abodes (Aunt Ibby’s and Lee’s) since Lee and Pete acquired their row house.  I grew up in a home very similar to Lee and Pete’s (two brick row homes that share a wall—an early version of a duplex).  

I liked the author incorporated Salem history, historical events, and myths.   The whodunit is one that I was able to solve early in the book. I did not know why this person committed the crime, though, and I had to know.  I like how Lee’s gift played into the mystery as well as River’s readings.  The ending will have fans of the series smiling.  Death Scene transports readers to Salem for movie madness, troubling traffic, a murdered actor, revealing cards, a protective cat, and a Happy Halloween.

Death Scene can be obtained from Amazon* along with the other novels in A Witch City Mysteries.  If you follow Carol J. Perry on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  I enjoy reading Halloween cozy mysteries.  Halloween is my favorite holiday.  I look forward to decorating my front yard each year with a new theme. I was torn between two ideas this year.  I was leaning towards spiders, of all sizes, climbing down lighted webs and crawling across the yard towards the witches who are working on a spell.  Then I remembered the grandkids of the residents in our community.  I decided the witches are throwing a monster of a party (a Monster Mash). 

Two of the party guests! One has trouble holding onto his head!

I have been having fun tracking down some unusual creatures to attend the bash.  Music will be playing as well (the Monster Mash, of course).  I know it is August, but the first of October will be here before you know it.  Thank you for popping by today.  Tomorrow I am sharing my thoughts on Pumpkin Spice Puppy by Laurien Berenson.  It is the 30th A Melanie Travis Canine Mystery.  I hope that you have an enchanting 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.

An Irish Bookshop Murder by Lucy Connelly

 An Irish Bookshop Murder

Book Summary

Meet Ireland’s newest daring detective: she’s a bookstore owner, a coffee lover, and a crime writer. Now Mercy McCarthy needs a little Irish luck as she takes on her first case!

After receiving unexpected inheritance from her grandfather, Mercy and her twin sister Lizzie are now the proud owners of a charming antique bookshop in the tiny Irish village of Shamrock Cove. But before they can take in the beautiful view of the sea, one of their neighbors drops dead!

Mercy finds the Judge, a well-respected man who lives next door, dying on his own doorstep. She rushes to help, but with his final words, he accuses Mercy of murder! Most of their new neighbors hear his words and, with suspicion pointing at Mercy, she decides to investigate the case to clear her name.

Searching amongst the Judge’s old books, Mercy uncovers letters proving several of the townsfolk had reason to dislike the older man—but was it the local pub landlord, the kindly cook or neighborly knitter who killed him?

Then Mercy’s chief suspect turns up dead and she receives a threatening note, typed on paper from her own bookstore… Ireland was supposed to be a fresh start for Mercy and Lizzie, but dead bodies keep turning up.

Does Mercy have what it takes to nail the culprit or will the killer close the book on her time in this charming Irish village?

My Thoughts

I enjoyed reading An Irish Bookshop Murder by Lucy Connelly which is the debut of A Mercy McCarthy Mystery series. I liked Mercy McCarthy who is a mystery writer.  Mercy is protective of her twin sister, Lizzie.  Lizzie is delighted with the bookshop (I do not blame her!) that the ladies inherited and that she will be running.  I enjoyed the banter between the sisters and their close relationship.  Shamrock Cove, Ireland sounded delightful with its colorful buildings.  I especially loved the color of the bookshop.  I thought it was unique that there was a hidden entrance to Hidden Way Court where Mercy and Lizzy McCarthy were residing in the home they inherited from their grandfather. The twins’ grandfather had a penchant for puzzles, and I have a feeling there are more surprises awaiting the ladies. The residents of the court welcomed the twins with open arms except for the judge who does not have a kind word for anyone.   

The move to Ireland is a fresh start for the twins.  Unfortunately, the murder of the disagreeable judge puts a crimp in their plans.  Mercy does not like that the sisters are under a cloud of suspicion.  She dives into the whodunit to clear their names.  The suspect list is lengthy since the judge was not well liked. Mercy manages to butt heads with Kiernan, the local detective, along the way.  I had fun solving the puzzle.  There is a good cast of secondary characters with my favorites being Lolly and Kiernan.  I am looking forward to the next A Mercy McCarthy Mystery.   An Irish Bookshop Murder is a craic cozy mystery with a gan choinne inheritance, a gnóthach bookstore, cairdiúil neighbors, a dúnmharaíodh judge, and a fresh start for Cúpla sisters.  

An Irish Bookshop Murder is available from Amazon* as well as other major retailers.  You can read it for free if you have Kindle Unlimited.  The next A Mercy McCarthy Mystery is Death by the Book which comes out November 12 (it will be on Kindle Unlimited as well).  If you follow Lucy Connelly on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return tomorrow with Death Scene by Carol J. Perry.  It is the fourteenth book in The Witch City Mysteries.  I told you about my mother getting a new recliner last week.  She just loves it. I thought her favorite feature would be the electric component.  She can adjust the head, back, and feet (all with the remote).  She loves that the chair is also a rocker.  She sits there reading and rocking for hours. Amazingly, she has only lost the remote once (the find me feature comes in handy).  I hope that you have a pleasant 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.

Her Surprise Amish Match by Pamela Desmond Wright

 Her Surprise Amish Match

Book Summary

They have nothing in common…

Until an unexpected matchmaker proves them wrong

Amish business owner Amity Schroder can’t stand her neighbor Ethan Zehr. Sharing a building for their individual shops has never been easy, since the stern widower bristles at every one of Amity’s too-progressive business ideas. So when Amity starts to fall for her new anonymous pen pal, she knows there’s no way it could be Ethan. Their constant arguments are nothing like the heartfelt letters she’s been receiving. But as she gets closer to discovering her secret admirer’s identity, will she let the truth stand in the way of her happiness?

My Thoughts

Her Surprise Amish Match by Pamela Desmond Wright is a charming story.  I found this sweet story to be easy to read.  I enjoyed getting to know Amity Schroeder as well as Ethan Zehr and his family.  Amity is smart, kind, has an easy-going nature, forgiving, and outspoken. Amity has a good head for business and has found a way to incorporate English technology into her business.  Ethan is a widower with two children and his father is living with them as well.  The family is looking for a fresh start.  Ethan is straightlaced and is not open to embracing English technology.  It leads to some amusing and sticky situations.  There are good life lessons in the story. Faith was nicely woven into the story.  The book has family, hope, love, forgiveness, and faith.  Her Surprise Amish Match is a heartwarming tale with delectable coffee, a Wi-Fi quandary, building boundaries, a matchmaking dilemma, a rebellious son, and a lasting love.  

Her Surprise Amish Match is available from Amazon*.  Pamela Desmond Wright has Her Amish Refuge coming out April 29, 2025. You can find Pamela Desmond Wright's other books here. Thank you for dropping by today.  I will return on Tuesday, August 27 with An Irish Bookshop Murder by Lucy Connelly.  It is the debut of A Mercy McCarthy Mysteries.  I have a new activity to do.  I have a bookcase to put together for my mother.  She had a small bookshelf in her bathroom to hold a random assortment of items, but now she wants a taller one (I am amazed at what she fits into that small room).  I measured the space and actually found a bookcase that will fit.  I just hope the directions are clear.  Wish me luck!  I hope that you have a restful weekend.  We all need time to recharge our batteries (and read books).  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.