Amelia's March Arrangement by Mindy Steele

Amelia's March Arrangement

Book Summary

One funeral. Three orphaned boys. And two hearts torn between duty and desire.

Owen Miller had no plans in returning to Cherry Grove, Kentucky until now. At the wake of his brother’s funeral, Owen discovers three young nephews need him to stay as well as the young aunt now responsible for them. He will do his part, for a time, but his life isn’t here anymore.

Amelia Delagrange lost more than a sister. She lost her best friend. No one knew her heart like Mary did. Now with three boys needing her, Amelia must muster up the strength to become a mother to them. She cannot let their uncle take them, even if her only option is to marry a man she doesn’t love. What choice does she have?

One quick decision is about to change the lives of many.

My Thoughts

Amelia’s March Arrangement by Mindy Steele is a touching Amish tale.  The narrative was both inspiring and poignant, featuring characters and scenarios that many readers can identify with.  I felt for Amelia, who at eighteen becomes responsible for her sister’s three boys.  The author illustrates how a tragic loss impacts a family, but shows that eventually life improves.  I especially liked the green tin of recipes that Amelia found in a kitchen cupboard and how the recipes played into the romance. 

Amelia's March Arrangement is the third installment of An Amish Romance Birthday Series, and it can be read as a standalone.  A quote from the book that stuck with me is, “Life doesn’t always go as planned, dochter, but Gott always gives you the means to make it better than it was before.”  Amelia's March Arrangement is stirring story with a tragic death, busy boys, parent getting treatments, an unexpected uncle, the bishop’s pronouncement, an unexpected proposal, special recipes, and hoping for a happily ever after. 

Amelia's March Arrangement can be obtained from Amazon*. The fourth book in An Amish Romance Birthday Series is Arie's April Adoption by Rachel J. Good which comes out April 1.  You can find the other books in An Amish Romance Birthday Series here.  If you follow Mindy Steele on Amazon, they will email you when the author has a new book release. Mindy Steele's next release is A Heart on Consignment (digital version out on March 15 and paperback on April 1) which is the twelfth book in The Heart of the Amish series. 

I wanted to share with you a current picture of Quackers, the duck.  Quackers (the duck nearest the doormat) is one of the baby ducks that appeared with Mama Duck about two months ago.  Quackers is now larger than her mother (the duck eating at the food dish).  Quackers is adorable. Please pardon the look of my porch.  I am getting ready to put together some furniture out there.  I willl return on Thursday, March 5 with Booking for Trouble by Jenn McKinlay.  It is the 16th A Library Lover's Mystery.  I hope that you have a lovely day.  I am enjoying the beautiful spring weather.  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.

 

Kentucky Book Festival

*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.

Raging Waters by Dana Mentink

 

Raging Waters

About the Book

Book: Raging Waters

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Release Date: March 3, 2026

As the dam crumbles and water sweeps across the terrain, their battle for justice and survival is just beginning.

When Mackenzie Bardine’s brother Aaron was murdered in a drug deal gone wrong, she started a true crime podcast dedicated to exposing “Bullseye,” the drug kingpin responsible. But her protective heart has never let go of the blame she places on herself and Aaron’s best friend, Gideon Landry. On the run to the wilds of Washington to chase a recent lead, she meets none other than Gideon himself.

While conducting a wilderness survival class in remote Washington, Gideon never expected to cross paths with Mackenzie, and he’s certainly not interested in helping her after he’s already declined to participate in her vigilante podcasting. He carries a mountain of guilt about Aaron’s fatal choices, but not for the reasons Mackenzie suspects.

As killers begin to circle Mackenzie like sharks, it’s clear to Gideon she’s in over her head, and in light of his troubled past with her brother, he can’t bring himself to ignore her perilous situation. Then a flood threatens the town, turning their investigation into a race to escape the raging waters and the wrath of a powerful kingpin who wants to sink them both.

A gripping, clean romantic suspense featuring enemies-to-lovers, second-chance romance, and high-stakes investigations set in small-town Washington, sweeping readers away on a turbulent wave of thrills and chills. Perfect for fans of forced proximity, wilderness survival, protective heroes, and justice-driven heroines.

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a New York Times, USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author as well as a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and a Holt Medallion winner. She is the author of over fifty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Revell and Poisoned Pen Press.

More from Dana

I’m afraid of deep water. There. I’ve said it. I live in California, famous for beaches sand and surf. If that’s not enough, there are swimming pools aplenty. I should be enjoying the surfing, boating, kayaking, sailing culture, but I’d much rather sit on a deck somewhere and watch others partake. So what’s a gal like me doing writing an adventure that takes place as a dam rupture overwhelms a town? I love to write that type of wilderness story, where stakes are high and the help is scarce. Similar to the previous book, Fire Mountain, the characters will have to dig deep of their strength and faith to survive. And you and I can enjoy it from the safety of our decks! Are you ready? Grab your book and your cuppa and let’s go!

My Thoughts

Raging Waters by Dana Mentink is an action-packed story that lives up to its title.  The author developed well-defined characters, and there was clear chemistry between Gideon and Mackenzie. There are twists and turns as well as danger from humans and the water.  Water serves as a recurring motif throughout the narrative, illustrating its potential for destruction.   The pacing felt somewhat inconsistent, with a quick start and finish but a noticeably slower middle section.  The story explores redemption, forgiveness, and integrates faith effectively. Raging Waters is the second book in the Elements of Danger series and it can be read as a standalone.  Raging Waters is an intense tale with a cold case, a stubborn sibling, a frustrated best friend, problematic podcasts, relentless rains, an unbendable Bullseye, and a dam ready to rupture.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize of a $100 Amazon Gift Card and a signed copy of the book!!  Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://gleam.io/OQ5p4/raging-waters-celebration-tour-giveaway

Raging Waters can be obtained from Amazon*.  The first book in the Elements of Danger series is Fire Mountain.  Dana Mentink has Murders in the Marquee coming out September 1.  It is the debut of Murder Most Fowl Mysteries.  You can find Dana Mentink's other creations here. Thank you for joining me today.  I hope that I have helped you find a new book to read.  

On Wednesday, March 4 I will be sharing my thoughts on Amelia's March Arrangement by Mindy Steele. It is the third An Amish Birthday Romance Series.  Don't forget to leave a comment for an extra entry in the giveaway before you depart. I am off to take my mother to the optometrist.  She has managed to destroy four pairs of eyeglasses in the last year.  When I say destory, I mean stems have fallen off, lenses have fallen out (and she lost them), the glasses are in two pieces, and, in the case of a fifth pair, she does not remember where she put them (I have searched high and low). She is getting titanium frames this time (hopefully, they will last longer). Fingers crossed that she will have better luck with her new pair.  May you have a lovely day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 3

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 3

The Avid Reader, March 3

The Sacred Line, March 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 4

She Lives To Read, March 5

Texas Book-aholic, March 5

Leslie’s Library Escape, March 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 6

Lily’s Corner, March 7

Pause for Tales, March 7

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 7

Devoted To Hope, March 8

For Him and My Family, March 8

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 9

Melissa’s Bookshelf, March 9

EmpowerMoms, March 10

Blogging With Carol, March 10

Just Your Average reviews, March 10

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 11

Simple Harvest Reads, March 11 (Guest Review from Donna)

Lyssa Loves Books, March 12

Blossoms and Blessings, March 12

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, March 12

Cover Lover Book Review, March 13

Labor Not in Vain, March 13

Betti Mace, March 14

Bigreadersite, March 14

Life on Chickadee Lane, March 15

Lights in a Dark World, March 15

Holly’s Book Corner, March 15

Stories By Gina, March 16 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, March 16

*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.

Garters, Ghosts, and Wedding Toasts by Angie Fox

Garters, Ghosts, and Wedding Toasts

Book Summary

Ghost hunter Verity Long has forty-eight hours to plan her sister's dream wedding on a budget that wouldn't even cover the cake. The venue? A stunning Irish manor in Jackson, Tennessee—enemy territory for any self-respecting citizen of Sugarland. But the place is perfect, the photos are free, and Melody is over the moon.

There's just one tiny catch. Two dead grooms, fifty years apart. And Alec's timing? It couldn't be worse.

Between her ghostly gangster sidekick Frankie bent on stealing the Irish Crown Jewels, a deadly secret hidden under the wedding chapel, and her sweet skunk Lucy finding romance with a boy skunk from the wrong side of the tracks, Verity's got her hands full. And when someone close to her is murdered, she's running out of time.

Can Verity protect the people she loves and give her sister the wedding of her dreams? Or will she lose everything before Melody can say "I do"?

My Thoughts

Garters, Ghosts, and Wedding Toasts by Angie Fox is an entertaining tale. I always look forward to visiting Sugarland, Tennessee where I can catch up with Verity, Frankie, Ellis, Lucy along with the rest of their family and friends.  Verity’s sister, Melody, is getting married at a historic and, you guessed it, haunted mansion in Sugarland’s rival town, Jackson (can things get any worse—of course they can).  Verity has her work cut out for her this time around.  I enjoyed the action, humor, and hijinks. 

Lucy makes a friend and gets into a lot of mischief, much to Verity’s dismay (it is hilarious).  Although I was aware of the perpetrator's identity prior to the discovery of the victim, the mystery remained engaging and amusing.  I laughed, chuckled, and giggled while reading this mirthful story.  Garters, Ghosts, and Wedding Toasts is the fifteenth book in the Southern Ghost Hunter Series.  You can read this story on its own, but reading the series in order helps you understand the characters and their relationships better.  Garters, Ghosts, and Wedding Toasts is a spirited story with moonshine lessons, a rushed wedding, pilfered jewels, a doomed groom, ghost heists, bachelor party merriment, and, hopefully, a happily ever after. 

Garters, Ghosts, and Wedding Toasts can be obtained from Amazon*.  You can find the other Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries here.  Follow Angie Fox on Amazon, and they will let you know when she has a new book release.  

Thank you for dropping by today.  On Tuesday, March 3, I am a stop on the Celebrate Lit Tour for Raging Waters by Dana Mentink.  It is the second book in the Elements of Danger series.  I hope that you will join me (there may be a giveaway).  May you have a relaxing weekend.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

The House of Secrets and Lies by Rosie Clarke

 The House of Secrets and Lies

Book Summary

One girl's chance of a new life, or a sacrifice too far?

Cambridgeshire, November 1945

Young Betty Cantrel is just 14-years-old when she reluctantly leaves her troubled family home to take up a position as companion to Frances Crawley, the ailing daughter of Eben and Mary Crawley.

As Betty begins her new life at the grand and imposing The Willows, she becomes drawn to Nathan Crawley, the handsome, yet mysterious nephew and ward of Eben Crawley of whom malicious whispers linger – whispers of a tragedy that claimed the Crawley’s’ young son Edward.

As her friendship grows with Frances, Betty accompanies her to London, where she glimpses another world – a world full of art, music and freedom and she begins to dream of a different kind of life.

But her growing loyalty to both Mary and Frances comes at a cost. And when tragedy strikes, Betty must choose where her true allegiances lie: with the family who opened her eyes to endless possibilities, or the one she left behind.

For young Betty Cantrel, her story is only just beginning…

My Thoughts

The House of Secrets and Lies by Rosie Clarke begins The Crawley Family Saga.  Betty, just fourteen, is sent away to work as a companion. She’s a sympathetic and friendly character.  It will take Betty time to realize what a wonderful opportunity this position is for her.  There will, though, be difficult decisions ahead for Betty. She had to grow up way too soon.   It may be 1945, but the class system still exists in England.  As we get to see, Betty is in a unique position.  As a companion, Betty is not a servant, nor is she a member of the family (makes things tricky). I thought the author captured the time period and locale.  I enjoyed going on the journey with Betty.  It will be interesting to see what happens next.  

The House of Secrets and Lies can be purchased from Amazon*.  The second book in The Crawley Family Saga is The House of Broken Dreams which will be out on May 24.  If you enjoy historical novels, you should check out Rosie Clarke's other books.  Thank you for stopping by today.  On Friday, February 27, I will be sharing my thoughts on Garters, Ghosts, and Wedding Toasts by Angie Fox.  It is the fifteenth book in the Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries.  I laughed often while reading about Verity and Frankie's latest adventure.  I hope that you have a pleasing day. I am off to enjoy the spring weather. 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 Amish Country Lullaby by Patricia Johns

 An Amish Country Lullaby

Book Summary

A friend from her past…

A new dream for their future?

Single dad Curtis Moore has returned to Apfelkuchen, Pennsylvania, with a dream to revitalize the town—if only he can unite its Amish and English residents. When local businesswoman Hope Taylor offers to care for his spirited toddler, Lucy, he jumps at the chance. Hope figures this is exactly the experience she needs. Not only is she planning to open a day care, but she’s expecting her first baby—her late husband’s child. As tensions rise over his development plans, Curtis and Hope grow closer—and they must decide if the heart of the town’s future might just lie in the growing love between them.

My Thoughts

An Amish Country Lullaby by Patricia Johns is a sweet story.  I liked Hope Taylor, Curtis Moore, and his active daughter, Lucy.  Lucy can escape out of a shop or home faster than you can say Houdini.  Hope and Curtis clicked immediately, but both have reasons to hold back.  There is a great cast of English and Amish characters. We get to see the importance of community and understanding the Amish culture. It is evident that an initiative perceived as beneficial by some members of the community may be regarded as disadvantageous by others.  

The author’s descriptions of Apfelkuchen, Pennsylvania  allowed me to envision it (can you imagine trying to spell the city name as a child).  This story illustrates trusting Him and seeking the Lord’s guidance instead of pursuing our own plan.  I thought the story was well written with a good pace and flow.  The ending left me with a smile on my face.  An Amish Country Lullaby is the second book in An Amish Antiques Shop Romance series, and it can be read on its own.  An Amish Country Lullaby is a heartwarming tale with a man with a plan, an expectant woman, an escape artist child, a distressing proposal, visiting time, a preschool proposal, and a chance at romance.

An Amish Country Lullaby is available for purchase on Amazon*. The first book in An Amish Antiques Shop Romance series is Her Amish Country Husband.  The third book in the series will be out on November 24 and it is Amish Country Christmas.  Patricia Johns has Innocent Amish Target releasing on June 30, Through the Valley on August 4, and Her Amish Christmas Memories on October 27.   If you follow Patricia Johns on Amazon, you'll receive an email notification about her new book releases.  

Thank you for stopping by today. I will be sharing my thoughts on The House of Secrets and Lies by Rosie Clarke tomorrow (Thursday, February 26).  I am off to work in our storage area.  It is a mess.  I need to take everything out, sort, organize, and then put the items back in neatly.  I also need to fix the shelves that were destroyed by Hurricane Milton (I am hoping to convince my new neighbor to help since he already has all the necessary tools out).  May 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.

*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.