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.

Deadly Rodeo Threat by Sami A. Abrams

 Deadly Rodeo Threat

Book Summary

A trail of missing women

leads him right into a killer’s trap.

When his twin sister disappears, Navy SEAL Logan Russell’s search for her leads him deep into the woods, where he finds her best friend in the clutches of a masked assailant. Sheriff Isabelle Sinclair is determined to solve Lisa’s mysterious disappearance the night of her last rodeo—and someone will do anything to keep her from digging too deep. When crucial evidence links Lisa’s case to a string of barrel racers who’ve also vanished, Logan and Izzie fight against the clock to track down a suspected serial killer. But when he sets his sights on Izzie, can they outsmart their enemy before both women end up dead?

My Thoughts

Deadly Rodeo Threat by Sami A. Abrams is a compelling story that immediately captured my interest.   The story was well written, featured likeable characters, and maintained a fast pace due to its action.  The mystery becomes more compelling as the book continues.  I enjoyed the drama, action, danger, and suspense.  Faith is nicely woven throughout with themes of forgiveness, redemption, hope, and trusting God.  I loved Logan’s service dog, Shadow (such a sweetie).  Deadly Rodeo Threat is the second book in the Stone Creek Ranch series, and it can be read as a standalone.  The ending of Deadly Rodeo Threat left me smiling.  Deadly Rodeo Threat is a hog-killin’ time with a missing sister, a concerned brother, a sweet service dog, a discovered body, dodging danger, connecting the clues, and hoping for a happily ever after. 

Deadly Rodeo Threat can be obtained from Amazon*.  Christmas Rodeo Killer is the first book in the Stone Creek Ranch series.  Rodeo Witness Protector is the third book in the series, and it will be out on July 28.  If you follow Sami A. Abrams on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for dropping by today.  

On Wednesday, July 25, I am featuring An Amish Country Lullaby by Patricia Johns.  It is the second An Amish Antiques Shop Romance.  Here are a few other books that came out today:  Tangled Past by Mary Alford, Booking for Trouble by Jenn McKinlay, The Whisking Hour by Ellie Alexander, and A Texas Easter Blessing by Mindy Obenhaus.  It is been a cold couple of days and I am glad that chilly weather is on its way out.  My cat, Dickens loves hanging out on our screened porch.  We have a new neighbor and Dickens has been trying to get his attention.  Unfortunately, the new neighbor is not a cat person (does not mind them being around but does not understand that one wants him to give her attention--Dickens loves getting attention). Dickens is persistent and I know that she will keep trying.  I wish you 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.

 

Easter Egg Murder by Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis, and Peggy Ehrhart

Easter Egg Murder

Book Summary

Light pink, robin’s egg blue, daffodil yellow, mint green—Easter eggs hiding sweet treats come in every pastel color. But in a few small towns this year, cracking them could be more fatal than fun…

EASTER EGG MURDER by LESLIE MEIER

In Provence to visit her daughter, part-time reporter Lucy Stone is soaking up the atmosphere, even if it includes one Carole Capobianco, the empty-nester she encountered on the flight over. Not exactly two peas in a pod, they’re both amused by the tale of a neighbor’s chickens refusing to lay eggs. The decoy eggs he’s set out to encourage the egg-centric hens are not only gorgeously Faberge-style, they’re being stolen! That’s confusing enough, but what’s happened to the cook is deadly serious.

DEATH BY ANOTHER EASTER EGG by LEE HOLLIS

When an ambitious young reporter dies mid-meal at Hayley Powell’s Bar Harbor restaurant, Hayley is horrified. Determined to save her eatery’s reputation, Hayley scrambles to crack the case wide open like an egg, discovering that the victim was about to break a juicy story—one that a number of people (er, suspects) did not order off the menu. Which makes finding the killer more than devilishly hard . . .

AN EGGY WAY TO DIE by PEGGY EHRHART

Cleaning up after the Easter egg hunt in the Arborville park, friends Pamela and Bettina are startled to find something else hidden—the dead body of a local cookbook author, surrounded by broken shells and slippery yolks. The pair are far from hard-boiled detectives, but as they search for clues, they find that the whole case smells distinctly like rotten eggs . .

My Thoughts

Easter Egg Murder contains three Easter themed novellas by Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis, and Peggy Ehrhart.  I was looking forward to reading Easter Egg Murder by Leslie Meier because I have been following Lucy Stone’s adventures since the beginning.  Unfortunately, the author included Carole Capobianco from her new series The Carole and Poopsie Mysteries.  Carole is brash, rude, and annoying (her family is just as bad). The narrative unfolds through alternating chapters from Lucy’s and Carole’s perspectives. Bill was irritable and not quite himself. While the mystery was fine, it felt somewhat implausible. I wish there had been more time devoted to Elizabeth who is expecting her first child. 

Death By Another Easter Egg by Lee Hollis felt rushed.  The killer was easy to spot, and, for some reason, Hayley had some blonde moments in this story. An Eggy Way to Die by Peggy Ehrhart has a cute title, but the writing is overly descriptive, especially  about food. The mystery was simple and I thought it unusual that it was resolved a couple of chapters before the end of the novella.  Easter Egg Murder was not the crackin’ good time that I was eggspecting.  

Easter Egg Murder will appeal to fans of the series.  Easter Egg Murder will be out on Tuesday, February 24 and it can be preordered on Amazon*.  The next A Lucy Stone Mystery is Countdown to Christmas Murder which comes out September 29.  Death of a Grill Master is the next A Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery and it will be out on September 29.  Lee Hollis has a new cozy mystery series publishing on May 26.  The debut book in A Downeast Maine Mysteries is The Chowder House Murder.  If you follow Peggy Ehrhart on Amazon, they will let you know when she has a new A Knit and Nibble Mystery releasing.  

Thank you for joining me today.  There are a number of new books coming out next week (they have kept me busy).  I will return on Tuesday, February 24 with Deadly Rodeo Threat by Sami A. Abrams.  It is the second book in the Stone Creek Ranch series.  We need to enjoy the warmer weather this weekend before the next cold front arrives.  I am hoping that this will be the last one before spring (a girl can hope).  I wish you an enjoyable and restful 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.

Murder Will Out by Jennifer K. Breedlove

MURDER WILL OUT

Book Summary

Come for the memories. Stay for the murder...

Little North Island, off the coast of Maine, is so beautiful it could be a postcard. Organist Willow Stone cherishes her memories of childhood summers spent on the island with her godmother Sue... even though her visits ended abruptly, and she hasn't seen or heard from her godmother in over fifteen years. Until a letter from Sue—and word of Sue’s death—brings Willow back to the picturesque island.

The islanders rarely mention Sue without also bringing up Cameron House, and the controversy around Sue’s unexpected inheritance of the sprawling mansion. When Willow overhears someone threatening the next heir to the property, she starts to question whether Sue’s death was really an accident, and can’t help but wonder whether someone on this sleepy island is willing to stop at nothing—even murder—to claim Cameron House for their own.

Through Willow’s eyes, as well as those of others on the island, a mystery unfolds that keeps drawing Willow back to Cameron House and the very real ghosts that walk its corridors.

My Thoughts

Jennifer K. Breedlove’s debut novel, Murder Will Out, transports readers to Little North Island, located off Maine's coast. This atmospheric, gothic mystery perfectly captures a moody setting.  Willow started out meek and awkward but grew stronger and more assertive by the end. The house was an interesting character, though the mystery wasn’t compelling.  The whodunit reveal reminded me of a cartoon where the evil villain twirls the end of his mustache just before he is caught.  The story also incorporates supernatural elements, including ghosts who engage with the living characters.  The dialogue was more suited to young adults than adults and three-toed sloth moves faster than the pace of the story.  The story had a couple of good elements, but it needed more to make it an enjoyable read.  I am sure that Jennifer K. Breedlove will do remarkably better on her next novel.

You can get a sample of Murder Will Out from Amazom*, so you can see if the novel suits you. Just because it was not up my alley, does not mean you will not love it. That is the beauty of books.  There is something for everyone! Thank you for stopping by today!  I will be sharing my thoughts on Easter Egg Murder by Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis, and Peggy Ehrhart tomorrow (Thursday, February 19).  I am off to do a little work in my garden.  The last cold snap had freezing winds which killed most of the plants in my front raised garden bed.  I need to remove the dead plants and then get the raised beds ready for new seeds.  I have been searching online for plants that can handle drought and the heat.  I can plant the seeds in another week or so.  I am looking forward to spring and I bet you are too (it has been such a cold winter)!  I hope that you have a cheery 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.

Hope Even After by Heather Greer

Hope Even After

Book Summary

Loving him was never the problem.

Living with the addiction was.

In a small Illinois town, Daisy Taylor has loved her best friend Luke Masters since high school. But when grief drove Luke away from faith and into alcohol, Daisy learned an impossible truth: loving someone does not mean you can save them. Hoping for more than friendship felt risky, especially when the man she loved stopped believing in God and in himself.

Luke once trusted faith. After devastating loss, he decided it was nothing more than a crutch, and the bottle became his refuge. But when he crosses a line he cannot undo, Luke is forced to confront his addiction and begin the slow, humbling road toward sobriety.

As Luke fights for recovery, Daisy walks a razor’s edge, loving someone in recovery without rescuing him, supporting him without losing herself, and guarding a heart she buried years ago. Old feelings resurface. Faith is tested. And the future she once mourned threatens to reappear—fragile and uncertain.

Hope Even After is a faith-filled story of second chances, hard-earned healing, and the quiet courage it takes to trust God when answers do not come easily. With emotional depth and a gentle thread of romance, this novel explores boundaries, grace, and what it means to hope wisely rather than desperately.

My Thoughts

Hope Even After by Heather Greer demonstrates that addiction impacts more than just the individual experiencing it.  This impacts an individual's family, friends, colleagues, and other members of their social network.  The author effectively highlights the challenges of addiction and its impact on relationships.  Healing is possible with time, patience, love, and God. The text contains some repetitive elements, and the emphasis on faith may come across as somewhat pronounced.  I can tell that the author did her research on teas and tisanes. Hope Even After is an emotional story about forgiveness, redemption, friendship, hope, love, and faith.  

Hope Even After is available from Amazon*.  If you are a member of Kindle Unlimited, you can read it for free (borrow it and you can begin reading right away).  You can find Heather Greer's other novels here.  You can follow Heather Greer on Amazon and Facebook. 

Thank you for dropping by today.  Did you have a delightful Valentine's Day weekend? My mother was my valentine, and I picked up some cute gifts for her.  My mother loves Snoopy and Woodstock.  So, I picked up a cute "bouquet" that had a little stuffed Snoopy and Woodstock.  She also received a musical snowmotion snow globe.  As long as the music plays, the "snow" (little red, pink, and white hearts) continue to swirl around the globe.  She also received a new nightgown and a set of Peanuts socks.  I could tell she liked her gifts from the big smile on her face.  I hope your gifts brought you joy! On Wednesday, February 18, I am featuring Murder Will Out by Jennifer K. Breedlove.  I hope that you have a lovely 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.