Thursday, December 31, 2020

Amish Secrets by Marta Perry

Happy New Year's Eve!

Book Summary

Amish Secrets by Marta Perry has Rachel Hurst seeking the position of live-in housekeeper with Geraldine Withers after her father unexpectedly remarries.  She is surprised to find her old fiancĂ© Jacob Beiler working on the estate.  Rachel regrets not being able to marry Jacob and how things ended between them.  Jacob still feels the hurt of Rachel’s rejection, but he cannot deny that he still has feelings for Rachel.  As Jacob and Rachel work with Geraldine Withers, they get to know her and become fond of the elderly woman who has a troublesome family.  When small incidents begin to happen that jeopardize Geraldine’s life, the pair become worried.  Rachel and Jacob investigate the episodes to see if they can discover who is behind them.  They will do what they can to keep Geraldine safe.  It soon becomes apparent that someone is unhappy with their snooping when one of their lives ends up in jeopardy.

My Thoughts

Amish Secrets by Marta Perry is the third book in the River Haven series.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series or if you missed a book. I do wish that we could have seen or received updates on the characters from the previous two books.  I thought Amish Secrets was well-written with developed characters.  I liked the storyline that contained mystery, suspense, and romance.  The characters were developed and realistic.  I enjoyed the feisty Geraldine Withers.  She needed to be to put up with her family.  Holly, Geraldine’s great-niece, added lightness and humor to the story.  I believe she will grow up to be like Geraldine. The mystery was interesting.  There were a variety of suspects who could be behind the misdeeds.  I did feel that there some unanswered questions at the end that I would have liked resolve, but I did enjoy reading Amish Secrets.  I stayed up late to finish because I wanted to see if I correctly identified the evildoer.  Amish Secrets has a good ending.  Amish Secrets is an intriguing and suspenseful tale with irregular incidents, a troubled tween, an unfriendly family, missing memories, and romantic reflections.

Amish Secrets is available from Amazon* along with other major retailers (Harlequin, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Google Play, Chapter's, etc.).  The other two novels in the River Haven series are Amish Outsider and Amish Protector.  You can find Marta Perry's other novels here.  Thank you for joining me today and reading my review.  I hope that you have a happy and safe New Year.  I will be back on January 2 A Wicked Yarn by Emmie Caldwell.  It is the debut of A Craft Fair Knitters Mystery series.  I wanted to share a picture of the blow up I put in my very small front yard.  I have a terrible habit of not looking at the size of an item when I order it.  After the blow up arrived, I took it outside and blew it up to discover that Rudolph is 8.5" feet tall.  He is impressive and adorable.  I love the lights around his antlers.  Isn't he cute?  Have a very Happy New Year!  Be kind, stay safe, and Happy REading!



Kris

The Avid Reader






Happy New Year!


*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Wednesday, December 30, 2020

The Monster MASH by Angie Fox


Book Summary

The Monster MASH by Angie Fox has Dr. Petra Robichaud working in a MASH unit in limbo after being recruited (shanghaied is more liked it) by the New God Army. She has spent the last seven years trying to save the creatures who are fighting in the war between the Old Gods and the New Gods. Petra has a special gift that could get her killed if the gods become aware of it.  The only person in her life who knew the truth was her father.  Commander Galen of Delphi is on her table and his soul is leaving his body.  Petra cannot let him die.  She grabs his soul and puts it back into his body bringing Galen back to life.  Petra hopes Galen does not remember what happened, but she knows that he looked right at her.  Unfortunately, Galen does recall what happened despite Petra’s denials.  He believes Petra is the one mentioned in an old prophecy that could finally end the very long war.  When prophecies begin coming true, Petra can no longer ignore the inevitable.  Petra cannot help but wonder what she must sacrifice in order to end the lengthy war.   

 My Thoughts

The Monster MASH is the beginning of a new series for Angie Fox.  It is a departure from The Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries with Verity and Frankie.  Petra is a strong woman who is used to taking care of others and having no personal life.  I did find some of Petra’s characteristics to be contrary with this image especially where romance is concerned.  There are a variety of eclectic characters including a vegetarian werewolf, a diva vampire, a demigod warrior, and a riddle happy sphinx security guard.  I thought the authors descriptive word imagery brought the scenes to life.  I could imagine the stark landscape of limbo where Petra is forced to live and work.  There are a couple of humorous moments.  I wish there had been more of them to lighten up the story.  The Monster MASH has danger, romance, creepy monsters, controlling gods, conflict, death, and horrible food.  For those who like the series MASH and paranormal stories, you will enjoy reading The Monster MASH.  It is a quick story to read with a preview of what happens in the next installment.  The Monster MASH is an intriguing new paranormal series with a dangerous demigod, problematic roommates, nosy neighbors, multiplying swamp lizards, noteworthy news on the paranormal network, a security sphinx, and a physician with a private power.

The Monster MASH is available from Amazon*.  The other two novels in The Monster MASH series are The Transylvania Twist which releases January 26, 2021 and Werewolves of London which will be out on February 23, 2021.  You can find Angie Fox's A Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries here.  Verity and Frankie's next adventure is The Haunted Homecoming which publishes on August 17, 2021.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I hope everyone is having a relaxing holiday season.  I will return tomorrow with Amish Secrets by Marta Perry.  It is the 3rd book in the River Haven series.  I do hope you have a peaceful day (before the excitement of New Year's Eve).  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!


Kris

The Avid Reader


*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Ropes, Riddles, and Robberies by Tonya Kappes

 

Book Summary


Ropes, Riddles, and Robberies by Tonya Kappes has Mae West heading to her hometown of Perrysburg, Kentucky to get answers regarding the fire that killed her family.  The fire was ruled an accident, but Mae’s recently regained memories suggest foul play may have been at work.  The Laundry Club ladies are going with Mae to provide support and help with the investigation.  Mae works to piece together the snippets of recovered memories along with information the ladies gather to arrive at the truth. 

My Thoughts

Ropes, Riddles, and Robberies can be read as a standalone for those new to A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series.  Everything a new reader needs to know is included.  We are finally finding out what happened the night a fire destroyed Mae’s life.  She lost her mother, father, and two younger sisters.  This Southern cozy mystery contains Tonya Kappes’ trademark writing.  Her stories have great characters along with a good flow and humor.  We depart from Normal, Kentucky for this tale and head to Mae’s hometown where she is determined to get answers.  Mae and the Laundry Club ladies head out in a blue camper (road trip).  It is wonderful how these ladies have become Mae’s family along with Hank Sharp, Dawn, and Mary Elizabeth.  We get to see a different side of Mary Elizabeth in Ropes, Riddles, and Robberies.  The “mama bear” in her comes out (she is still about Southern manners, but we get to see her protective side).  Mae reconnects with an old beau which brings out Hank’s jealousy (just a bit).  We get to learn more about Mae and her childhood.  I did feel the humor was missing in this story.  There is some, but it is not on par with the other stories in this series.  Ropes, Riddles, and Robberies is a heavier story that the previous installments.  I was curious about this whodunit.  I wanted to know what happened the night of the fire, and I was eager to meet the suspects.  I liked the added suspense.  I could have done, though, without the repetition of information (I got it the first time).  The ending left me smiling.  Ropes, Riddles, and Robberies is a character driven cozy mystery with a cold case, tricky riddles, a fierce fire, missing memories plus faithful family and friends.  

Ropes, Riddles, and Robberies releases December 31 and it is available from Amazon*.  It is part of Kindle Unlimited along with the other books in A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series.  The next A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery is Paddlers, Promises, and Poison which releases January 21, 2021.  You can find Tonya Kappes' other books here.  I hope that you had a delightful Christmas.  My mother and I had a quiet one which was just what we needed.  I will see you tomorrow when I share my thoughts on The Monster MASH by Angie Fox.  It is the first book in The Monster MASH trilogy.  I hope that you have an uplifting day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!


Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.


Friday, December 25, 2020

Merry Christmas!

 Merry Christmas

I hope that you and your family have a jolly holiday season.  I will return soon to share new books with you.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!


Kris

The Avid Reader

Saturday, December 19, 2020

The Awakening by Nora Roberts

The Awakening by Nora Roberts

Book Summary

When Breen Kelly was a girl, her father would tell her stories of magical places. Now she’s an anxious twentysomething mired in student debt and working a job she hates. But one day she stumbles upon a shocking discovery: her mother has been hiding an investment account in her name. It has been funded by her long-lost father—and it’s worth nearly four million dollars.

This newfound fortune would be life-changing for anyone. But little does Breen know that when she uses some of the money to journey to Ireland, it will unlock mysteries she couldn’t have imagined. Here, she will begin to understand why she kept seeing that silver-haired, elusive man, why she imagined his voice in her head saying Come home, Breen Siobhan. It’s time you came home. Why she dreamed of dragons. And where her true destiny lies—through a portal in Galway that takes her to a land of faeries and mermaids, to a man named Keegan, and to the courage in her own heart that will guide her through a powerful, dangerous destiny… 

My Thoughts

The Awakening by Nora Roberts is a captivating novel.  I was immediately drawn into this tale and I did not want to put it down. The Awakening is the first installment in The Dragon Heart Legacy series.  I thought it was well-written with developed characters and a complex plot.  Breen Kelly learns her mother has hidden a vast sum of money from her.  Breen is surprised to learn that her father who disappeared many years ago has been sending her money.  This money will allow Breen to make changes to her life such as quitting her teaching position.  Her roommate and best friend, Marco Olsen suggests she do something that she has always dreamed of doing.  Breen has always wanted to visit Ireland.  She rents a cottage for the summer in Connemara where she begins to dream of a magical place with red dragons.  Breen is in for the adventure of her life.  The Awakening is a magical tale.  I like that the author took the time to establish the characters, storyline, and setting.  Her vivid word imagery brought the scenery alive for me.  We get to meet Keegan and Breen’s loving grandmother along with a cast of enchanting folks and creatures.  There is good versus evil and a bad woman who is intent on causing conflict.  I liked seeing Breen come out of her shell and blossom.  Of course, The Awakening ends with a cliffhanger.  We must now wait a year for the next tale in The Dragon Heart Legacy series.  If you have never wanted to visit Ireland before, you will after reading this book.  You can tell that the author did her research. I enjoyed the whimsy and humor in the story.  Marco is a delight and I frequently laughed after reading his dialogue.  My favorite phrase from The Awakening is, “Girl, take it from an old queen.  Be who you are and the heck (I changed this word) with the rest.”  The Awakening is a magical tale that will keep you riveted until the very last word.  

The Awakening is available from Amazon* along with other major retailers (Barnes & Noble, BAM, Kobo, Google Play, Chapter's, Waterstone's).  The next book in The Dragon Heart Legacy series will be out in November 2021.  The final book releases in November 2022.  I used the publisher's summary of The Awakening today to give you an idea at the full scope of the novel (it is a hard book to describe).  You can find Nora Roberts other novels here.  Thank you for reading my review today.  I heading out to run a few errands.  I can now find some places locally without the aid of the navigation app on my phone (post office, drug store, and grocery store--the basics).  Can you imagine if we still had to rely on paper maps? I am signing off for Christmas.  I need some time to rest and get things done for the my new abode.  I will be back soon on December 29 with my review of a new release.  I hope that all of you have a wonderful holiday season.  Our holiday may look a little different this year, but it can still be joyful.  I hope that you get some wonderful new books for Christmas (or an Amazon gift card so you can buy them).  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.


Friday, December 18, 2020

Marrying Matthew by Kelly Long

 Marrying Matthew

Book Summary

Marrying Matthew by Kelly Long has Tabitha Stolfus advertising for a mail order groom.  Tabitha is heir to her father’s lumber and woodworking company which is prominently known in Blackberry Falls, Pennsylvania.  Her father wishes her to marry and has paraded a variety of eligible men in front of Tabitha.  Tabitha is determined to marry under her terms which is why she placed the advertisement.  She wants a groom who is unaware of her father’s business.  Matthew King responded to the ad and will be arriving that day.  Matthew is a woodworker who wishes to learn from her father, John Stolfus. It is a fact that he failed to disclose to Tabitha in their letters.   When Matthew arrives, they marry immediately while John is out of town.  Matthew wants them to spend time getting to know each other before consummating their marriage.  While townspeople welcome Matthew and congratulate the newlyweds, workers at Stolfus Lumber and Woodworking are less than thrilled.  A series of incidents begin to happen that end up with Matthew becoming injured.  Someone seems determined to eliminate the new groom.  Will Tabitha end up a widow before her marriage can truly begin?

My Thoughts

Marrying Matthew by Kelly Long is the first book in The Amish Mail Order Grooms series.  Marrying Matthew not your typical Amish novel.  I liked the unusual premise of a mail order Amish groom.  I enjoyed the descriptions of Blackberry Falls, Pennsylvania.  There are a variety of quirky residents with Bishop Kore leading the pack.  I like that there is a mystery which adds depth and suspense.  I was turned off, though, by the sexual innuendo and intimate situations.  I read Amish and Christian novels because they do not contain that type of content.  I was surprised to find it in Marrying Matthew (and so much of it).  I was puzzled about the time period.  While in Blackberry Falls it seems that we have stepped back in time.  I thought it was the early 1800s from the way things were described and the way the Amish spoke.  But then they went to the local hospital and were able to watch television.  If this had been a clean, Amish novel, I would have enjoyed Marrying Matthew.  It has a great premise along with mystery, suspense, a charming town, humor, unique characters, and suspense.  If you enjoy explicit romance novels, then you will enjoy Marrying Matthew much more than I did.  

Marrying Matthew is available from Amazon*.  You can find Kelly Long's other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  Next time I am featuring The Awakening by Nora Roberts.  I hope that you have a exultant day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!


Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Thursday, December 17, 2020

His Accidental Amish Family by Rachel J. Good

His Accidental Amish Family

Book Summary

His Accidental Amish Family by Rachel J. Good has Anna Flaud making a change in her life.  She was told that she would never walk again, but Anna was determined that she would accomplish it.  Anna has a reason for this goal, but it is not one she wishes to share with others.  She moves to Ronks and begins physical therapy at the Community Care Center with Levi King.  Levi finds himself drawn to Anna.  He admires her determination and big heart.  When Anna can walk without aid, she seeks out Gabriel Kauffman.  She promised to give him an answer when she could walk, and now Anna is ready.  She is surprised, though, when she discovers that Gabriel’s heart belongs to another.  Anna has no intention of making Gabriel keep his promise to her.  Anna finds a new purpose for her life.  She wishes to become a foster mother.  Anna finds herself wanting to adopt three special kids.   The one thing standing in her way is a lack of husband.  Levi finds himself falling for Anna but, after what happened in the past, he is not sure he can take on such a commitment.  Will they find a way to come together and form a family?

My Thoughts

His Accidental Amish Family by Rachel J. Good is the third book in Unexpected Amish Blessings series.  It can be read on its own, but you will be missing out on two special novels.  Anna Flaud was mentioned briefly in His Pretend Amish Bride (available through Kindle Unlimited).  I thought His Accidental Amish Family was well-written with developed characters.  The story starts out a little slow, but it soon picks up the pace.  I like that this is not a traditional Amish romance.  Anna Flaud is a strong woman who works hard to achieve a difficult goal.  I like that she did not let disappointment set her back.  Anna came up with a new plan that would benefit children in need.  Levi has his own demons.  He blames himself for a tragic accident and works hard to make amends for what happened.  His brother, Jonah is such a sweetheart.  Misunderstandings and miscommunications abound.  The kids add further depth and interest to the story as well as humor.  I like that the characters in the story were realistic.  I do wish that we were given more details on Anna’s condition.  I believe it would have added more realism to the story.  I like that the story addresses the issue of the foster system.  We get to see two families making a difference.  We also learn that that you never know what God has planned for your life. His Accidental Amish Family is a touching story.  I enjoyed reading this special Amish novel which is a lovely addition to the Unexpected Amish Blessings series.  His Accidental Amish Family is a heartening tale with confused kids, tiring physical therapy, past promises, agonizing guilt, miscommunication, misunderstandings, and a compulsory mate.

His Accidental Amish Family is available from Amazon*.  The other novels in Unexpected Amish Blessings series are His Unexpected Amish Twins and His Pretend Amish Bride.  Both books are on Kindle Unlimited.  You can find Rachel J. Good's other novels here.  Rachel J. Good has An Unexpected Amish Proposal coming out on March 30, 20201.  It is the first novel in Surprised by Love series.  Thank you for stopping by today and reading my review.  I will be back tomorrow with Marrying Matthew by Kelly Long.  It is the first book in The Amish Mail Order Grooms series.  I hope that you have an inventive day.  Take care, be king, and Happy Reading!


Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Peppermint Cream Die by Carol Ayer

 Peppermint Cream Die

 

About Peppermint Cream Die

 

Peppermint Cream Die (The HSP Mysteries)

Cozy Mystery 

1st in Series Publisher: Camel Press (October 13, 2020) 

Kayla Jeffries, home bakery owner and HSP (Highly Sensitive Person), has arranged her life just so to avoid stressful overstimulation. The California oceanside community in which she lives proves the perfect venue for the quiet and peaceful existence she desires. She happily spends her time baking, walking along the beach, and spending time with her close friends.

But when Kayla discovers her elderly friend Trudy Dillingham has been strangled, she vows to do anything she must to help bring the killer to justice, including overcoming the stress and sensory overload involved in playing amateur detective. Using her HSP talents of attention to detail and ability to read other people's emotions, Kayla eventually cracks the case, all the while juggling two cats and a dog, non-stop orders for the Christmas holidays, and a budding relationship with handsome restaurateur Jason Banks.

About Carol E. Ayer

Carol Ayer, a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), lives halfway between San Francisco and Sacramento with her cat, Rainn. When she’s not writing, she’s reading mysteries and thrillers or watching movies and cooking shows. As a native Californian, she visits the ocean as often as possible.

Author Links

Author Links Webpage: https://carolayer.com/ 



My Thoughts

Peppermint Cream Die by Carol Ayer has Kayla Jeffries investigating the death of her friend, Trudy when not baking up tasty treats for her clients.  It is a challenge for Kayla who is an HSP (Highly Sensitive Person), but she is determined to get justice.  The killer believes Kayla has something he wants.  He will do what it takes to recover it and tie up loose ends.  Peppermint Cream Die introduces us to Kayla Jeffries who recently moved to Seaside Shores in California where she has started Kayla’s Home Baked Goods in her cozy cottage.  She bakes up delicious treats for her clients and friends.  We get to learn about HSP and how it affects Kayla.  We see how loud noises affect her along with stressful situations.  I had not heard of this condition before nor have I seen it in a cozy mystery prior to this.  I found Peppermint Cream Die easy to read.  I would have liked more time devoted to character development so I could learn more about Kayla.  Kayla finds Trudy dead in her home which devastates her.  She becomes determined to find out who harmed her friend.  Kayla talks to various people, overhears some promising clues, and keeps detailed notes.  Kayla shares information with her best friend, Isabella who is dating the investigating officer (allows her to get some helpful intel for Kayla).  I liked the action in the story that helped propel the story forward toward the suspenseful reveal.  Kayla begins dating Jason and they spend quite a bit of time together.  Their romance is prominent in the story along with Kayla’s baking.  I would have preferred the mystery be at the forefront.   The ending is sweet and left me smiling.  Peppermint Cream Die is a charming cozy mystery with a bevy of baking, a cute cat, scrumptious peppermint pie, a steady suitor, a bellicose killer, and a Merry Christmas.  

Peppermint Cream Die is available from AmazonB&N, and Kobo.  The author is giving away a copy of the book along with an ornament and peppermint hot chocolate packets.  You can enter by using the Rafflecopter form below or click here.  Good Luck!  Thank you for visiting today.  Next time I am featuring His Accidental Amish Family by Rachel J. Good.  It is the third book in Unexpected Amish Blessings series.  I am off to do some holiday decorating.  My mother wishes to put up two trees in her bedroom.  Now I need to shape those trees and put on the lights.  My mother suffered an injury so she is not able to do the work herself.  I hope all of you have a jubilant day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading! 

Kris

The Avid Reader


Tour Participants

December 3 – I'm All About Books – SPOTLIGHT 

December 4 – I Read What You Write – REVIEW 

December 5 – Elizabeth McKenna - Author Blog – SPOTLIGHT 

December 6 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW 

December 6 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW 

December 7 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 

December 8 – Nadaness In Motion – REVIEW 

December 8 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 

December 9 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW 

December 9 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT 
December 10 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 

December 11 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT 

December 12 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – SPOTLIGHT 

December 12 – Christy's Cozy Corners – REVIEW 

December 13 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT 
December 14 – Sneaky the Library Cat's Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW 

December 14 – Here's How It Happened – REVIEW 

December 15 – Cozy Up With Kathy – AUTHOR INTERVIEW 

December 16 – My Journey Back – RECIPE POST 

December 16 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Her Amish Wedding Quilt by Winnie Griggs

Her Amish Wedding Quilt

Book Summary

Her Amish Wedding Quilt by Winnie Griggs has Greta Eicher eager to have a talk with her best friend, Calvin Stoll.  They have been friends since they were children and they talk about everything together.  Greta’s feelings have changed toward Calvin, and she is hoping that Calvin’s have as well.  Greta is known for being outspoken and spirited which has turned off other suitors.  Before Greta can discuss the issue with Calvin, she learns that he has begun courting Wanda who is the opposite of Greta.  Calvin’s brother, Noah has been widower for over two years.  His younger sister, Maisie has been watching his two children, Anna and David.  Her sixteenth birthday is approaching which means she can begin enjoying rumspringa.  Noah has promised to find someone else to take care of the kids.  He has decided it is time to remarry, but Noah wants the marriage to be strictly a business arrangement.  Greta has had success matching other couples and agrees to find someone for Noah.  Greta and Noah spend time together so she can get to know him.  Noah begins to view Greta in a different light, and he begins to have feelings for her.  After his first marriage, though, Noah is not willing to risk his heart again.  Can God help Noah overcome the past so he can have a fulfilling future?

My Thoughts

Her Amish Wedding Quilt by Winnie Griggs is the first novel in the Hope’s Haven series.  Her Amish Wedding Quilt is a sweet story.  This is the first book that I have read by Winnie Griggs and I enjoyed it.  Greta Eicher is a feisty main character.  I like that she had spunk and spoke her mind.  Greta likes who she is, and she was not going to change for anyone (hooray for her). Greta was also kind, thoughtful, caring, strong, creative, and a woman of faith.  Noah is the strong silent type who cares deeply.  He loves his family especially his two children, Anna and David.  He just wanted what was best for his kids.  Noah is a skilled craftsman who makes beautiful furniture.  He is also kindhearted man who has had to make some tough decisions.  I enjoyed the descriptions of Noah’s furniture and Greta’s beautiful quilts.  I especially liked the word images of the special quilt Greta created after Calvin started courting another woman.  I thought Her Amish Wedding Quilt was well-written with interesting characters and steady pacing.  The romance progressed nicely.  There were moments when I wanted to shake Noah.  He began to care for Greta early on, but Noah was not willing to admit it nor venture into the love zone.  I like how everything came together at the end for a heartwarming ending.  There were some humorous moments throughout the story along with “awww’ moments with the darling kids and adorable kittens.  The story does have some expected elements, but the rest of the story outweighed that aspect.  Her Amish Wedding Quilt is a darling Amish tale with cute kittens, artistic quilt designs, fine furniture, a caring craftsman, a merry matchmaker, and Christmas cheer.   

Her Amish Wedding Quilt is available from Amazon*.  You can find Winnie Griggs' other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I hope that you will join me tomorrow.  I am a stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour for Peppermint Cream Die by Carol Ayer tomorrow.  It is the first book in The HSP Mysteries.  I am off to work on the Christmas trees (everything is in boxes, but my mother wants her Christmas trees).  I am very fortunate that the totes with the ornaments are easy to find.  I wish it was as easy for us to agree on paint color and blinds.  I know it will all work out in the end.  I hope that you have a heartwarming day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.


Monday, December 14, 2020

Wedding Bells on Victory Street by Pam Howes

Wedding Bells on Victory Street

Book Summary

From Amazon bestseller Pam Howes comes a heartbreaking World War Two novel about a young woman trying to make the best of history’s darkest hour. Is a happy ever after impossible?

Liverpool, 1943. For Bella Rogers, life is looking up. She loves performing with The Bryant Sisters, the singing trio who have become the country’s sweethearts, putting a smile on the faces of the brave boys fighting the Nazis. But then tragedy strikes when a telegram arrives: Bella’s beloved father has been killed in France.

Unlike her poor Mam, Bella has someone to share her grief with. Her childhood love Bobby is home from the war. He lost a leg but she counts her blessings every day that he’s alive when so many young men haven’t made it back. Bella longs to give her heart to Bobby but she is hiding a secret that may change their lives forever. Will he still love her if she reveals the truth?

But when bombs screech down on Victory Street in the middle of the night, blowing houses apart, Bella may lose both the home she loves and the family who mean everything to her. With so much loss around her, will Bella be brave enough to snatch her chance of happiness? And when the war is finally over, will wedding bells ring out on Victory Street again?

An utterly unputdownable, heart-wrenching historical novel that will have you completely hooked from page one. You’ll lose yourself in this gorgeous wartime story of love, loss and family secrets. Perfect for fans of Wives of War, Nadine Dorries and Nancy Revell.  

About the Author

Pam Howes is a retired interior designer, mum to three daughters, grandma to seven assorted grandchildren, and roadie to her musician partner.  

The inspiration for Pam's first novel came from her teenage years when she worked in a record store and hung around with musicians who frequented the business.  The first novel evolved into a series about a fictional band called The Raiders.  Pam is a fan of sixties music and it's this love that compelled her to begin writing.  You can find Pam Howes on Facebook and Twitter.  

My Thoughts

Wedding Bells on Victory Street by Pam Howes is the 2nd novel in The Bryant Sisters series.  It can be read as a standalone for those who have not indulged in The Girls of Victory Street.  Bella Rogers along with her two best friends (Fran and Edie) are known as The Bryant Sisters.  They are with ENSA (Entertainments National Service Association) traveling around England and Wales entertaining the troops as well as citizens.  Bella is in love with Bobby Harrison who suffered severe injuries when his plane went down.  He is waiting for a new prosthetic leg and then hopes to join the tour with Bella.  Bella loves Bobby and hopes to marry him, but she has yet to tell him about her son, Levi.  She is worried what Bobby will think about her when he learns that she has an illegitimate child with band leader, Earl Franklin Jr.  Levi is with her mother, Mary and her sister, Molly in Llanoudno, North Wales.  Bella misses her son, but she knows that he is safer on the farm.  The ladies on the tour are having trouble with the magician Frederico, Master of Magic (aka Freddie).  They know the sleazy man is up to no good, but the three singers need proof.  It is 1943 and the war shows no signs of slowing down and neither do the bombings.  I thought Wedding Bells on Victory Street was well-written with developed characters and gentle pacing.  There is plenty going on in this emotional novel as you can tell.  I just gave you a little taste of what to expect in this dramatic tale.    There is drama, romance, wrongdoings, beautiful songs, manipulation, tension, and so much more.  The author captured the time period with the music, clothing, war events, and the language.  I like how Pam Howes included Glenn Miller who performed with ENSA just before his death.  I enjoyed the heartwarming ending.  It was great to see how some of the characters developed.  I really liked the change in one character (spoiler). For those readers who enjoy historical sagas (Pam Howes Lark Lane series and Nancy Revell’s Shipyard Girls), you do not want to miss Wedding Bells on Victory Street.  Wedding Bells on Victory Street is a poignant historical novel with spectacular singers, an immoral magician, a sweet son, an aspiring sister, a sickening conflict, and a rocky romance. 

Wedding Bells on Victory Street is available from Amazon*.  The Girls of Victory Street is the first novel in The Bryant Sisters series.  Both books are available through Kindle Unlimited.  You can find Pam Howes other novels here which includes her Lark Lane series (delightful series).  Thank you for visiting today.  I will be back tomorrow with Her Amish Wedding Quilt by Winnie Griggs.  It is the first book in the Hope's Haven series.   I will return to a regular blogging schedule in the new year.  I have been busy with the new home (which needs a new roof) and recovering from the move (just wore me out).  We are working to pick out paint colors for the home, new blinds (the whole house needs blinds), and new floors.  My mother and I are trying to agree on colors for each selection.  We need a new fridge but the space available in our kitchen is a challenge.  The fridges that fit are currently on backorder until next year.  If we had a larger opening, it would be better (I am not remodeling the whole kitchen for a fridge).  I hope that you have a jolly day.  Take care, be king, and Happy Reading!


Kris

The Avid Reader

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