Sunday, October 31, 2021

Happy Halloween!

 

Happy Halloween



I hope you have a spooktacular Halloween!  Here are some pictures that show how I decorated the outside of my home.








The skeleton picture was taken before I added the cobwebs and spiders.  Spooky sounds play in the background and on the other side of the house (past the train) there are a line of inflatable pumpkins.  Do you decorate for Halloween?  I would love to see pictures.  Thank you for visiting today.  I hope your holiday is fun as well as safe.  I am going to enjoy my chocolates and caramels.  Take care and Happy Reading!


Kris

The Avid Reader 

Saturday, October 30, 2021

A Lancaster Family Christmas by Kate Lloyd

 A Lancaster Family Christmas
Book Summary

What starts as a getaway to Amish Country could turn into the Christmas that changes Diana’s life forever, if only she opens her heart.

Diana can’t face another lonely Christmas in her Manhattan apartment. When a coworker invites her on a last-minute trip to visit her Mennonite family in Lancaster County, Diana jumps at the chance.

Arriving in Amish Country in the middle of a snowstorm, Diana discovers a world that couldn’t be more different from her life on the Upper East Side. She is fascinated by the sprawling farms and buggies on the roads, but what she really notices are the welcoming families, cozy kitchens filled with home-cooked meals…and the two handsome men who may or may not be vying for her attention.

But every community has its secrets. Jesse, the rakish young Amish farmer, is hiding more than just a forbidden cell phone. And then there’s handsome Brett, the guarded Mennonite craftsman who harbors a dark secret of his own.
My Thoughts

A Lancaster Family Christmas by Kate Lloyd takes readers from New York City to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania in December.  Diana Manzella is invited by her co-worker, Betsy Yoder to spend a few days with her Mennonite family.  Diana feels welcomed by Betsy’s warm family and loves spending time with their horses.  She is introduced to Betsy’s brother, Brett who she finds handsome and their neighbor, Jesse whom Betsy has harbored a crush on for many years.  Diana ends up spending Christmas with the family learning more about the family and the community.  A Lancaster Family Christmas is a sweet Christmas tale with some good life lessons along with a heaping dose of Christmas cheer.  The story contains good writing and it moved along at a good pace.  The characters are relatable, but I felt that they were not developed.  I felt like I barely knew Diana, Betsy, Jesse, and Brett.  I wanted to know more about Diana besides she comes from a well-to-do family, lives in a fancy apartment at a good address with a doorman, has a sweet dog named Piper, has a dead-end job, and parents who have been bickering which has them heading for divorce.  Forgiveness, grace, mercy, and community are some of the lessons in the story. There is a scene that is tense and heartbreaking.   I felt, though, that the story was a little higgledy piggledy.  It is a sweet story, but I wanted more depth. I did enjoy the feeling of Christmas and the swirling snow.  I would enjoy spending time in front of the Yoder’s fireplace or snuggling under a homemade quilt in their guestroom.  A Lancaster Family Christmas is a lighthearted Christmas tale that will get you in the mood for the holidays.  

A Lancaster Family Christmas is available from Amazon*.  The digital version is currently $1.99. You can download a sample to see if this Christmas story is for you.  You can find Kate Lloyd's other novels here.  Thank you for taking the time to read my review today.  I will return on Monday with Slashing Through the Snow by Jacqueline Frost.  It is the 3rd A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery.  I hope that you have a safe and Happy Halloween.  I have chocolates and caramels to indulge in.  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.

Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas by Lynn Cahoon

 Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas
Book Summary

Mia Malone is planning a holiday party to promote her catering and cooking school business—but she’s got a Christmas spirit to deal with first, in this new Kitchen Witch Mystery from New York Times bestselling author Lynn Cahoon . . .
 
For all its merriment, Christmas can also bring melancholy—and in Magic Springs, Idaho, Mia finds that the season has brought her an unhappy ghost who’s pulling poltergeist-style pranks to get her attention. When she demands an explanation, the ghost just sends a message: Ask Mary Alice—that is, Mia’s beloved Grans, who’s been training her to develop her witchy talents. If anyone can figure this out, it’s Grans . . . even if she still hasn’t managed to free Mia’s cat from a previous spell that she cast.
 
The restless spirit turns out to be Magic Spring’s most well-known ghost, Dorothy, who supposedly died peacefully in her sleep. Now Dorothy claims she was murdered, and she wants her killer brought to justice. And she doesn’t have much patience about it, so the pressure is on Mia—with some help from her boyfriend, Trent, and a strangely secretive Grans. There aren’t many dicing-and-chopping days till Christmas—but this year, the most important gift Mia can give is to cheer up this troubled spirit . . .

My Thoughts

Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas by Lynn Cahoon is A Kitchen Witch Mystery Novella (#2.5).  It can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series, but I believe it is best if you read the other two books first.  Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas is a cute short story.  Mia is busy preparing for a Christmas party to promote Mia’s Morsels.  Unfortunately, a ghost starts wreaking havoc causing delays.  The ghost is Dorothy Purcell who believes she was murdered.  If Mia is going to have a successful party and a jolly holiday, she will need to do a little sleuthing with help from her friends.  Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas is a fun story.  It is well-written with friendly characters and the story moves along at a quick pace.  When Mia is not digging for clues, she is decorating the lobby for the holiday party or busy cooking.  Grans, Trent, and Christine are back, and they help Mia with her investigation.  Mr. Darcy/Dorian is present too.  The mystery was cute and suited the length of the book.  I was left with an unanswered question at the end of the book (and I really wanted the answer).  I would have liked more magic.  There was very little magic in the story (except for seeing ghosts).  I would like more of the magical elements.  I enjoyed reading Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas and I am looking forward to reading Three Tainted Teas when it comes out in the spring.  Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas is a spirited cozy mystery with sweet sugar cookies, a grumpy ghost, an enigmatic Grans, a beau with a talent for bedecking the halls, a cooperative college student, and a harried kitchen witch.  

Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other novels in A Kitchen Witch Mysteries here.  The next A Kitchen Witch Mystery is Three Tainted Teas which publishes April 26, 2022.  Lynn Cahoon has Wedding Bell Blues releasing March 1, 2022.  It is 13th A Tourist Trap Mystery.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will be back on Monday with Slashing Through the Snow by Jacqueline Frost.  It is the 3rd A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery.  I hope that you have a happy and safe Halloween.  Do not eat too many sweet treats (I have caramels and chocolates).  Tomorrow I will share pictures of my outdoor Halloween decorations.  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, October 29, 2021

An Unexpected Amish Christmas by Rachel J. Good

 An Unexpected Amish Christmas
Book Summary

In USA Today bestselling author Rachel J. Good's new Surprised by Love Amish romance, two lonely pen pals--a grieving woman with too many responsibilities and a shy man paralyzed in a buggy accident--fall in love through their letters. Will the Green Valley Farmer's Market be the unlikely backdrop for translating their feelings from the page to in-person?
\
Recovering from a horse and buggy accident that took the lives of his family, Jacob Zook is struggling to regain both his spirit and his body. While his legs remain stubbornly opposed to moving, he exercises his hands by writing, and finds the perfect outlet for his grief in inspirational letters to the Amish newspaper. When Keturah Esch, a woman who works at the Green Valley Farmer's Market, responds with gratitude, Jacob has no idea that his hardship is about to become a blessing...

Dealing with her own loss, and responsible for her three siblings, Keturah's new correspondence with the anonymous letter writer becomes a source of joy. And when a shy young man confined to a wheelchair begins to visit the market, Keturah is happy to make his acquaintance--never knowing that Jacob is afraid to reveal himself as her pen pal. After all, what can he offer her, when he can't even walk? Can faith bring two lonely people together in perfect union? As Christmas approaches, Jacob and Keturah get a chance to make their gifts to each other worthy of the blessing of love...
My Thoughts

An Unexpected Amish Christmas by Rachel J. Good is a lovely story.  It is the third book in the Surprised by Love series.  Each book can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading all three of these enticing tales.  I thought An Unexpected Amish Christmas was well-written with realistic, developed characters.  I enjoyed getting to know Jeremiah Zook who was a dairy farmer prior to the accident.  He lost his mother and now Jeremiah finds himself confined to a wheelchair.  He is in rehab learning to reuse his hands and manage on his own once he is discharged.  Keturah Esch is the oldest of four girls.  The siblings lost both of their parents in accident.  Keturah is now responsible for raising her three younger sisters, managing the house as well as the family’s pretzel stand at the Green Valley Farmer’s Market.  Jeremiah read about Keturah and her sisters in the Die Botschaft.  He decides to write Keturah a letter anonymously which brings her comfort.  Then Jeremiah begins helping at the pretzel stand, but he does not share that he is the letter writer.  Keturah struggles to do all the tasks her parents completed and welcomes Jeremiah’s help at the stand.  Mrs. Vandenberg becomes involved which brings changes into all of their lives.  I just love Mrs. Vandenberg.  She is a force of nature.  Mrs. Vandenberg adds humor and lightness to the story along with love.  She is a generous woman who is a good example to us all.  It was interesting learning about the making of soft pretzels.  We also get to see the difficulties someone with disabilities or injuries experiences.  The author definitely captured the struggles and pain.  There is some Christmas scattered throughout the book.  The market is having a Christmas Extravaganza and Gina is trying to get each booth owner to decorate.  I enjoyed reading the latest Surprised by Love novel.  It was a joy to see things improve for Jeremiah and the Esch sisters.  An Unexpected Amish Christmas is a feel-good story that left me smiling.  

An Unexpected Amish Christmas is available from Amazon*.  The other two Surprised by Love novels are An Unexpected Amish Proposal and An Unexpected Amish Courtship.  You can find Rachel J. Good's other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I am sharing my thoughts on Have a Haunted, Holly Christmas by Lynn Cahoon tomorrow.  I hope that you have a happy day.  Take care of yourself, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

Thursday, October 28, 2021

Murder at Mallowan Hall by Colleen Cambridge

 Murder at Mallowan Hall
Book Summary

Colleen Cambridge's charming and inventive new historical series introduces an unforgettable heroine in Phyllida Bright, fictional housekeeper for none other than famed mystery novelist Agatha Christie. When a dead body is found during a house party at the home of Agatha Christie and her husband Max Mallowan, it's up to famous author's head of household, Phyllida Bright, to investigate...
 
Tucked away among Devon’s rolling green hills, Mallowan Hall combines the best of English tradition with the modern conveniences of 1930. Housekeeper Phyllida Bright, as efficient as she is personable, manages the large household with an iron fist in her very elegant glove. In one respect, however, Mallowan Hall stands far apart from other picturesque country houses . . .
 
The manor is home to archaeologist Max Mallowan and his famous wife, Agatha Christie. Phyllida is both loyal to and protective of the crime writer, who is as much friend as employer. An aficionado of detective fiction, Phyllida has yet to find a gentleman in real life half as fascinating as Mrs. Agatha’s Belgian hero, Hercule Poirot. But though accustomed to murder and its methods as frequent topics of conversation, Phyllida is unprepared for the sight of a very real, very dead body on the library floor . . .
 
A former Army nurse, Phyllida reacts with practical common sense—and a great deal of curiosity. It soon becomes clear that the victim arrived at Mallowan Hall under false pretenses during a weekend party. Now, Phyllida not only has a houseful of demanding guests on her hands—along with a distracted, anxious staff—but hordes of reporters camping outside. When another dead body is discovered—this time, one of her housemaids—Phyllida decides to follow in M. Poirot’s footsteps to determine which of the Mallowans’ guests is the killer. With help from the village’s handsome physician, Dr. Bhatt, Mr. Dobble, the butler, along with other household staff, Phyllida  assembles the clues. Yet, she is all too aware that the killer must still be close at hand and poised to strike again. And only Phyllida’s wits will prevent her own story from coming to an abrupt end . . .
My Thoughts

Murder at Mallowan Hall by Colleen Cambridge is the debut of A Phyllida Bright Mystery series.  Phyllida Bright is the housekeeper at Mallowan Hall which is the home of Agatha Christie and her husband, Max.  When a reporter ends up dead in the library, Mrs. Bright doubts the abilities of the detective assigned the case.  She decides to some sleuthing on her own to solve the crime so the houseguests can be on their way.  Murder at Mallowan Hall opens with the murder of a reporter found by Mrs. Bright in the library at Mallowan Hall.  I like the character of Mrs. Bright.  There is more to her than meets the eye.  I like that she is an efficient housekeeper with attention to detail.  Her bright hair is the one thing out of place which bothers the butler.  Mrs. Bright has some quirky characteristics.  We are introduced to a large cast of characters that include the household servants, Agatha Christie and her husband, Max as well as their houseguests. It can be difficult to keep track of all the characters.  The whodunit is a closed room mystery.  Someone in the house is the guilty party.  Mrs. Bright actively investigates by asking questions and searching for clues.  There are multiple suspects and a couple of red herrings.  There are good clues to help readers solve the crime.  Mrs. Bright’s reveal reminds me of an episode of Murder, She Wrote.  I appreciated that the case was completely wrapped up.  Murder at Mallowan was easy to get into in the beginning, but it can be slow going at times.  The author is extremely detail oriented.  A room or individual can be described down the minutest detail.  This can be a bit much after a while.  There was such a large cast of characters, that we really do not get much detail on the main ones.  I am sure we will get to know the household staff better in future books.  I think that die-hard fans of Agatha Christie will either love this story or hate it.  I did feel the author captured the time when manor houses were still thriving.  There is a definite Upstairs/Downstairs feel to the story.  I am curious to learn more about Mrs. Bright.  She is someone who is definitely keeping some secrets.  Murder at Mallowan Hall has curious crime will have you confused unless you pay close attention to the clues. 

Murder at Mallowan Hall is available from Amazon*.  You can follow Colleen Cambridge on Amazon to receive emails on her latest releases.  You can find Agatha Christie's novel here on Amazon.  Thank you so much for visiting and reading my review.  I will return tomorrow with An Unexpected Amish Christmas by Rachel J. Good.  It is the third book in Surprised by Love series.  I hope that you have a cheery 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.

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Christmas Grace by Mindy Steele: Review & Giveaway!

 Christmas Grace

About the Book

Book: Christmas Grace

Author: Mindy Steele

Genre: Amish Romance

Release date: October 26, 2021

Second chances and the Christmas spirit abound in Mindy Steele’s heartwarming novel, one of faith, love, and the power of community.

Grace Miller believed herself in love with the charming Englischer who eventually broke her heart. Now alone except for the secret life growing inside her, she arrives in the unfamiliar small village of Walnut Ridge, Kentucky, to hide and hopefully gain forgiveness.   She is pleasantly surprised, however, to find a tight-knit, welcoming group who help her heart grow right alongside her belly. And with the holidays around the corner, there’s plenty of preparations to occupy her mind. Also occupying her mind? Her strong, protective neighbor, Cullen Graber, the town’s blacksmith, who seems intent on not allowing her to ever suffer alone.

Cullen Graber gave up on love after too many losses early in life. He planned to live out his days focusing on his smithy business, yet the beautiful and mysterious Grace refuses to leave his thoughts. But can they open their hearts to God’s grace and create a new family together before Grace must return home?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Mindy Steele writes sweet Amish fiction as well as romantic suspense. She is an author of 7 novels. The Miller’s Creek Amish series, Christmas Grace, Christmas in Cranberry, His Amish Wife’s Hidden past, and An Amish Flower Farm, releasing 2021. If not gardening or visiting her Amish neighbors, she is on the family farm writing her newest inspiration.

More from Mindy

Behind the scenes with Christmas Grace:

Many are fascinated with the Amish. Their lifestyle, their faith and family. They are talented craftsman, extraordinary bakers, and wonderful stewards of the land. For me, it was their community as a whole. The Amish are some of the best examples of community. How they tend to one another and work alongside each other even without the need of a disaster or tragedy to occur. I didn’t even realize until a close friend who reads my manuscripts pointed it out, but every book I have written thus far has been mostly centered around community. ( I thought that was cool) Walnut Ridge was the first community I ever fictionalized and I still find myself wanting to go back and writing more about the wonderful people who live there.

As an avid reader of Amish fiction I wanted to write a story that wasn’t so…perfect, because none of us are. Grace Miller made a mistake, and finds herself having to face the consequences of that. I think we all can relate somewhat to her. Getting to know the three local communities near me, I find myself drawn more to the imperfect and how they carry on more than the upright and grounded. There is a scene where a group of women share their imperfections with Grace. It became a turning point in her life.

Walnut Ridge, Kentucky is completely fictional, as are all of my book settings currently. I have a love for setting a stage, building a place from the ground up. Although my hero, Cullen Graber was born and raised in Walnut Ridge, Grace Miller was not. Getting to know a character like Grace was a pleasure, but required a lot of research. Although I have seen much of our great country I live less than a half an hour from my birthplace.

Many books and films paint a picture on the meaning of shunning, but it doesn’t happen as often as you think or to the severity portrayed. I met a woman the year this book was wrote and learned a lot from her own personal plight. She had been shunned from her community and never returned, but still speaks to her mother and siblings, often. Grace was shunned for a time in her community, but even after confessing her sin, asking forgiveness and receiving it from her church and community members, her father sent her away from his house out of shame. As a parent to five, there are few times in those teenaged years I wanted to bann a kid or two, but my heart went out to Grace here.

I love creating characters who are realistic and relatable, but also swoon worthy and Cullen Graber is one I have had in my back pocket for a while. The gentle giant, slow to speak, fast to listen, and has a past too. I hope you come to find him as stoic yet imperfect as I wrote him.

There is a scene in the book where Grace finds herself completely alone and facing monsters. (No, I’m not giving out a spoiler here) I have found myself in such a place a time or two as I imagine many have. That moment when fear and bravery collide. This scene was actually inspired by a horrible nightmare while writing Christmas Grace. After reading, I bet you can guess what I’m afraid of.

I am a panster, not a plotter, but even I was shocked that I wrote this book in three weeks while working full time. I have tried my hand at plotting, but find once my characters start to reveal themselves, I have no more control over the story than I did my children’s choice in careers. My process is scary actually, according to Mr. Steele that is. (wink wink) I get an idea, start drafting out characters, setting, and pace or walk for two days while my head figures it all out. Then its pen and paper until that first draft is complete.

When you hear the word Amish, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Yep, food. I happen to be a food lover and an expert on the subject. Grace found herself unable to work at the job her aunt had set up for her but found she had a purpose, and a place to fit in. We all have a purpose, and a place in our community.

When I first signed with my amazing agent, Julie Gwinn, we both had hopes for the first book I wrote. She had planned on pitching it two months later so there was time to polish it until it shined. Then she called me up and asked me how quick I could write a second book to pitch too, not wanting to simply go in with one book I assume, but I know nothing about the stresses of a agents work. My mother insist this is who I am, the one who best performs under pressure, without time to prep, think. I tend to disagree. But in three weeks Christmas Grace was finished and ready for editing. I have wrote two contemporaries in short time spans, but Grace’s book, my first contracted book, will always be that one I always remember. Mostly because of I ran out of coffee twice, forgot to shower and eat a few days and learned it’s alright to talk to yourself if you really need someone to hear your thoughts. Oh, and the publisher bought a second book too. I can’t wait to share A Cranberry Christmas with you.

Much love,

Mindy

My Thoughts

Grace Miller finds herself unwed and pregnant by Englischer, Jared Castle.  After being banned and confessing before the church, Grace’s father exiles her to Walnut Ridge, Kentucky.  Grace is to live in a dilapidated shack out in the woods until after her child is born.  She soon learns that Walnut Ridge is not like her Old Order Amish community.  She finds women that welcome and befriend her.  Grace finds herself being helped by her blacksmith neighbor, Cullen Graber.  Cullen suffered losses that have affected him deeply.  He has not been tempted by any of the ladies in the community.  As Cullen gets to know Grace, he finds his thoughts consumed by her.  Grace finds Cullen to be kind and attractive, but she does not feel worthy of him.  Can Grace find a way to forgive herself and open herself to God’s grace?  

Christmas Grace by Mindy Steele is a compelling and unique Amish novel.  I thought it was well-written with realistic characters and situations. The story moves along at a gentle pace.  I enjoyed visiting Walnut Ridge, Kentucky.  We get to know the people that make up this town.  There are some wonderful, welcoming people in this community.  However, there are a few malcontents that like to spread discontent.  The central theme of the story is forgiveness.  It is important to forgive others, but it is even more imperative to forgive ourselves.  We cannot move forward until that happens.  I enjoyed watching the friendship and then romance blossom between Cullen and Grace.  Each one of them has issues they need to work through.  I enjoyed watching them grow as individuals and as a couple.  The theme of Christmas is prevalent throughout the story as well.  It will get you in the mood for the holiday.  Christmas Grace is a sweet, heartwarming tale with a sinner shack, a compassionate neighbor, scrumptious pastries, hardscrabble hill, a stalwart suitor, and a convivial community.  

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mindy is giving away a copy of her book to five winners.  Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click here to enter.  Good Luck!  Christmas Grace is available from Amazon*.  You can find Mindy Steele's other novels here.  Thank you for dropping by today.  I will return tomorrow with Murder at Mallowan Hall by Colleen Cambridge.  It is the first book in The Phyllida Bright Mystery series.  I hope that you have jolly day.  Do not forget to leave a comment for an extra entry in the contest.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!


Kris

The Avid Reader 

Blog Stops


The Avid Reader, October 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 27

Texas Book-aholic, October 28

Inklings and notions, October 29

Britt Reads Fiction, October 29

lakesidelivingsite, October 30

Lighthouse Academy Blog, October 30 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Blogging With Carol, October 31

For Him and My Family, October 31

Older & Smarter?, November 1

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 1

She Lives To Read, November 2

deb’s Book Review, November 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 3

Elly Gilbert, November 3

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 4

Simple Harvest Reads, November 4 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 5

Mary Hake, November 5

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 6

Splashes of Joy, November 6

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, November 7

Spoken from the Heart, November 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 8

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, November 8

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, November 9

Vicky Sluiter, November 9

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

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

A Harvest of Love by Marta Perry

 A Harvest of Love

Book Summary


A determined widow and a single father learn that love is about taking chances and turning over new leaves in the quaint Amish community of Promise Glen, from national bestselling author Marta Perry.

When widowed shop owner Dinah Hershberger is unceremoniously charged with safely escorting an infant to his uncle, she finds herself torn. Jacob Miller is everything Dinah could want in a partner--he's kind, handsome, strong--and nothing she can ever have. As much as she yearns to help the new family adjust, each minute Dinah spends with Jacob and the baby leaves her heart more vulnerable and her head more certain that the secret she hides makes a future with the Miller men impossible.

Jacob has long admired Dinah for her strength and independence, but it's her generosity of spirit that tempts him like never before. With Dinah at his side, Jacob opens himself up to the daunting new world of fatherhood, but how can he pursue his feelings for her when his life is in such disarray? After the disappointments of her first marriage, she deserves better than what Jacob can offer.

But love has a surprise in store for these two troubled hearts, and happiness is within reach if only they can grasp it, making Promise Glen their own promised land.
My Thoughts

A Harvest of Love by Marta Perry is the 3rd book in The Promise Glen series.  It can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series. I thought A Harvest of Love was well-written with developed, realistic characters.  I like Dinah Herberger, a widow who runs the local bakery.  She had a rough marriage, but Dinah has not shared the details with anyone.   Unbeknownst to Dinah, Jacob heard conversations, so he suspects that the marriage was not rosy.  She was unable to provide her husband with a child which still bothers Dinah.  She is afraid to marry again and subject another man to a childless marriage.  Jacob is a good man with a heart of gold.  He is torn up that his sister has left the Amish.  Jacob feels that it is his fault, and he is determined to bring her back.   I loved the secondary characters that includes Dinah’s loving family. Dinah and Jacob work to take care of Anna’s child and keep him safe.  As they take care of the baby, romance blooms between them.    I enjoyed watching Dinah and Jacob fall in love.  I did feel that the story was a touch long and the pacing was a little slow in places.  I appreciated the tension which happened when someone came after the baby.  It added suspense to the story.  I liked that we get to catch up with the characters (Sarah, Noah, Dorcas, and Thomas) from the first two books in the series.  A Harvest of Love is a sweet story that I enjoyed.  It was a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.  It was a lovely ending to the series.  My favorite line from A Harvest of Love is, “Let the present trouble be enough for now, she told herself.  Trust the good Lord for the rest.”  A Harvest of Love is a heartwarming story with a bouncing baby boy, delectable jelly donuts, a handsome harness maker, an affectionate family, and a benevolent baker.  

A Harvest of Love is available from Amazon*.   The other two novels in The Promise Glen series are  are A Christmas Home and A Springtime Heart.  You can find Marta Perry's other novels here.  Marta Perry's next release is Nursing Her Amish Neighbor publishing December 28.  I want to share with you some of the other novels that came out today.  They include:  Murder at Mallowan Hall by Colleen Cambridge, Have a Holly Haunted Christmas by Lynn Cahoon, Getaway with Murder by Diane Kelly, Christmas Grace by Mindy Steele, To the Tome of Murder by Lauren Elliott, Death by Apple Cider by Alex Erickson, Christmas Dessert Murder by Joanne Fluke, Strangers on a Skein by Anne Canadeo, and An Amish Baby for Christmas by Vannetta Chapman.  There is something for every reader.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I hope that you have spooky fun 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.