Poaching is Puzzling by Daryl Wood Gerber

 Poaching is Puzzling

Book Summary

In the cutthroat world of crossword solvers, Jenna Hart will have to decipher some puzzling clues to catch a killer . . .

The annual crossword puzzle contest has drawn contestants from near and far to Crystal Cove, and Jenna watches in amazement as puzzle-themed books fly off the shelves at the Cookbook Nook. Her aunt Vera is putting up a sizable cash prize, and no one is more surprised than Jenna to discover there’s bad blood between Vera and the prominent puzzle constructor who’s acting as master of ceremonies. And when the puzzle guru has his throat slit while he’s out hiking, the police instantly peg Aunt Vera as the culprit.

Jenna can’t stand by and watch her aunt take the fall. It’s been clear since the victim arrived that he had contentious relationships with a number of the contestants—even going so far as to steal puzzles from some of them and claim them as his own—and Jenna’s certain one of them is the killer. Trading puzzle solving for crime solving, she sorts through the convoluted clues and cryptic suspects, hoping to nab the guilty party before they decide she’s a problem they’ll solve with another murder . . .

Includes mouthwatering recipes!

My Thoughts

Poaching is Puzzling by Daryl Wood Gerber is a diverting cozy mystery.  We return to the scenic Crystal Cove, California where Jenna Hart and her Aunt Vera own the Cookbook Nook.  The story is well-written with developed characters.  This is a character driven series.  Jenna is back as well as her Aunt Vera, her husband Rhett, Bailey, Kate, Cary as well as Tigger and Rook.  I enjoyed the crossword puzzle theme for this story.  There are daily crossword puzzles for the townspeople to solve, a crossword puzzle tournament, crossword themed merchandise (cookie jars for example), and the murder of a cruciverbalist (crossword puzzle designer).  The death of Wesley Preston, a renowned crossword puzzle designer, puts Aunt Vera in the crosshairs of Chief of Police Cinnamon Pritchett.  Aunt Vera asks Jenna to investigate.  She knows that the crossword puzzle visitors and contestants will talk to Jenna because she speaks their language.  There are multiple suspects in Wesley’s death.  Wesley managed to antagonize several people in the days leading up to his death.   Jenna asks questions, searches for helpful clues, and gets useful gossip.   The whodunit can be solved before the reveal (the devil is in the details).  The case is neatly wrapped up at the end (thanks to Jenna).  

A crossword puzzle cookie!

I learned a couple of novel words while reading Poaching is Puzzling (like cruciverbalist and turophile) and I enjoyed the addition of the fifty cent words (my favorite type). There are details on how crossword puzzles are crafted along with the crossword puzzle trivia.  I also learned about the different types of knives and their names (there is one for each type of cheese—soft, hard, smooth, and semi-hard).  There is some repetition of minutiae (a pet peeve of mine).  We get to spend time with the cutie Tigger and the clever Rook.  I like that the author includes adorable furbabies in her books.  I look forward to my next visit to Crystal Cove.  Poaching is Puzzling is the twelfth A Cookbook Nook Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone, but you will miss out on the background of the characters and how the couples came together.  Poaching is Puzzling is a crossword centric cozy with clever conundrums, a slain cruciverbalist, enticing appetizers, luscious cheeses, a sparkly spirit staff, shrewd wordsmiths, and a triumphant tournament victor.

Poaching is Puzzling is available from Amazon*.  The other A Cookbook Nook Mysteries can be found here.  You can find Daryl Wood Gerber's other delightful cozy mysteries here.  Thank you for stopping by today. It is hard to believe that April is almost over.  I will return on Tuesday, May 2 with Dressed to Drill by Kate Carlisle.  It is the tenth A Fixer-Upper Mystery.  I hope that you have a delightful weekend.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

Courage in the Storm by Laurel Blount

Courage in the Storm

Book Summary

In this powerful Amish romance, an isolated woman and a compassionate man learn that love can build a bridge between their two worlds.

Since witnessing the murder of her beloved parents, Miriam Hochstedler suffers from paralyzing anxiety and a deep-seated fear of the Englisch. Unwilling to venture beyond her family’s Tennessee farm, she forms a close bond with a badly injured gelding. Like Miriam herself, the traumatized animal seems unlikely to recover—until skilled horse whisperer Reuben Brenneman arrives.

 

A survivor of an abusive childhood, Reuben understands fear better than most. He’ll do whatever it takes to help a terrified animal, but his compassion doesn’t extend to the church that turned a blind eye to his family’s suffering. Once he finishes this job, he’ll return to the Englisch world, putting his Amish heritage behind him forever.

As Miriam works alongside Reuben, battling the horse’s fear—and her own—an unexpected friendship blooms and deepens into romance. But the Amish faith that sustains her inspires only distrust in Reuben, and the Englisch world he’s chosen has already broken her heart once.

 

Falling in love was easy. But staying together will take all the courage they have.

My Thoughts

Courage in the Storm by Laurel Blount is a touching tale.  It is a delight to return to Johns Mill.  I enjoyed getting to know Miriam and her caring family along with Rueben and Breeze.  Courage in the Storm is well-written with steady pacing.  The characters are realistic and developed.  I can tell that the author did her research for this story.  She captured the fear a human and animal can feel after a traumatic event.  In Courage in the Storm, “Fear always has its reasons.  It comes down to experience usually.”  I like the analogy of relating a wild animal’s fear of humans to be a learned behavior.  I see it with the feral cats in my community.  They learn to fear humans from their mother and the other cats.  The path to healing is bumpy and slow.  You can make progress and then an incident happens that will set them back (the old one step forward and two steps back).   Rueben came to help a horse and ended up aiding Miriam as well.  In exchange, Miriam helped Ruben with his issues.  

I liked Johns Mill new bishop, Abram King.  He was a breath of fresh air.  I like how he handled situations and counseled the members of his community.  There is humor in the story (a little levity was needed).  I loved hearing about Miriam and her chickens (and the rooster).  I had to laugh at the names Miriam gave the chickens.  Miriam said that “each chicken has a unique personality.”  Courage in the Storm is the third A Johns Mill Amish Romance.  It can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading Shelter in the Storm and Strength in the Storm.  I like that we get to catch up with the characters from both of those books.  I am looking forward to reading Home from the Storm (we get Caleb and Rhoda’s story).   One of my favorite phrases from Courage in the Storm is, “. . . asking for Gott’s help to do what’s needed.  With Him, we can do many things that seem too hard at first.”  Courage in the Storm is a heartfelt tale with a fearful maedel, a frightened horse, a patient trainer, concerned relatives, a benevolent bishop, and a gracious Gott.  

Courage in the Storm is available from Amazon*.  The first two novels in A Johns Mill Amish Romance series are Shelter in the Storm and Strength in the Storm. The fourth book in A Johns Mill Amish Romance series is Home from the Storm which will be out on December 26 (a good way to use you Christmas gift card).   Laurel has the inspirational romance A Family to Foster coming out on August 22.  Readers can follow Laurel Blount on Amazon and you will receive an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return tomorrow with Poaching is Puzzling by Daryl Wood Gerber.  It is the twelfth A Cookbook Nook Mystery.  I hope that you have an inspiring day.  I am off to work on my back bike chain.  I am finding the quick link to be frustrating.  I have watched several videos and they make it look easy.  I can get one side, but I cannot get the other side.  I am determined to get it.  Wish me luck!  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

Paper Cuts by Ellery Adams

 Paper Cuts

Book Summary

The New York Times bestselling author returns with a mystery with a touch of magical realism and a strong, female bookstore owner and bibliotherapist at its heart.

Miracle Springs, North Carolina, is famed for its healing springs. But bookstore owner Nora Pennington has a tendency to land in a different kind of hot water. Though she loves to practice bibliotherapy by finding the perfect books for her customers while listening to their secrets, she also likes to bury her nose in the occasional local crime…

Nora escaped her past a decade ago. So, it feels like a visit from another world when Kelly Walsh—the woman her ex-husband left her for—walks through the door of Miracle Books along with her son, a sweet, serious boy with a talent for origami. Kelly hasn’t come to gloat, though. As it turns out, she’s been dumped too. She’s also terribly ill, and all she wants from Nora is forgiveness.

 

Shockingly, however, this woman who’s been the victim of so much misfortune is about to become a murder victim. Who would do such a thing? Certainly not Nora, but that doesn’t stop the gossip and suspicion—especially after Kelly’s brother claims that he saw the two women arguing.

 

In seeking justice for Kelly, The Secret, Book, and Scone Society join forces with the sheriff’s department, but they’ve barely begun their probe when life throws another wrench. After serving a twenty-year sentence, Estella’s father returns to Miracle Springs. And when his past comes back to haunt him, it might be more than the four friends can handle.

My Thoughts

Paper Cuts by Ellery Adams is an engaging story.  I always enjoy returning to Miracle Springs, North Carolina.   I thought Paper Cuts was well-written with realistic, developed characters.  Nora Pennington has a special bookstore.  I love the atmosphere.  Sheldon creates a delightful story time for kids.  I appreciate that Ellery Adams created a character who has fibromyalgia.  It allows people to see that it is not a fake disease.  It is painful and debilitating.  I was surprised by Nora’s reaction when she realizes Kelly Walsh is the woman for whom her ex-husband left her.  I was hoping that the mature Nora would manage the situation differently, especially after what happened in the past.  We get to catch up with all the ladies (Nora, Estella, June, and Hester) in the Secret, Book, and Scone Society.  

The mystery was interesting.  Nora becomes the top suspect much to her dismay.  The newest addition to the police department, K9 Handler Paula Hollowell seems to have it out for Nora.  Nora’s beau, Sheriff Grant McCabe is forced to take a backseat on the investigation, and he needs to stay away from Nora (just when she could use his comforting presence).  Nora’s friends are there for her and gather helpful intel.  The whodunit was fun to solve.  I felt bad for Kelly’s sweet son, Tucker, who loves origami.  Estella Sadler’s father is being released from prison.  Estella is excited, but she is also worried.  She hopes her father will have an easy time reintegrating into society.  I enjoyed the literary quotes at the beginning of each chapter.  I also liked the books and authors mentioned throughout the story (and the bibliotherapy and books lists at the end).  There is humor sprinkled throughout the story that had me chuckling.   Paper Cuts is the sixth A Secret, Book, and Scone Society novel.  It can be read as a standalone, but you will miss getting to know the characters (their background, how their friendship forms).  Paper Cuts is my favorite book in the series.  The author crafted a special story with good friends, a clever mystery, humor, good food, scrumptious coffee, and books galore.  Paper Cuts is a captivating tale with a blast from the past, a beautiful blossom, an annoying K9 officer, a caboose for an abode, glitter galore, and a killer to catch.  

Paper Cuts is available from Amazon*.  You can find A Secret, Book, and Scone Society novels here.  Check out Ellery Adams other delightful books.  Ellery Adams has Murder in the Book Lover's Loft coming out July 25.  It is the ninth A Book Lover Mystery (a series for bibliophiles and cozy mystery readers).  Here are a few books that were released today:  Their Amish Secret by Patricia Johns, Poaching is Puzzling by Daryl Wood Gerber, Her Amish Patchwork Family by Winnie Griggs, Dedication to Murder by Lauren Elliott, The Weaving of Life by Linda Byler, Mother of the Bride Murder by Leslie Meier, Ashes to Ashes Crust to Crust by Mindy Quigley, Crime Scene Witness by Dana R. Lynn, and Courage in the Storm by Laurel Blount.  Thank you for joining me today.  Tomorrow I am featuring Courage in the Storm by Laurel Blount.  It is the third A Johns Mill Amish Romance.  I hope that you have a happy day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

Dread and Buried by Angie Fox

 Dread and Buried

Book Summary

Dead men tell no tales.

Until they meet ghost hunter Verity Long.

Verity Long is proud to say she gets along with just about anybody—dead or alive. But she’s put to the test when her well-meaning boyfriend and her sweet-as-pie sister con her into a remote island “double date” weekend with her sister’s new flame and Verity’s long-time nemesis, Alec Duranja.

Her plans to avoid the uptight police officer go up in smoke when the four of them team up for a weekend treasure hunt competition based on the island’s legendary pirate past. And it doesn’t take long for Verity and her team to discover more than game clues. Someone is using the game to dig up real pirate gold...and they’re willing to kill to keep it.

There’s no escaping the island or the game. And when the killer targets someone Verity loves, she realizes she’s the only one who can uncover the truth behind the legend. She must stay one step ahead of the dangers of the island and two steps ahead of Frankie’s new ghostly pirate buddies—all in a race against time to solve a centuries-old puzzle and take down a real live killer before he strikes again.

My Thoughts

Dread and Buried by Angie Fox is an amusing paranormal mystery.  I laughed often while reading about Verity and Frankie’s latest adventure.  I felt for Verity.  Verity loves her sister, Melody.  Melody’s birthday wish, though, was hard one for Verity to agree to.  Verity and Ellis were invited (like she could refuse) on a weekend double date to a remote island (Phantom Island) with Melody and her boyfriend (Verity’s nemesis), Alec Duranja.  The weekend gets off to a rough start when Verity runs late after forgetting Lucy’s favorite toy.  Melody waits until they are on Phantom Island to inform them the weekend is a treasure hunt, and they are competing against three other teams.  One team is particularly ruthless.  The foursome soon discovers that someone is searching for more than the game's prize.  Verity believes the island’s legend about buried treasure could be true.  She will need to keep her wits about her to stay ahead of the bad guys as well as Frankie and his new pirate chums.

I quickly devoured Dread and Buried.  Verity Long is a great character and so is Frankie.  I did miss Lucy in this book.  She is staying with a friend while Verity is away.  Frankie was not as present in this story.  He popped up now and then when Verity called for him.  I missed his witty repartee.  Alec Duranja is a character that grows on you.  Melody sees a different side of Duranja (who knew the man owned a dog), and she wants Verity to get to know him.  I thought the books she gifted Verity and Duranja were hilarious.  The mystery is fun.  While I found it easy to solve, my mother only solved part of it before the reveal (my mother could not wait to get her hands on this book).  I did find it odd that Melody would date someone who shows such antagonism towards Verity especially considering how accepting and supportive Melody is of Verity’s gift.  Dread and Buried is the twelfth book in A Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries.  It can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading this delightful series in order.  It will allow you to get to know the characters and Verity’s journey (her struggles and triumphs). One of my favorite lines from Dread and Buried is when Frankie says, “Is that a pirate ship in the distance?  he demanded, giddy as a goat in clover.”  Another is when Verity says, “There was something about a mystery that always puts a spring in my step.”   Dread and Buried is an entertaining tale with an isolated island, an infuriating nemesis, a thrilling treasure hunt, sweet skunk earrings, troublesome twin contenders, bothersome books, an unforeseen find, a frustrating Frankie, a precious parrot, and a vexed Verity.

Dread and Buried is available from Amazon*, Nook, and Kobo.  The audiobook will be out on June 6.  Here is a link to read an excerpt from Dread and Buried. You can find the other A Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries here.  You can follow Angie Fox on Amazon and receive an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return on Tuesday, April 25 with Paper Cuts by Ellery Adams.  It is the sixth A Secret, Book, and Scone Society Novel (and my favorite).  There are several good books coming out next Tuesday (I have been up late reading every night).  I hope that you have an entertaining weekend.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

The Tapestry of Grace by Kim Vogel Sawyer

 The Tapestry of Grace

Book Summary

When a group of Kansas women start a Frauenverein, a benevolent society devoted to aiding widows and orphans, life changes for more than just the hurting people they seek to help in this heartwarming romance inspired by historical events—from the bestselling author of Freedom’s Song.

With classes paused for the planting season, Alexandertol’s schoolteacher Augusta Dyck is glad for some meaningful work to occupy her time. She even knows exactly who their town’s benevolence society should help first: quiet, reserved widower Konrad Rempel and his young twin sons.

Konrad Rempel, however, is adamant that he doesn’t want help. His boys are mischievous but good-hearted. And though Konrad may be struggling, he doesn’t want anyone else sticking their nose in and telling him what his sons need. Or what he needs.

Mennonite Heritage Village

For her part, the charity’s founder Martina Krahn is relieved to have a reason to spend time outside her unhappy home. It even occurs to her that she may, through her work, encounter a boy in need of a family and so find a son for her husband since they have no children of their own.

Augusta, Konrad, and Martina each have deep needs and desires, and each imagines how they should be met: by reaching out or by being left alone. But God, indeed, knows best. Will the competing agendas of Alexandertol’s residents prevent them from receiving God’s help? Or will the members of this small Mennonite community find the answers to their prayers in the very last place they expect—in one another?

My Thoughts

The Tapestry of Grace by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a heartwarming historical novel.  The author takes readers back to 1897 in Alexandertol, Kansas.  I thought Tapestry of Grace was well-written with realistic, developed characters.  I like that the characters were realistic with flaws.  I enjoyed getting to know Augusta Dyck and her daughter as well as Konrad Rempel and his mischievous twin boys.  Martina Krahn is a character that grows on you.  I like that we get to see how friends and children make a difference in Martina and Gerhard’s life.  The story is told from three points-of-view (Martina, Augusta, and Konrad).  The chapter headings with the character’s name were helpful. The alternating point-of-view allowed me to get to know the characters and understand them.  I like how the character’s stories were woven together.   I enjoyed learning about this group of people and their community.  We get to learn about their heritage and the reason the townspeople immigrated to the United States.  I can tell that the author did her research for this book.  Faith is at the center of the character’s lives.  I like that they pray before making a big life decision. There are German words scattered throughout the story.  It would have been helpful if there was a list at the end of the book with the translations.  Faith, friendship, forgiveness, and family are the main themes in this touching story.  My favorite line from The Tapestry of Grace is, “Because together, bonded through God’s amazing grace, we are going to weave a life tapestry of joy and commitment.”  The Tapestry of Grace is an inspirational tale with a widowed educator, busy brothers, a bushed blacksmith, a scheme gone askew, beloved books, and a caring community. 

The Tapestry of Grace is available from Amazon* along with other major retailers.  You can find Kim Vogel Sawyer's other novels here.  The photos featured today are from the Mennonite Heritage Village.  Thank you for stopping by today.  Tomorrow I will be sharing my thoughts on Dread and Buried by Angie Fox.  It is the twelfth book in A Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries.  Verity has her patience tested in this amusing paranormal mystery.  I am off to work on my closet.  It is a mess.  I can barely step inside to get my clothes.  I am not sure how it went from organized to chaos.  Spring is a good time for cleaning and organizing.  I hope that you have a heavenly day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

Only the Beautiful by Susan Meissner

 Only the Beautiful

Book Summary

A heartrending story about a young mother’s fight to keep her daughter, and the winds of fortune that tear them apart by the USA Today bestselling author of The Nature of Fragile Things and The Last Year of the War.
 
California, 1938—When she loses her parents in an accident, sixteen-year-old Rosanne is taken in by the owners of the vineyard where she has lived her whole life as the vinedresser’s daughter. She moves into Celine and Truman Calvert’s spacious house with a secret, however—Rosie sees colors when she hears sound. She promised her mother she’d never reveal her little-understood ability to anyone, but the weight of her isolation and grief prove too much for her. Driven by her loneliness she not only breaks the vow to her mother, but in a desperate moment lets down her guard and ends up pregnant. Banished by the Calverts, Rosanne believes she is bound for a home for unwed mothers, and having lost her family she treasures her pregnancy as the chance for a future one. But she soon finds out she is not going to a home of any kind, but to a place far worse than anything she could have imagined. 

Austria, 1947—After witnessing firsthand Adolf Hitler’s brutal pursuit of hereditary purity—especially with regard to “different children”—Helen Calvert, Truman's sister, is ready to return to America for good. But when she arrives at her brother’s peaceful vineyard after decades working abroad, she is shocked to learn what really happened nine years earlier to the vinedresser’s daughter, a girl whom Helen had long ago befriended. In her determination to find Rosanne, Helen discovers that while the war had been won in Europe, there are still terrifying battles to be fought at home.

Vienna after WWII

My Thoughts

Only the Beautiful by Susan Meissner is a touching story.  It is a dual timeline novel that takes us back to 1938 when Rosie lost her parents in an accident.  The sixteen-year girl is taken in by the Calvert’s who own the vineyard where Rosie’s parents worked.  Rosie becomes the Calvert’s maid (cook, cleaner, laundress).  When Rosie becomes pregnant, Mrs. Calvert has Rosie sent to an institution.  Rosie had made the mistake of telling a person about her synesthesia, which was not understood at the time.  In 1947, Helen Calvert returns to the United States after working as a nanny abroad.  Helen’s brother, Truman, has since passed.  When Helen learns what Celine Calvert did to Rosie, she sets out to find her.  Only the Beautiful is an emotional story.  

It is heartbreaking to read about the eugenics movement.  I appreciated the author’s note at the end which provided additional information.  I thought the story was well-written with developed characters.  Rosie and Helen are great characters.  I enjoyed getting to know them.  I like the author incorporated the amaryllis into the story.  I can tell the author did her research for this book and incorporated it beautifully.  The story does address some difficult topics (racism, institutionalization, sterilization, assault, and doctor experimentation) which some people might have trouble reading about.  It is a shame that throughout history those who are “different” are often targeted.  Only the Beautiful is an informative book.  It is a story that provokes discussion and it had me searching for more information on a couple of the topics mentioned.  I enjoyed the author’s beautiful descriptions of the vineyard.  The theme that runs throughout the book is that no one needs to live the life that someone else has mapped out for them.  The determined can carve out their own path.  Only the Beautiful is a compelling tale orphaned adolescent, unwavering vineyard owner, a compassionate nanny, vibrant sounds, an involuntary surgery, and a desperate hunt.  

Only the Beautiful is available from Amazon*.  You can find Susan Meissner's other novels here.  Dread and Buried by Angie Fox (a general link to the series since the book was not listed on Amazon when I wrote this post) is out today as well as Tapestry of Grace by Kim Vogel Sawyer. Thank you for stopping by today.  I will be sharing my thoughts on Tapestry of Grace by Kim Vogel Sawyer tomorrow.  I hope that you have a joyful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

Hopefully Ever After by Beth Wiseman

 Hopefully Ever After

Book Summary

To become who they’re meant to be, Eden and Samuel must find the courage to defy expectations.

Sixteen-year-old Eden Hale doesn’t want to be defined by her current circumstances. With absent parents and a troubled past, Eden refuses to become what people expect. When she is sent to live with an Amish cousin she’s never met in Montgomery, Indiana, she welcomes the chance to become the person she wants to be without the burden of anyone’s judgment. Her hopes are confirmed when she meets Samuel, a young Amish man who seems to like her for who she really is.

Samuel Byler has grown up with strict Amish parents, and they aren’t happy that their only son is choosing to spend his free time with an outsider. As Eden and Samuel grow closer, disapproval swirls around the young couple. It isn’t long before Eden starts to doubt herself and wonders if she is doomed to repeat the mistakes of her own past, whether she wants to or not. Meanwhile, Samuel finds himself slipping further and further from his faith—to Eden’s dismay.

Both Eden’s and Samuel’s futures hang in the balance as they face decisions about who they are meant to be—both as individuals and together.

My Thoughts

Hopefully Ever After by Beth Wiseman is the third An Amish Bookstore Novel.  It can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the series in order.  It allows you to get the full experience.   I thought Hopefully Ever After was well-written with realistic, developed characters.  I enjoyed getting to know Eden Hale.  She is a special young lady who will touch your heart.  The author created wonderful characters for this story.  I like that we get to catch up with the characters from The Bookseller’s Promise and The Story of Love.  I was glad that we got to spend more time in the bookstore.  Eden is fascinated by the idea that coins may be hidden inside the bookshop.  Eden meets Samuel Byler who wants to experience the Englisch world and is struggling with his faith.  Samuel’s parents are strict.  They do not want their children to leave the Amish faith.  However, their tight hold may drive Samuel away.  I like that we get to see that the Amish struggle with their beliefs as do their Englisch counterparts.  We also see that Amish parents are just like Englisch parents.  They want to keep their children safe and nearby.   We get to see that people make assumptions about a person based on their past and rumors.  In order to truly know an individual, you need to spend time with them.  A person can change and overcome their past if they remember to keep God at the center of our lives.   Hopefully Ever After is a story with hope, faith, forgiveness, redemption, family, and young love.  I loved the ending.  I am glad we got to spend more time with Yvonne and Abraham (such a sweet couple).  Hopefully Ever After is an expressive story with a visiting teen, a restrictive rumspringa, a wayfaring aunt, strict parents, finding forgiveness, and God’s grace.  

Hopefully Ever After is available from Amazon*.  The first two An Amish Bookstore Novels are The Bookseller's Promise and The Story of Love.  Beth Wiseman has The Amish Matchmakers coming out October 17.  You can follow Beth Wiseman on Amazon and they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return on Tuesday, April 18 with Only the Beautiful by Susan Meissner.  I hope that you have a fun weekend.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

My Heart Will Find You by Jude Deveraux

 My Heart Will Find You

Book Summary

Their love refused to stay quiet, echoing across time…

When the world is brought to a standstill in the early days of a global pandemic, Etta Wilmont finds herself suddenly stranded in Kansas City. Desperate to secure a roof over her head, Etta crosses paths with Henry Logan, a lonely older man in need of a caretaker. His invitation for Etta to stay with him seems to be the solution to both their problems—and maybe the spontaneous adventure Etta’s life has been missing.

As Etta and Henry settle into a companionable living arrangement, Etta indulges in Henry’s library. The compelling historical accounts of life in the Midwest soon inspire vivid dreams of Kansas City in the 1870s, dreams in which she’s a mail-order bride, married to a handsome but guarded rancher named Maxwell Lawton.

Haunted by the story unfolding in her mind, Etta realizes her dreams of the past and the familiar faces featured within are starting to have an impact on the present, altering her current reality. Perhaps these dreams are Etta’s chance to finally claim something for herself after so much time spent caring for others. More than anything, Etta wonders if the captivating man she’s falling for while she sleeps might be real, might be out there—true love waiting to be found and which would change both their lives forever.

My Thoughts

My Heart Will Find You by Jude Deveraux is a fun time-travel romance.  Etta Wilmott is traveling to visit her sister.  She is in a layover in Kansas City when travel is halted at the beginning of the pandemic.  Etta is looking for a place to stay when she encounters Henry Logan.  Henry welcomes Etta into his home.  Henry is elderly and can use a companion.  Etta needs a place to stay, and she is an excellent cook.  The two get along famously.  Etta soon finds herself having vivid dreams of being a mail order bride for rancher Maxwell Lawton in Garrett, Kansas in the 1870s.  Those she meets in the present day, Etta encounters in the past.  Henry is a writer who weaves Etta’s dreams into his latest tale.  I loved the characters Jude Deveraux created for this story.  I enjoyed getting to know Etta and Henry.  The characters are developed.  It is a little challenging in the beginning to keep them all straight.  It did not take long to get them sorted out.    I can tell the author did her research for her story.  She captured the Old West (even the smell).  I enjoyed both storylines and I like how the present day and the past tied together.  I do feel that the story needed an epilogue because the ending felt incomplete.  I enjoyed the story, but I did not feel it was on par with my favorite time travel book by this author (A Knight in Shining Armor).  My Heart Will Find You is an entertaining time travel tale with a stranded traveler, a wily writer, vivid dreams, a bruised body, a rich rancher, enthusiastic matchmaking, and a lost love.

My Heart Will Find You is available from Amazon* along with other major retailers.  You can find A Knight in Shining Armor here.  You can find Jude Deveraux's other novels here.  I especially enjoy her Montgomery/Taggert series.  Thank you for joining me today.  I have been busy dismantling my Easter display (it was big) and putting the inflatables away until next year.  I am putting up my Cinco De Mayo display.  I have searched for Mother's Day inflatables, and I have not been able to find any.  Tomorrow I am sharing my thoughts on Hopefully Ever After by Beth Wiseman which will be out on Tuesday, April 18.  It is the third An Amish Bookstore Novel.   I hope that you have a joyful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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