Puzzle Me a Murder by Roz Noonan

Puzzle Me a Murder 

Book Summary

Empathetic to a fault, librarian Alice Pepper always had a natural talent for figuring out people and puzzles in the small Oregon town of West Hazel. But as a mystery permeates the quiet Pacific Northwestern community, murder is a challenge she’s not prepared to solve . . .

Down-on-her-luck Alice had hoped to retire before turning sixty-five, not struggle to keep her cozy home and dependable job. But even after divorce leaves her golden years a mess, the pieces always come together with a little help from her friends—a fun-loving crew who thrive on jigsaws over coffee, cocktails, and gossip. So, when it’s time to defend close confidant Ruby Milliner, she springs into action. Only, in this case, supporting Ruby means proving she didn’t murder her cheating husband!

Ruby never wanted to kill George, although anger can make a person say questionable—and incriminating—things. And scheming, deceitful George made a lot of people angry. A quick investigation reveals the man was blackmailing whoever he could for a quick payday, from his mistress to the most prominent residents in town . . .

Alice dives into a secret search to exonerate Ruby, fiercely committed to cracking the crime and patching up torn relationships along the way. Despite using her unassuming persona to fly under the radar, slimming down a massive suspect list and restoring peace to West Hazel is a real gamble. Because if successful, Alice will meet a vengeful killer whose game she doesn’t yet know how to play.

My Thoughts

Puzzle Me a Murder by Roz Noonan is the debut of An Alice Pepper Lonely Hearts and Puzzle Club Mysteries (that’s a mouthful).  I was drawn to this series because, like Alice, I have a penchant for puzzles.  Alice Pepper is a woman in her mid-sixties, a librarian, and has a knack for solving puzzles. I did not find Alice and the rest of the cast to be likeable (I found most of them to be irritating).  The story is heavy on the dialogue which leads to repetitive details. One person learns something, they then must tell another, and so on.  The pacing was languid.  I wish it had been peppier.  

The whodunit had me rolling my eyes often (I gave myself a headache).  Alice’s friend, Ruby, is a prime suspect (of course), so Alice and her friends set out to prove her innocence.  They trample all over the crime scene (I can see the guilty party getting off scot-free thanks to them) and have access to information that they should not (Alice’s granddaughter, Madison is a police officer).  It was unrealistic.  Alice’s other granddaughter lives in her basement and acts like a teenager instead of an adult.  I did feel that mystical elements were not needed (there was enough going on).  Puzzle Me a Murder is a story that I struggled to finish.  Puzzle Me a Murder is an upbeat tale with mystification, murder, mayhem, family, and accommodating mates. 

Puzzle Me a Murder is available from Amazon*.  You can find Roz Noonan's other books under R.J. Noonan.  You can also visit the author's website to learn more about her and her books.  Thank you for joining me today. I really do appreciate it.  It is hard to believe that today is the last day of July.  The month went by swiftly.  Tomorrow I will be sharing my thoughts on The Protector by Wanda E. Brunstetter.  It is the first book in A Mifflin County Mysteries.  I hope that you have a gratifying day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

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

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

There's No Murder Like Show Murder by M.S. Greene

 There's No Murder Like Show Murder

Book Summary

Tasha Weaver has seen her fair share of divas come and go while working as the costume shop head at the Eastbrook Playhouse, but her beloved theater is put at risk when the star of the show is killed in this fun but deadly debut, perfect for fans of Ellery Adams and Kellye Garrett.

Tasha Weaver is most at home in the cozy backstage world of the Eastbrook Playhouse. As the costume shop head at the charming regional theater, she’s used to watching dramatic acts of love and revenge from the shadows. But when Kurt Mozer—the insufferable Broadway reject who stars in their production of Annie Get Your Gun—is shot center stage, the spotlight turns to her. 

Everyone knows Kurt was difficult to work with, and after he got into a fight with both director Marnie Mason and artistic leader Arthur Winston, he promptly decided to quit the show. In deep financial trouble, the Eastbrook Playhouse depended on a big name like Kurt to keep afloat. With reporters coming in from the Big Apple to Tasha’s little corner of Connecticut, she realizes it's up to her to save their local theater and keep her community safe. After all, the show must go on…but what do you do when the killer could very well be one of your loved ones? 

With the help of her friends, her long-time crush Bruno Machado, and her feline colleague Hilly, Tasha must catch a murderer before the shining lights of the playhouse go out forever.

My Thoughts

I was eager to read There’s No Murder Like Show Murder by M.S. Greene.  I liked the idea of a cozy mystery centered around a theater. We are introduced to a multitude of characters.  It is impossible to keep track of all of them. It did seem that there were too many people in charge at the theater (I am surprised they managed to put on a production). Some of the characters lacked subtlety.   Tasha Weaver, seamstress extraordinaire, is a protagonist who does not stand out. She is a mousy individual who fades into the background. I appreciate that the author took the time to develop Tasha’s character, but I wish she had not made her such an unexciting individual. 

Tasha has a good staff who are loyal to her.  I can tell the author knows about the theater based on all the details included in the story.  Some of it is interesting, but it does become tedious at times (a little goes a long way). The author tried to make the mystery complex, but I should not be able to identify the guilty party before the crime takes place (again, lack of subtlety). There was a part of the reveal that I thought was clever. I felt that the wrap up was incomplete. In the story, there is a lot of telling rather than showing (I want in on the action—not told about it afterward).  I liked Hilly, the feline who hung around the theater.  She is a clever cat.  There’s No Murder Like Show Murder had me ready to leave when the curtains came down.  

While There's No Murder Like Show Murder was not for me, I encourage you to download a sample to check it out for yourself.  I appreciate you stopping by today.  I will return tomorrow with my thoughts on Puzzle Me a Murder by Roz Noonan. It is the debut of An Alice Pepper Lonely Hearts and Puzzle Club Mystery. What are your plans for the day?  I have work to do around the house (there is always something that needs to be done).  I still have not got the walls painted inside the house (plus I need to do weeding on one side of the house and pressure wash the awning).  I keep hoping a magic fairy will stop by during the night and complete the tasks (a girl can dream).  I will get the work done, but it  will take me a a little while to get it done (my fibromyalgia slows me down).  I hope that you have a joyful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

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

Isn't this bench adorable?  It is in London! I would love to sit a spell on this bench!

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

Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop by Emmeline Duncan

 Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop

Book Summary

Bailey Briggs adores her year-round Halloween-themed town of Elyan Hollow, Oregon, but when she takes over her grandfather’s beloved bookshop, Lazy Bones Books, she accidentally discovers the town’s secret dark side . . .

 Normally, spooky season is Bailey Briggs’ favorite time of year, and her Halloween-themed small town’s time to shine. But between managing Lazy Bones Books, working on her graphic novel-in-progress, and running the Spooky Season Literary Festival, Bailey hardly has a moment to enjoy Elyan Hollow’s spot-on seasonal vibes. Not to mention, at every turn she seems to be tripping over the contentious crew of Gone Ghouls, a ghost-hunting reality TV show currently filming around town. Bailey tries to stay focused on the Lit Festival, which is supposed to kick off Elyan Hollow’s annual Halloween Fair; instead, this year’s festival begins with a murder . . .

It’s bad enough Bailey discovered the victim, but now, as a lead suspect with some (admittedly) damning evidence pointing her way, she’s got to clear her name! With the help of her librarian friend, Colby, and Jack Skeleton, her world-class bookshop dog (and the absolute bestest boy ever), Bailey sets out to solve a murder . . .

As her investigation weaves through family secrets, professional rivalries, and town feuds, the list of suspects is growing fast . . . and unfortunately, so is the list of victims. If Bailey doesn’t find the killer soon, Elyan Hollow’s haunted reputation will get a little too real . . .

My Thoughts

Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop by Emmeline Duncan takes us to Elyan Hollow, Oregon where it is Halloween all year round (my type of town).  I especially loved the Lazy Bones Bookshop (I could happily spend hours in there browsing for books to add to my TBR stack).  We are introduced to a host of characters in the beginning including Bailey Briggs along with a variety of businesses. I like that all the business has Halloween or spooky themed names plus the small-town feel.  The detailed descriptions of each business got to be a bit much after a while (it reminded me of a tourism video for a town).  The characters lacked emotion and needed further development. The story moved at a leisurely pace with repetitive details (about businesses, people, and the mystery).  The redundant details felt like filler.  There were continuity errors as well. 

The whodunit was uncomplicated. I thought the mystery was predictable with Bailey doing little investigating. I wish the story had focused more on the mystery and less on humdrum details of daily life. Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop is a cute story, and I am sure that there will be improvement in the next A Halloween Bookshop Mystery.  I liked Bailey’s dog (a big, lovable dog) whose name fits right in with the town.  Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop is a lighthearted tale with ghost hunters, book boxes, a big dog, domestic secrets, a murdered man, book fair fun, a generous grandfather, and Halloween hijinks.

Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop is available from Amazon*.  It can be read for free through Kindle Unlimited.  You can find Emmeline Duncan's other cozy mysteries here.  I appreciate you stopping by today.  I will return on Tuesday, July 30 with There's No Murder Like Show Murder by M.S. Greene.   I hope that you have an enjoyable weekend.  I plan to stay inside to beat the heat.  There is plenty of work inside to keep me busy.  Take care, stay cool, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

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

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

A Very Woodsy Murder by Ellen Byron

 A Very Woodsy Murder

Book Summary

New motel owner Dee Stern has checked out of the familiar comforts in the Studio City and checked in to the quaint village of Foundgold. Running a rustic getaway in the woods sure beats LA traffic—until murder ruins the peace and quiet . . .

Down-on-her-luck sitcom writer Dee Stern is flipping the script. Twice divorced and wasting her talents on an obnoxious kids’ show, the lifelong Angeleno embraces the urge to jump in her car and keep driving. It's a road trip with no destination—until she pulls into a mid-century motel filled with cobwebs and retro charm. Nestled in the shadow of a national park, it’s a time capsule of a place that, like her, could use some work. So, in the most impulsive move of her life, Dee teams up with best friend, Jeff Cornetta—who happens to be her first ex-husband—to transform the aging ranch into the Golden Motel-of-the-Mountains, a hiker’s oasis on the edge of the wilderness . . .

But Dee and Jeff soon realize there couldn’t be two people more unprepared for the hospitality business. There’s also the panic-inducing reality of prowling bears and a general store as the only shopping spot for miles. Living and working in the middle of nowhere takes some getting used to—especially when a disrespectful guest ends up murdered! Now, with the motel duo topping the suspect list, Dee must steer clear of a meddling park ranger, face her past in show biz, and determine if the killer is a local or tourist. Because as she quickly finds out, there are many things worse than a one-star review.

My Thoughts

A Very Woodsy Murder by Ellen Byron is the debut of A Golden Motel Mysteries.  Dee Stern and Jeff are unprepared for owning a rundown motel near a state park.  A Very Woodsy Murder reminds me of an older sit-com where things are exaggerated (Dee and Jeff remind me of Lucy and Ethel).  We learn about Dee’s time in Hollywood as a screenwriter and her relationship with Jeff.  I can certainly understand why she needs a fresh start.  The motel is a near the town of Foundgold which has a population of 68 (maybe).  A nemesis of Dee’s from Hollywood checks in and gets murdered.  When the murder causes people to cancel their reservations, Dee and Jeff set out to find the guilty party.  It does not help that Deputy Sheriff Aguilar and Chief Ranger O’Bryant do not get along.  Plus, the residents of Goldsgone (that is really the name of the town) do not welcome Dee and Jeff with open arms.  Dee lacks subtlety when questioning people (she will need to acquire this skill in order to deal with guests and for future investigations) which does not earn her any friends.  Dee and Jeff are bumbling amateur detectives (which suits the story).  I wish the same details were not repeated so often.  As you can tell, there is humor scattered throughout A Very Woodsy Murder.  A Very Woodsy Murder is a lighthearted tale with a ramshackle motel, a nemesis for a guest, a roaming bear, a murdered writer, withdrawn reservations, not so subtle sleuthing, and feuding officers. 

A Very Woodsy Murder can be obtained from Amazon* as well as other major booksellers.  You can find Ellen Byron's other books here. Thank you for dropping by today.  I will return tomorrow with Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop by Emmeline Duncan.  It is the first book in A Halloween Bookshop Mysteries.  I am off to get some chores done.  When you have cats, sweeping and dusting must be done frequently (I am amazed at how much hair they lose on a daily basis).  I added a couple of more books to my August TBR pile.  I am hoping to finish A Berry Suspicious Death by Peg Cochran tonight.  That will leave me with An Irish Bookshop Murder by Lucy Conneolly and Silent Evidence by Clea Koff.  I hope that you have a cheerful day!  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

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

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

Montana Abduction Rescue by Jodie Bailey

Montana Abduction Rescue

Book Summary

Kidnappers out for vengeance…

Can a K-9 team stop them?

Following the death of a crime boss he put behind bars, Ian Carpenter leaves witness protection—and runs right into an ambush. To escape assailants bent on revenge, he turns to his former handler, US marshal Meadow Ames, and her K-9 partner. But the stakes grow higher when Ian’s cousin is abducted. With threats closing in, can they rescue a kidnapped teen…and stop the criminals for good?

My Thoughts

Montana Abduction Rescue by Jodie Bailey starts off with a bang.   The story has action, suspense, mystery, faith, and a splash of romance.  I love that it is a fast-paced story (makes me want to keep reading).   I enjoyed getting to know Ian and Meadow as well as Meadow’s K-9 companion, Grace.  Grace is a clever dog (it is amazing what K-9 dogs are capable of). I had not heard of the Hungarian breed Vizsla before reading this book (which had me looking it up online).  There is one scene with Grace that had me laughing (I do not want to spoil it for you).  The romance was well done.  I like how it was blended with the suspense, but it did not overshadow it.  Faith was nicely incorporated into the story.  I did feel, though, that the ending was a tad rushed.  While Montana Abduction Rescue is the fifth book in the Mountain Country K-9 Unit series, it can be read as a standalone.  Montana Abduction Rescue is a suspenseful story with an alarming ambush, a clever canine, a kidnapped cousin, sinister criminals, and terrifying threats.

Montana Abduction Rescue is available from Amazon*.  The next book in the Mountain Country K9 Unit series is Trails of Threats by Jessica R. Patch which will be out on August 20.  Jodie Bailey has Taken at Christmas the first book in the Trinity Investigative Team releasing on November 26. 

Here are a some of the other books that came out today: There's No Murder Like Show Murder by M.S. Greene, Trouble is Brewing by Vicki Delany, Liars by Sarah Manguso, Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop by Emmeline Duncan (on Kindle Unlimited), Puzzle Me a Murder by Roz Noonan, Her Summer with the Brooding Vet by Scarlet Wilson, and A Very Woodsy Murder by Ellen Byron.  Thank you for joining me today.  Tomorrow I am sharing my thoughts on A Very Woodsy Murder by Ellen Byron.  It is the first A Golden Motel Mystery.  I am off to put away my outdoor Fourth of July decorations.  The afternoon rainstorms kept getting them wet (it also got them clean).  They are now dry, so I can roll them up and store them in the totes for storage.  The hard part will be stuffing them in our storage shed.  It is a little full at the moment.  I am waiting for cooler weather to organize it (it is just too hot to work out there).  I hope that you have a chill day!  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

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

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

Trouble is Brewing by Vicki Delany

 Trouble is Brewing

Book Summary

Lily Roberts’s Cape Cod tearoom is hosting a bridal shower—until a gruesome gift sends the guest of honor running in fear . . .

Members of the Reynolds and Hill families are staying at Lily’s grandmother’s bed and breakfast, and now they’ve gathered at Tea by the Sea to sip some delicious blends while they shower bride-to-be Hannah Hill with presents. But the last package Hannah unwraps contains a beheaded Raggedy Ann doll and triggers a bloodcurdling scream. A doll like this was the last gift from her father before he died long ago, and she’s chilled to the bone.

Lily senses that the shocking anonymous gift just might be related to other tensions she’s picking up on. The mothers-in-law have been sniping at each other—and then Lily, out walking her dog, overhears the groom’s father, Ralph, offering his son a very sizable bribe to call off the wedding. She’s relieved when Greg angrily turns him down, but with so many people steamed at each other, can this event possibly go smoothly?

The answer is no. It suddenly has to be postponed—when Ralph is found dead in his bed, a bottle of whiskey beside him. When tests indicate the booze was infused with a lethal substance, it becomes a murder case, and of course, accusations are flying wildly with the guests all too willing to believe the worst about each other. Now, to find out whether all this family drama led to a fatality, Lily will have to turn up the heat . . .

My Thoughts

Trouble is Brewing by Vicki Delany is the fifth A Tea by the Sea Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone as the author provides the needed background information for new readers. I enjoyed the beautiful descriptions of the area, the tea shop, the bed and breakfast, and the food. I was disappointed that there was more telling than showing in the story.  The mystery is simple.  The father of the groom is murdered after the bridal shower.  Lily shows little interest in solving the whodunit until an innocent party becomes the prime suspect (of course).  I wanted more sleuthing with less baking and romance.  I could have done with a lot less of Bernie’s antics (I wanted to shove her off a cliff).  The same details are repeated over and over.  There were many missed opportunities.  Lily would walk away too soon, or the scene ends early.  The guilty party stands out (there might as well be a giant neon arrow pointing at the killer).    I had an idea as to why this person committed the crime, but I had to wait for the reveal to be sure.  The reveal felt anticlimactic. While Trouble is Brewing is a pleasant, lighthearted story, I found it lacking.  I am hoping the next A Tea by the Sea Mystery will have more mystery to go with the cozy elements.  

Trouble is Brewing is available from Amazon* along with the other A Tea by the Sea Mysteries.  You can find Vicki Delany's other novels here and her books written as Eva Gates here.  I appreciate you taking time out of your day to join me.  I will return on Tuesday, July 23,  with Montana Abduction Rescue by Jodie Bailey.  My raised flowerbeds were blooming with poppies until late May.  I have cleared the poppy vines out of the beds. I ordered seeds for flowers that enjoy the sun and do not mind drought conditions (summer in Florida).  In the evenings, I have been planting seeds.  I have seedlings popping up in all but one of the flowerbeds.  I am going to try the organic seeds that just arrived (fingers crossed).  I hope that you have a relaxing weekend and that you stay cool (it is so very hot and humid).  I will be reading two new books that I just received.  The books are Keeled Over at the Cliffside by Nancy Stewart and A Berry Suspicious Death by Peg Cochran.  What will you be reading this weekend?  Do you have any recommendations for my garden?  I would love to hear from you!  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

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

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

A Controversial Cover by Lorna Barrett

 A Controversial Cover

Book Summary

When a famous children's author is murdered at the library, Tricia Miles has to find the killer before it's too late in the latest entry to Lorna Barrett's New York Times bestselling Booktown series.

Tricia Miles is ready to close the book on all her amateur sluething—she's tired of finding dead bodies and being accused of murder. But even the best laid plans often go awry.

Stoneham is all abuzz when Lauren Barker, a famous children's book author, arrives for an event at the local library. Lauren is a Stoneham native, and her new book strikes some members of the town as controversial. But when Lauren is found strangled to death after an altercation at the event, the plot twist throws Tricia right back into the middle of things.

Who could possibly have wanted Lauren dead? Was it Dan Reed, who had to be thrown out of the signing for spouting conspiracy theories and causing a disturbance? Stella Kraft, Lauren’s high school teacher, who thought of the author as a protégé—something Lauren violently disputed? Or the mystery man who spoke to Lauren just before she was found dead? With the suspect count climbing higher and more information about Lauren's past coming to light, will Tricia be able to give this story a happily ever after?

A Controversial Cover by Lorna Barrett is the eighteenth A Booktown Mystery.  The author provides the background information needed for new readers.  A Controversial Cover is easy to read, but it is bland.  Tricia Miles, I believe, is in her mid-forties, but she comes across as older (and stodgy).  Tricia is dating David, a twenty something children’s librarian which is raising more than a few eyebrows in the town.  David’s quirky attire to a funeral caused eyes to widen and tongues to wag.  There are repetitive details in A Controversial Cover.  I lost track of how many times it was mentioned that Tricia (well, technically, her assistant manager) is having trouble tracking down vintage mysteries.  We get an update on Angelica’s dog each time Tricia goes over (which is usually twice a day).  Food is a big topic in the book.  I believe food (as well as David and Tricia’s romance) overshadows the whodunit (Tricia going grocery shopping, Tricia’s bare cupboards, Tricia and Angelica’s having lunch or dinner).  

David wears a shirt similar to this one to a funeral!

The mystery was uncomplicated.  By the halfway point, I was beginning to doubt there would be any investigation.  I felt bad for the teacher that Tricia left dangling in the wind.  The reveal was less than satisfactory.  I was not a fan of the addition of foul language (there was a mild amount, but I would prefer none).  There were some odd sentences in the story as well (such as, “quiet money in the collection containers”).  I like Booktown (I cannot resist a bookshop and a town full of them is nirvana), but this visit ranks low on the happiness meter.  I am sure my next visit to Booktown will have me smiling and curious to see what mystery Tricia finds herself mixed up in. 

A Controversial Cover can be ordered from Amazon* along with the other novels in A Booktown Mysteries.  Don't forget that today is the last Amazon Prime Day (so many deals).  Thank you for joining me today.  I will be sharing my thoughts on Trouble is Brewing by Vicki Delany tomorrow.  It is the fifth A Tea by the Sea Mystery.  My mother had a lovely birthday.  She enjoyed her gifts and her dinner (it was hot in that kitchen).  She drifted off to sleep wearing a new nightgown with Garfield in her arms (from Build a Bear wearing a shirt with a lasagana in one hand) and covered in her new Charlie Brown blanket.  I am off to get some housework done (I would rather read a book--of course, wouldn't we all).  I hope that you have a cheerful day.  Take care, stay cool, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

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

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

Matters of the Heart by Kelly Irvin

 Matters of the Heart

Book Summary

He's the community's jokester auctioneer. She's the serious caregiver for her siblings who also works at the local plant nursery. What future could they have together?

Declan Miller has always had feelings for Bethel King. Back when they were in school, she was the smartest girl in the class and, in his opinion, by far the prettiest. Now the two of them are in their twenties and while the attraction is still there, Declan is as hesitant as ever to let Bethel know how he feels. His corny jokes and wisecracks cover a heart that's afraid of rejection.

Bethel can't deny Declan is nice, funny, hardworking, and pleasing to the eye--a perfect match if you asked any Plain girl in the area. But marrying Bethel would also mean marrying into her family. Two of her younger brothers have a rare form of muscular dystrophy, and her sister Claire is now showing signs of having it as well. Fiercely loyal and nurturing, Bethel has promised herself her siblings will always come first. With a good chance that she carries the gene and could pass it on to her children, Bethel has tried to convince herself marriage and family just aren't in the cards for her.

Amish waiting at a clinic in Lancaster

When a devastating diagnosis of his own turns Declan's world upside down, he looks to Bethel for understanding, compassion, and a realistic outlook. As they share their dreams and fears and grow together in faith, a bond begins to develop between them. Perhaps their combination of optimistic extrovert and thoughtful introvert really isn't such a bad thing--perhaps it's actually a part of God's beautiful design.

My Thoughts

Matters of the Heart by Kelly Irvin is a touching Amish tale.  This story focuses on the genetic disabilities among the Amish as a result of them intermarrying.   We get to see the emotional, physical, and spiritual challenges that families face when family members have medical conditions (it can be overwhelming).  The old adage “when it rains, it pours” came to mind when I was reading Matters of the Heart.  Life is challenging when you have a relative (or in this case multiple relatives) with physical challenges (I know from experience).  I enjoyed getting to know Declain and Bethel as well as their families. I was rooting for Declan and Bethel.  Bethel’s siblings are so sweet and happy.  They do not let their challenges bring them down (a lesson I could learn).  Matters of the Heart is the second An Amish Calling Novel.  It can be read as a standalone.  Matters of the Heart was thoughtfully done with realistic characters and situations.  This compelling story has ups and downs (have tissues nearby) along with a sweet ending.  

Matters of the Heart is available from Amazon*.  The Heart's Bidding is the first An Amish Calling Novel.  The third An Amish Calling Novel is With All Her Heart and it will be released on January 28, 2025.  You can find Kelly Irvin's other books here.  If you follow the author on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release. Do not forget that July 16th and 17th are Amazon Prime Days. Thank you for stopping by today.  Tomorrow I will be sharing my thoughts on A Controversial Cover by Lorna Barrett.  It is the 18th A Booktown Mystery.  I am off to make homemade noodles.  Today is my mother's 79th birthday.  She requested homemade chicken and noodles for dinner (I pushed for going out to eat, but I was unsuccessful).  The noodles need to dry for a couple of hours before they are cooked.  I am grateful that she did not request chicken pot pie!  I hope that you have a joyful day!  Take care, stay cool, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

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

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