Before We Were Us by Denise Hunter

 Before We Were Us

Book Summary

She can’t remember. He can’t forget.

When Lauren Wentworth wakes up in the hospital after falling from a ladder, she has more questions than answers. Way more. She knows where she is—the wilds of New Hampshire. But she’s apparently lost the last four months of her life. Is she really contemplating forfeiting her big-city dream job for a position at a rustic resort? And how did her number one nemesis become her adoring boyfriend?

Jonah Landry is crushed to learn Lauren has forgotten their entire summer together. Terrified of losing her for good, he determines to help her remember their deep connection as she finishes her obligation to the resort. But soon it becomes apparent Lauren doesn’t want to remember falling in love with him or rethinking the entire course of her career. She wants to pretend the summer never happened and move on with her life. Without him.

As Lauren falls back into the steady routines of resort work with Jonah, she’s relieved her memories haven’t returned and remains resolute about her big-city future. But as autumn leads into winter, she begins to see glimpses of the Jonah she’s forgotten. Will she be able to resist the steady love of this patient man? Or is her heart destined for its own freefall?

My Thoughts

I found Before We Were Us by Denise Hunter to be a predictable story. It begins the day of Lauren’s accident.  It does not give readers a chance to get to know the characters or their history before the main event.  The story goes back and forth between the present and the months leading up to the Lauren’s accident.  I was not a fan of Lauren.  I found her attitude and behavior frustrating. Lauren was unkind to Jonah (I am being kind with my phrasing). I felt bad for Joanah who was being very patient. I liked Dr. Carson, and there was potential for this character.  I enjoyed the descriptions of the Pinehaven Lodge and the surrounding area (sounds like a beautiful place to reside and vacation).   I wish the author had captured New Hampshire because, based on the descriptions, the lodge could have been located in any New England state.  The Christian element is light.  There are repetitive details, and the ending was rushed.   I wanted to like Before We Were Us, but I did not.  Unfortunately, Before We Were Us is a forgettable tale.  

Renovated barn for wedding venue

Before We Were Us is available from Amazon*.  While Before We Were Us did not resonate with me, I suggest you download a sample to see if it appeals to you.  You can find Denise Hunter's other novels here.  Thank you for visiting today.  I am taking a little vacation next week in honor of my birthday. It is not everyday that a person turns fifty-five! I am hoping to pesuade my mother out of the house, so we can go out to dinner (I do not want to cook on my birthday). I have also been burning the candle at both ends, so I plan on relaxing (some cat naps on the couch).  I will return on Tuesday, September 24 with K-9 Ranch Protection by Darlene L. Turner.  I hope that you have a relaxing weekend and a cheerful week.  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.

Savannah's Amish Ties That Bind by Tracy Fredrychowski

 Savannah's Amish Ties That Bind

Book Summary

A secret Amish legacy challenges a young English woman’s faith in the shadow of a vanished husband and shattered dreams. Can she unravel the secrets of the past to forge a new life within an Old Order Amish community?

Savannah Carmicheal is uprooted from her posh Charleston, South Carolina when the sudden disappearance of her husband leads her on a journey to Northwestern Pennsylvania. As Savannah struggles with her eccentric grandmother, she discovers hidden Amish ties that connect her with a family she didn’t know existed.

Neal Zook thought he could make a life for himself elsewhere, far away from the rules and traditions of his Amish upbringing. Yet, when external forces challenge his faith, he faces a pivotal decision – to forsake all he holds dear and return to his Amish community or go against his conscience and live a lie regardless of the ties that bind him to his past.

Can this couple find common ground to bind their commitment to God, or will the clash of their worlds shatter the fragile gap between their different backgrounds?

Savannah’s Amish Ties That Bind is the inspirational sixth book in The Amish Women of Lawrence County series of women's fiction novels. If you like spiritual explorations, real-life challenges of emotional bravery, and basking in God's light, then you'll adore Tracy Fredrychowski's exploration of hope.

My Thoughts

Savannah’s Amish Ties that Bindby Tracy Fredrychowski is the sixth book in The Amish Women of Lawrence County series.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series.  I enjoyed returning to Willow Springs, Pennsylvania where life moves at a slower pace.  I love Savannah’s grandmother, Gigi.  She is a sweet, kind woman.  In the beginning, Savannah is a smart, spunky, and creative woman who needs to work on her temper.  She also needs to address issues she has with her parents.  Neal is confused and needs to figure out his personal as well as his professional future.  

Savannah’s Amish Ties that Bind is a different type of Amish book.  It is a good story told from Savannah and Neal’s point of view.  Neal and Savannah have a lot to figure out.  While Savannah’s Amish Ties that Bind is an interesting tale, I did not like seeing individuality discouraged.   Faith is one of the main focuses of the story along with regret, family, love, and forgiveness. Savannah's Amish Ties that Bind is a special story that will resonate with many readers.  

Savannah’s Amish Ties that Bind can be ordered from Amazon*.  You can read it for free if you belong to Kindle Unlimited.  You should check out the other five books in The Amish Women of Lawrence County series (all available through Kindle Unlimited).  Ruth's Amish Words of Faith, which releases on May 6, 2025, will be the seventh book in The Amish Women of Lawrence County series and it can be preordered from Amazon*.  Tracy Fredrychowski along with Mindy Steele, Rachel J. Good, and Jennifer Beckstrand has An Amish Christmas Table publishing on October 14 (it will be available through Kindle Unlimited).  Thank you for dropping by today.  Tomorrow I am sharing my thoughts on Before We Were Us by Denise Hunter. I am off to spray a strong peppermint mixture around my home (water with peppermint essential oil).  I am having trouble with racoons. The local racoons have decided that the food that I put out for the cats is for them as well (and they are greedy). IF they were not so greedy, I would not mind.  I have looked up natural ways to keep the racoons at bay, and it seems that there are certain scents that deter them.  I am starting with peppermint and working my way down the list (black pepper, cayenne, epsom salts, and garlic).  They also mention amonia, but I feel that is too toxic (I do not want to harm any of the animals). We shall see what (if any) work. I hope that you have an upbeat 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.

Tracking Tilly by Janice Thompson

 

About the Book

Book: Tracking Tilly

Author: Janice Thompson

Genre: Mystery/Christian Fiction

Release Date: August 2024

Who Stole Tilly from the Auction Block?

Breathe in the nostalgia of everything old red truck in book one of a new cozy mystery series.

The Hadley family ranch is struggling, so RaeLyn, her parents, and brothers decide to turn the old barn into an antique store. The only thing missing to go with the marketing of the store is Grandpa’s old red truck, Tilly, that was sold several years ago. Now coming back up on the auction block, Tilly would need a lot of work, but RaeLyn is sure it will be worth it—if only she can beat out other bidders and find out who stole Tilly after the auction ends. Hadley finds herself in the role of amateur sleuth, and the outcome could make or break the new family venture.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Janice Thompson hails from south Texas. She is a Christian author and mother of four grown daughters. Janice has written over forty books.

More from Janice

Welcome to Mabank, Y’all!

Some stories are written out of a passion for the characters. Others are written out of an idea for a unique and engaging plot. And some—like my new book, Tracking Tilly—are written out of pure love and devotion for a location.

We writers love to set our books in unique places. And because I’m a Texas gal, I usually set my stories in South Texas, often along the Gulf Coast. This time, however, I wanted to take a trek a little farther north, to the town of Mabank Texas.

Don’t know where Mabank is? No worries! It’s right next to Gunbarrel City, which is nestled next to Cedar Creek Reservoir, a gorgeous body of water that provides excellent fishing, boating, and camping. This neck of the woods is known as East Texas territory, and it’s unique from where I live in the Houston area—both in terrain and culture.

My familiarity with this region goes back to the early 1980s, when my mother remarried and moved to a 63-acre ranch with my step-dad. Though I hailed from Texas, I’d never been to this particular region. Turns out, I’d been missing out on a lot! Picture beautiful ranch-lands, perfect for raising horses, cows, goats, and chickens. Now imagine small-town churches, restaurants, and specialty shops. Add to that the beauty of a fabulous lake, one dotted with fishing boats, kayaks, and swimmer. Talk about beautiful. . .and perfect for a book series filled with the unexpected twists and turns found in most cozy mysteries.

Tracking Tilly is the first in a three-book series from Barbour called The Little Red Truck series. I used the ranch as the setting for my main character (RaeLyn Hadley) to live. And boy, does the story ever explore those beautiful Texas backdrops, all through her eyes! Tracking Tilly is set in the springtime, when bluebonnets and Indian Paintbrushes are in full bloom. I didn’t even have to research to know what those look like!

I loved setting this fun cozy mystery in mama’s hometown, and not just for nostalgic reasons. Sure, a quaint small town and a rustic 63-acre ranch provide the perfect backdrop for a mystery, but even more than that, I loved getting to know RaeLyn and her family. Plunking them down in my mama’s house allowed me to re-visit the location in my own imagination and to envision how RaeLyn would see it.

My mom passed away in 2017 and I rarely get back to Mabank and Gunbarrel City these days. But once I decided to set Tracking Tilly in this area I knew I had to make one more trip. So, I asked a close friend to join me and we made a day trip out of it. Over the river and through the woods, to my mama’s old house we went.

And while we were there, we drove by her church (First Baptist, Mabank). Oh, and we had to stop off at one of her favorite restaurants. Mostly, though, I wanted to see the lake. As I got out of my car at the water’s edge I was flooded with memories of driving over that lake on my way to visit mom when my kids were little. We spent nearly every holiday on that beautiful property.

As you read Tracking Tilly, I hope you find yourself captivated by the setting, but I also hope you see a little of yourself in RaeLyn. She’s an adventurous, inquisitive gal, loaded with zeal for life and a passion for her family. More than anything, I hope you discover a renewed sense of purpose in your own family’s story.

Thanks for reading, y’all!

My Thoughts

Tracking Tilly by Janice Thompson is a sweet story.  I liked that RaeLyn wanted to purchase her grandfather’s old truck, Tilly, which held so many memories for her.  RaeLyn has a great family.  I enjoyed getting to know RaeLyn, her family, friends, and townspeople.  I liked the Texas charm. From the Hadley farm to the charming small town with its friendly residents. RaeLyn gets to reconnect with Mason, an old friend, at the auction and romance blossoms.  When Tilly is stolen, RaeLyn is determined to get the truck back.  She asks questions and searches for clues.  The mystery, though, is not at the forefront of the story (it is back behind life on the farm, setting up the antique store in the barn, and getting reacquainted with Mason).  You can tell how much Tilly means to RaeLyn and the rest of the Hadley clan.  Tracking Tilly is a story that will leave you smiling.  Tracking Tilly is a feel-good tale with a family farm, an animated auction, a startling theft, tracing a truck, setting up a shop, a chance at romance, surprising secrets, and close-knit community.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Janice is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-Gift card and copy of the book!!  Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click here to enter.  Good Luck!

Tracking Tilly is available from Amazon*.  The second book in The Little Red Truck Mysteries is Sabotage at Cedar Creek which will be out on February 3, 2025.  You can follow Janice Thompson on Amazon and they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will be back on Wednesday with Savannah's Amish Ties that Bind by Tracy Fredrychowski.  It is the sixth book in The Amish Women of Lawrence County series.  Do not forget to enter the giveaway and leave a comment for an extra entry.  Good Luck!  I hope that you have a cheerful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Blog Stops

Lighthouse Academy, September 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 7

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 8

Pause for Tales, September 9

Texas Book-aholic, September 9

The Avid Reader, September 10

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions , September 11

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 12

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 13

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 14

Tell Tale Book Reviews, September 14

Lily’s Corner, September 15

She Lives To Read, September 15

Devoted To Hope, September 16

Lights in a Dark World, September 16

Book Looks by Lisa, September 17

Labor Not in Vain, September 18

Stories By Gina, September 19 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, September 19

*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.

Waiting for Christmas by Lynn Austin

 Waiting for Christmas

Book Summary

In this hope-filled Gilded Age Christmas novella from bestselling author Lynn Austin, the year is 1901 and the hustle and bustle of the holidays is descending on New York’s Fifth Avenue.

For the first time in her privileged life, Adelaide Forsythe won’t be swept up in it. She couldn’t be happier about the prospect of a quieter Christmas. That’s not to say her transition from Miss to Mrs. has been without challenge. Though she doesn’t regret marrying for love instead of wealth, she can barely light the hearth or cook more than burnt toast. She feels woefully unprepared to run her own household.

Then, on the first Sunday of Advent, winter winds bring change through two unlikely means: a young orphan boy, hiding near Adelaide’s front steps, and a seasoned housekeeper who seems too good to be true.

The boy, Jack, claims he isn’t an orphan at all and is desperate to reunite his family. Adelaide and her husband Howard work tirelessly to solve the riddle of Jack’s story, while Adelaide’s new endeavors open her eyes to a world beyond her past experience—and all the challenge and possibility it holds. As Christmas approaches, small glimmers of wonder light the way toward the answers Adaleide seeks and the most miraculous gift of all.

My Thoughts

Waiting for Christmas by Lynn Austin is a sweet holiday story.  I discovered when I began reading Waiting for Christmas, that it continues the story of Adelaide and Howard from All My Secrets.  I was able to read the book as a standalone.  Addy and Howard are newly married and there will need to be adjustments on both of their parts. The couple must deal with financial issues and social pressures.  They also need to make decisions regarding their future.  I liked the main and secondary characters. I thought it was a well-rounded cast of characters.  Jack was a little rapscallion while Polly was a sweetheart. Mrs. Gleason was a dear. I thought the author captured the time and place. 

Addy is actively involved in the women’s suffrage movement. Most people associate women’s suffrage with the right to vote, but they advocated for other rights for women as well.  The other topic addressed was the plight of orphans.  It was heartrending the number of children without homes.  I like how the author tied the meaning of the Advent candles to the story.  The true meaning of Christmas is discussed, and I loved the reading the description of the beautiful nativity that Addy received from her mother.    Waiting for Christmas is a touching tale with a tenacious child, financial tension, a lost little one, an upsetting search, lighting candles, helpful lessons, and a happy holiday.  

Waiting for Christmas can be obtained from Amazon* along with the other major booksellers (Barnes & Noble, Kobo, etc.).  All My Secrets tells of Addy and Howard's romance.  If you follow Lynn Austin on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for joining me today.  On Tuesday, September 10, I am a stop on the Celebrate Lit Tour for Tracking Tilly by Janice Thompson.  It is the first book in The Little Red Truck Mysteries.  I am heading outside to work on my fall decorations.  I have been wanting to decorate since the first day of Sepember, but it has rained  every afternoon (leving my yard a big wet puddle).  The sun has dried up the water, so I can finally begin.  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.

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

The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson

The Christmas Tree Farm

Book Summary

When Madison McDowell returns from several years teaching overseas, she has high hopes of picking up where she left off at her family's Christmas tree farm in Oregon. But between damage from a recent wildfire and the neglect due to her sister Addie's unwillingness to invest, the farm is in sad shape. In fact, Addie is intent on selling the property. And to top it off, her former high school flame, the now-widowed Gavin Thompson, has plans to break Madison's heart again by turning his neighboring property into a dusty, noisy dirt bike track for his daughter.

With the odds stacked against her, Madison decides there's only one thing to do: double down on her dreams. It will take a ton of hard work--and some help from an unlikely ally--to save the farm she so dearly loves. But it may take a miracle to restore her relationship with her sister.

Bestselling and award-winning author Melody Carlson charms and delights with this uplifting Christmas story full of old memories and new beginnings.

My Thoughts

The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson is a feel-good Christmas story.  The story was easy to read and can be read in one sitting.  I liked the characters except for Madison’s sister, Addie. I felt Addie needed a swift kick in the pants.  Gavin’s daughter, Lily, is spunky, smart, and an industrious worker (though her father has spoiled her with the dirt bikes and dirt bike track).  I would have liked to see a tad more character development.  There were some issues that were never addressed between Maddie and Gavin plus I felt that the ending was rushed. I wish there had been a couple more chapters or an epilogue that would have allowed things to be wrapped up properly.  The Christmas Tree Farm is a nice story, but it lacked the charm and humor that is normally present in the author’s Christmas novellas.  The Christmas Tree Farm is a cute Christmas tale with sister troubles, a faltering tree farm, loud dirt bikes, planting trees, and holiday happiness.  

You can purchase The Christmas Tree Farm from Amazon*.  You should check out Melody Carlson's other Christmas novellas.  My top five are Christmas at Harrington's, The Christmas Shoppe, The Christmas Joy Ride (can be read for free if you are a member of Kindle Unlimited), The Christmas Bus (can be read for free if you are a member of Kindle Unlimited), and The Christmas Dog.  The Happy Camper is another cute novella by Melody Carlson.  Thank you for visiting today.  I will be sharing my thoughts on Waiting for Christmas by Lynn Austin tomorrow.  I hope that you have a merry 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.

A Lancaster Amish Christmas by Anne Blackburne, Mindy Steele, Amy Clipston, and Amy Lillard

 A Lancaster Amish Christmas

Book Summary

Christmas Is Simply a Time for Love 

Enjoy a simple Amish Christmas in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, that is sweetened by second chances, trimmed in love, and wrapped in faith.

Lucy’s Christmas Sunbeam by Anne Blackburne

When her parents suddenly died, Lucy stepped into the mother role for her infant sister with Down’s Syndrome. But Lucy’s boyfriend wasn’t interested in a readymade family. Living in the dawdi house on her brother’s farm, Lucy is happy with life—until she literally runs into the hardware store owner and desire for romance returns.

A Bird-in-Hand Christmas by Amy Clipston

After learning her boyfriend, Wyatt, was seeing someone else, Makayla moved across state and married. Recently widowed, she visits her parents for Christmas, only to find that Wyatt is still single and working for her father. When her five-year-old son instantly bonds with Wyatt, Makayla starts to hope for a second chance at love.

Christmas Lily by Amy Lillard

Seven-year-old Jacob Bontrager is working hard to help his lonely widower father find love again. He believes his pretty new teacher who has just moved to the community is perfect, but none of his matchmaking works until a snowstorm strands Lily Kate Troyer at the Bontrager farm. Could God and nature be on Jacob’s side?

Leaving Lancaster by Mindy Steele

The Wicky sisters didn’t expect their father to sell their thriving deer farm with plans to move them to Kentucky. Always obedient Louise fears for her growing jam business. Beth cannot wait to start a new adventure while her twin, Leah, is running out of time for a happy-ever-after. They have only one Christmas left in Lancaster. Can God deliver a Christmas miracle for all three? 

My Thoughts

A Lancaster Amish Christmas contains four novellas by Anne Blackburne, Amy Clipston, Mindy Steele, and Amy Lillard.  I enjoyed all four stories, but Lucy’s Christmas Sunbeam is one that really touched my heart.  All four stories had good characters and plots.  I did feel that Leving Lancaster had a little too much going on.  I wish the story had focused on Louise and left the twins stories for another novella. There is a recipe for jam at the end of Leaving Lancaster.  Christmas Lily by Amy Lillard had my favorite character, Jacob Bontrager.  He is a young boy who loves his temporary teacher.  I liked the humor in this story.  We get to learn about Amish Christmas traditions in each novella including their school Christmas program and making Christmas cards.  Faith is nicely woven into each tale.  Family, friendship, second chances, romance, forgiveness, and faith are some of the themes.  I enjoyed the four uplifting holiday novellas.  A Lancaster Amish Christmas left me smiling and ready for the holidays.  

Christmas cards made by hand

A Lancaster Amish Christmas is available from Amazon* as well as other major booksellers.  Mindy Steele has Stolen Kiss coming out November 15.  It is the seventh book in The Heart of the Amish series. You can follow the authors, and Amazon will send you an email when they have a new book release (Anne Blackburne, Amy Clipston, Amy Lillard, and Mindy Steele). Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return tomorrow with The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson (Christmas is in the air this week).

I thought I would share an amusing (sort of) story with you before I sign off.  I have two cats, Dickens and Bucky.  Bucky is a sweet cat, but she is not adventurous (she is my shy girl).  When I got up, I noticed that Bucky was not in her usual spot (near her food dish).  I looked around for her and called for her (I knew she would not answer, but I gave it a try).  I looked in all the usual spots, but I did not find her.  I was in the shower, and I kept hearing all this noise (sounded like someone was going to come through the wall).  When I got out of the shower, I hurried out to the hall to the linen closet and opened the door, and out shot Bucky.  That is when I remembered that the door to the linen closet had not been shut all the way when I got up (the door had been pushed against the jam, but not shut), and I had pushed it shut (not knowing Bucky was inside).  Needless to say, the linen closet needs straightening after Bucky's ordeal (it is a mess). I am glad that Bucky is uninjured.  I hope that you have a magical 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.