Thursday, January 30, 2025

Order of Swans by Jude Deveraux

Order of Swans

Book Summary

In this spellbinding, fantasy-rich romance, a woman is swept into a world where she has the power to alter fairy tales, and change a kingdom’s destiny…

To Kaley Arens, a PhD student and expert in folklore, fairy stories have always had a power and an allure beyond mere entertainment.

It’s only when Kaley accompanies her lifelong friend Jobi on a visit to his home that she realizes how much she still has to learn. Bellis isn’t the remote island that she believed it to be. It’s another world—a stunningly beautiful and seductive one, with its own royalty, its own rules, and inhabitants who breathe life into the tales she was taught were fiction.

Kaley’s presence is no simple holiday. She has a mysterious connection with Jobi and with Bellis, and abilities that may help determine this world’s fate. Tasked with locating a lost prince, Kaley and her companions—the enigmatic Tanek, a member of the Order of Swans, and Sojee, Kaley's colossal bodyguard—journey through a land both thrilling and terrifying, where the uncanny and the familiar go hand in hand.

But in fairy tales, heroes and villains are easy to discern. Here, nothing is quite as it seems. And though Kaley is discovering that she can change the outcome of the fairy tales she knows so well, her own story is unfolding in ways impossible to predict, with a destiny she could never have foretold…

My Thoughts

Order of Swans by Jude Deveraux has a good premise and a great cover. The blurb had me eager to dive in. Unfortunately, the book did not live up to the cover and premise. Despite my repeated attempts, I was unable to get into the story. I have been reading Jude Deveraux’s stories since I was a teenager, and this book did not feel like she wrote it. The writing was muddled, and it felt like a first draft instead of a finished novel. There is little character development. I had to wonder about the author’s research for this story because the dissertation process was not described correctly. I expected Kaley to be curious about her unfamiliar environment (aka another planet) especially since she needs material for her new dissertation, and she has a strange item embedded in her arm. She fails to ask questions (I would be demanding answers or sneaking around to get them).

After reading the Order of Swans, I am still not sure what it is about (it is a strange hodgepodge). There are fairy tales, dragons, evil queens, implants in arms, weird light pens, griffins, a whiny prince, and so much more. There is a combination of medieval, modern, and future (throw in the kitchen sink and stir). The story lacked world building and emotion. The ending left me upset and unsatisfied (if I had been reading a paperback, I would have tossed it across the room). Order of Swans lacked depth, and it did not live up to its premise. Order of Swans is the first book in The Blue Swan duology (I did not know this until I finished reading the book) and I have no interest in picking up the next book in the duology.

Witch's gingerbread house

Order of Swans is available on Amazon along with Jude Deveraux's other novels. My favorite novel by this author is A Knight in Shining Armor. Thank you for stopping by today. I will return on Tuesday, February 4 with The Amish Baker Caper by Tracy Fredrychowski. It is the second book in the A Willow Springs Amish Mystery Romance series. I hope that you have a peaceful weekend. There has been some hubbub in our community and I am hoping it will soon die down. It never ends well when a person decides to get retribution for imagined slights. We shall soon know if we will have six more weeks of winter or not (I want cool weather but not freezing). 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.

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

With All Her Heart by Kelly Irvin

With All Her Heart

Book Summary

Bonnie is successful in her crafts shop but fears no man will see past her disability to her strong and loving heart. Elijah dreams of leaving the family business to focus on his carvings. Can they find a new path together?

Elijah Miller is a quiet and painfully shy man with a talent for carving the handmade toys and furniture that tourists in the Amish shops love. The large, boisterous Miller family is anything but shy. With a thriving auction business, they want him to do what he hates most: taking the stage and calling the auctions. He loves his family and wants to support them, but will they allow room for Elijah to follow his own dream?

Bonnie Yoder began the Homespun Handicrafts with her friends, Sophia and Carol. Each has a physical disability to overcome but together they prove that wheelchairs and rollators will not stop them from building a business and a craft community. Bonnie, with her chestnut curls and pretty face, yearns for a husband and family of her own but fears her spinal condition will keep any Amish man from choosing a life with her. Can a man like Elijah see past her walker to the woman behind it?

With the support of his beloved dog, Slowpoke, Elijah finds the courage to bring in samples of his handcrafted toys for Bonnie to consider for display in the shop. Through her advice, Elijah begins to see a possible new life doing what he loves best. Bonnie, in reconnecting with this old school friend, fears that the hope for a relationship that she feels may be another disappointment.

Can Elijah and Bonnie help each other find the lives they want and the love they desire?

My Thoughts

With All Her Heart by Kelly Irvin is a heartwarming story about love, acceptance, and faith. We get to learn about the disabilities that affect the Amish because of their limited gene pool. I felt for Bonnie who was struggling with her declining health. She did not want to give up her independence by switching from a rollator to a wheelchair. Bonnie has always wanted a husband and a family, but she did not see how it was feasible. Plus, Bonnie did not wish to be a burden to a husband. I liked the friendship that formed between Bonnie and Elijah. A friendship is a good basis for a romantic relationship.

Bonnie and Elijah were good for each other. Both Bonnie and Elijah must face their fears and deal with their pride (there are different forms of pride). Like Bonnie, I have trouble asking for help. There is also a romance between Bonnie’s mother and a new widower. Bonnie’s mother is resistant at first. She does not appreciate her brother’s matchmaking. I especially enjoyed this storyline because the characters are closer to my age. I like how faith was woven into the story. With All Her Heart is the third book (and final) book in the Amish Calling series. While it can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the series in order. With All Her Heart is a touching tale with handcrafted toys, a special shop, a helpful rollator, social anxiety disorder dilemma, merry matchmakers, a crafty grandpa, and happy hearts.

Rollator with seat & cup holder

With All Her Heart is available from Amazon. The first two books in the Amish Calling series is The Heart's Bidding and Matter's of the Heart. You can find Kelly Irvin's other books here. If you follow Kelly Irvin on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release. Thank you for joining me today. I will return on Thursday, January 30 with my thoughts on Order of Swans by Jude Deveraux. My mother and I made a decision regarding our home. A wonderful woman in our community took me around to look at other homes. There was one that I loved. The closet was three times the size of my current one. Everything was updated (I loved it). But (you knew there was one), my mother's room was smaller and so was her closet (which would not be fair to her). So, we are going to stay and get our current place fixed up. We have wonderful neighbors which is another bonus. I believe the cats and ducks are thrilled as well. I do not believe my new neighbor is going to be doing handsprings when she hears the news. She offered me moving boxes the other day (she is not a fan of the ducks and cats). What are you currently reading? I am embarking on Cold Case Murder Mystery by Nicole Helm. I hope that you have a delightful 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.

Thursday, January 23, 2025

B is for Bonnet by Shelley Shepard Gray

B is for Bonnet

Book Summary

The second in this delightfully moving new series from beloved, New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray continues the story of four English-raised siblings who return to their grandparents' Ohio community planning to become Amish. But one by one, they will soon learn more about living—and love—than they'd ever imagined . . .

Exploring the relationship between Amish and English cultures through the lens of a single family, the Amish Again series is perfect for fans of Beverly Lewis, Amy Clipston, and Charlotte Hubbard—and anyone who enjoys uplifting stories about faith, family, love, and the simple life.

Raised by their divorced, lapsed-Amish father and English mother, siblings Jonny, Martin, Kelsey, and Beth can't wait to reinvent their lives. The four don't have much in common, but they long for the stable sense of family they felt when visiting their New Order grandparents, Josiah and Sylvia Schrock, in peaceful Holmes County, Ohio. And the Schrocks couldn't be more surprised when the grandkids want to try living with them—and joining their faith . . .

When Jonny hears startling news about his health, he knows it's past time to change his life. Quitting college, he unexpectedly finds the fulfilling job of his dreams. And he's instantly smitten with cafe owner Treva Kramer, whose baked goods are as warm and delicious as her lively personality. But no matter how hard Jonny tries, he can't seem to get past her secret sadness and distrust. Can he prove that his feelings for her are for real—and forever—in time?

A bad breakup left Treva heartbroken—and resolved to be independent without relying on anyone ever again. Exhausted from pouring everything she's got into her cafe, she’s stunned by Jonny’s easygoing ways—and drawn to his optimistic nature. But when she thinks his real interest is in becoming Amish, she's even more determined to stay focused—and keep her heart safe . . .

Soon, deep secrets and hidden family truths will test Jonny and Treva in unexpected ways. And with help from his warm-hearted grandparents, he and Treva might gain the happiness they secretly long for—with each other.

My Thoughts

B is for Bonnet by Shelley Shepard Gray is a story about Jonny Schrock who is straddling two worlds. Jonny is trying to decide whether or not to become Amish when he has a health scare. B is for Bonnet is an easy story to read. The point-of-view switches between various characters including Jonny and Treva Kramer, a woman who, with the help of her family, turned the barn into a coffee shop (Trailside Café) with delectable baked goods. We also get to spend time with Matt Schrock, Johnny’s father and Kennedy, his new love interest. I like that we get to catch up with Johnny’s siblings and his grandparents (Jonny’s grandparents are sweet, kind, and patient). It was interesting learning about e-bikes and that the Amish have taken to using them as a mode of transportation. I had no idea that a well-known motorcycle company now produces electric bicycles.

Harley Davidson Electric Bikes

The romance between Treva and Jonny progresses slowly until the end when it was rushed. I am glad that we got to meet Jonny’s mother, and I hope we get to know her better in the next installment in the series. Forgiveness is one of the messages in the story. Sometimes the one that needs forgiveness the most is yourself. While B is for Bonnet is the second book in the Amish ABCs series, it can be read as a standalone. I am looking forward to reading C is for Courting when it comes out. B is for Bonnet is a sweet story with delectable coffee, a cholesterol scare, a hurt heart, parent problems, bossy siblings, great grandparents, and a benevolent bishop.

B is for Bonnet is available from Amazon. The first book in the Amish ABCs series is A is for Amish (can read for free with Kindle Unlimited subscription). The next book in the series is C is for Courting. Shelley Shepard Gray has Their Surprise Reunion coming out on April 29 and Unshaken on June 3. Christmas Promises releases on October 28 (just in time to get you in the mood for Christmas). You can fnd Shelley Shepard Gray's other novels here. Thank you for dropping by today (I really do appreciate it). On Tuesday, January 28, I am featuring With All Her Heart by Kelly Irvin. It is the third book in the Amish Calling series. It has been a cold week in my area of Florida (Tampa Bay area). I actually had to use my electric blanket and dig into the recesses of my closet for cold weather clothing (I have not needed them in a couple of years). I will need to update my winter wardrobe next fall. The best thing about cold weather is snuggling under the covers and reading (too cold to do anything else). I hope that you have a relaxing weekend. Take care, stay warm, 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.

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Defending the Child by Sharon Dunn

Defending the Child

Book Summary

Caught in a mountain blizzard…

with a child to protect.

After Marielle Coleman’s foster son witnesses his mother’s murder, he becomes a killer’s next target. Escaping into a raging Montana snowstorm, Marielle and her little boy hide at a remote camp—and unexpectedly reunite with her ex-fiancé, Graham Flynn, an undercover DEA agent. Now Graham and Marielle must put aside their distrust to save the child from dangerous pursuers. But Graham’s still hiding secrets from Marielle…ones that could tie them all to a conspiracy that will end their lives.

My Thoughts

Defending the Child by Sharon Dunn is an action-packed tale. The story starts off with a bang and the pace continues throughout. Marielle Coleman is determined to protect little Ian from the people who killed his mother. She did not expect to run into her ex-fiancée, Graham Flynn, who is with the DEA. Of course, Graham’s skills are just what Marielle and Ian need. I cannot imagine fleeing into a snowstorm in a bathrobe and slippers (brr). I think Marielle should have put more thought into her to go bag. I wish the author had spent a little more time on character development. I would have liked to know more about Marielle and Graham. I enjoy second chance romances, but I felt this one was rushed at the end. I would have liked to see them discuss their feelings (when not on the run or fighting bad guys). I loved how Graham connected with Ian. It was sweet. I like how faith was incorporated into the story. We see that that everything happens in God’s own timing. Defending the Child is a gripping tale with swift snowfall, a scared child, a protective DEA agent, a compassionate woman, a resolute killer, and a second chance romance.

Defending the Child is available from Amazon as well as other major booksellers. Sharon Dunn's next book is Targeted Montana Witness which will be out on 27. You can find Sharon Dunn's other books here. Thank you for popping by today. Tomorrow I am featuring B is for Bonnet by Shelley Shepard Gray. It is the second book in the Amish ABCs series. Can you believe that it is snowing in Florida? It is not snowing in my area, but it is cold (and our heat is not working). I am very thankful to Sidney Russell who invented the first electric blanket. I hope that you have joyful day. Take care, stay warm, 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.

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

A Year of Flowers by Suzanne Woods Fisher

A Year of Flowers

About the Book

Book: A Year of Flowers

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release date: November 18, 2024

In this collection of four heartfelt novellas, three former friends have found success in the floral industry, but happiness–and love–remain elusive.

In An Apology in Bloom, wedding florist Jaime Harper is on a meteoric rise, working for an event company led by a successful and way-too-handsome boss. When a letter arrives from her past mentor with an offer too good to pass up, will she stay or head back to her hometown?

In A Bouquet of Dreams, Claire Murphy has always dreamed of owning a flower shop, and when her employers hint at retirement, she believes her moment has arrived. But first she must confront her past–and the man who caused her to flee her hometown years ago.

In A Field of Beauty, Tessa Anderson has found an acre of farmland to start her flower farm and forget the past. She’s grateful for the help of two men–her boyfriend, Tyler, and a quiet soil specialist named Dawson. But as the farm finally starts to bloom, Tessa will discover something that challenges everything she’s built.

In A Future in Blossom, Jaime, Claire, and Tessa return to their hometown, finally ready to face each other and their beloved mentor, flower shop owner Rose Reid. As they unite to pull off an extraordinary wedding, amid the flurry of preparations they just may find their way to forgiveness.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Suzanne Woods Fisher is a Christy finalist, a Carol and Selah winner, a two-time ECPA Book of the Year finalist, and the Publishers Weekly and ECPA bestselling author of more than forty books. Her genres include contemporary and historical romances, Amish romance, and women’s fiction. She and her husband live in a small town in California, where everyone knows everyone else, knows what they are doing and why. Most friends act a little nervous around Suzanne because they usually wind up in one of her novels. She has four grown children and enough grandchildren to keep her young.

More from Suzanne

A Year of Flowers: Friendships in Full Bloom

If you’ve ever tended to a garden, you know that flowers and friendships have a lot in common—they both need a bit of love, attention, and sometimes, a good pruning. That’s the heart of my novella collection called A Year of Flowers, stories of three teenage girls who bonded over bouquets and blossomed into best friends under the guidance of Rose, the wise and wonderful flower shop owner.

But life, much like a garden, doesn’t always go according to plan. On one sweltering August day, something dreadful happens in the flower shop, and the girls, who once shared everything, suddenly vanish from each other’s lives.

Seven years later, we find out where each girl, now a young woman, has gone. Their love for flowers is still in full bloom. Jaime’s taken her talent to the big city, working as a floral artist for a high-end event agency in NYC. She’s turning heads with her extravagant designs, but something’s missing—maybe it’s the simple joy she once found in that small-town flower shop.

Claire has run off to Savannah, Georgia, where she’s knee-deep in blooms, working in a flower shop with dreams of running the place one day. She’s got her eye on the prize, but she’s also discovering that you can’t outrun the past, no matter how far you go.

Then there’s Tessa, who’s found solace in the soil of Asheville, NC, where she’s started a flower farm. It’s a peaceful life, but even in the quiet of the mountains, memories of that summer day haunt her like the mist that rolls over the hills.

As each story unfolds, we see that, like flowers, friendships need TLC. They can wilt easily without care and attention. And sometimes, a good pruning is necessary, to help it grow stronger.

In the final novella, the three young women are drawn back to where it all began—the flower shop, and to Rose. It’s time to dig up the past, clear out the weeds, and see if their friendship can bloom again. After all, just because a garden has been neglected doesn’t mean it can’t be revived with a little care and attention.

So, if you’re a fan of flowers, friendships, or happy endings, get a copy of A Year of Flowers. It’s a reminder that with the right care, both flowers and friendships can flourish, no matter how long they’ve been left untended.

My Thoughts

A Year of Flowers by Suzanne Woods Fisher contains four novellas that revolve around three women and a floral shop owner who was their mentor. The first three stories feature Jamie, Claire, and Tessa who worked in the flower shop together when they were younger (a story for each character). The fourth novella has them back in their hometown at Rose Reid’s flower shop. I like how all the stories tied together. In each story we get a glimpse of what happened in the past that changed the course of women’s lives. The full tale is not revealed until the last novella when the three women are brought back together. There is romance for each of the three ladies as well. I liked all the characters in the four novellas. Chris was the most transformed character. I especially liked his occupation. I like that the author included a glossary of floral terms. It was interesting learning about the language of flowers. It is amazing what you can say with a bouquet of flowers. The ladies need to forgive each other as well themselves. They just need to be open to the truth. This was a unique way for the author to tell this story. A Year of Flowers is a story of friendship, faith, flowers, and forgiveness.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!! Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click here to enter.

A Year of Flowers is available from Amazon. Suzanne Woods Fisher has Capture the Moment coming out May 6. It is the first book in the National Parks Summers series. You can find Suzanne Woods Fisher's other novels here. Thank you for joining me today. I will return tomorrow with my thoughts on Defending the Child by Sharon Dunn. If you are looking for a new cozy mystery to read check out Haunting and Homicide by Ava Burke. B is for Bonnet by Shelley Shepard Gray also came out today. It is the second book in the Amish ABCs series. Do not forget to enter the giveaway before you depart. Leave a comment for an extra entry. Good Luck and Happy Reading!