The Lighthouse at the Cove by Amy Clipston

The Lighthouse at the Cove

Book Summary

Sometimes the road home isn't on a map.

After a painful breakup and a stalled career, journalist Kaiah Ross sets out on a reporting road trip down the East Coast, hoping the miles will help her find her way again. But when car trouble strands her in the postcard-perfect town of Coral Cove, she's forced to stop running--and unexpectedly finds herself drawn into a life that feels like something out of a dream.

Reid Turner has spent years putting others first--his career as a firefighter, his spirited young daughter, Piper, and the small town he's always called home. The last thing he's looking for is a relationship. But from the moment Kaiah arrives, her kindness, warmth, and quiet strength stir something in him he thought was long buried.

When Kaiah agrees to help promote the town's annual "Light the Dark" Festival--a celebration meant to save Coral Cove's historic lighthouse--what begins as a simple arrangement quickly turns into something more. Late nights of planning under string lights, shared laughter over coffee, and quiet, heartfelt moments with Piper begin to weave Kaiah into the fabric of Reid's life . . . and into his heart.

But just as love begins to blossom, Kaiah is faced with an offer that could relaunch her career and take her far from Coral Cove. Now, she's forced to choose between the life she thought she wanted and the unexpected love that's given her a glimpse of home.

My Thoughts

The Lighthouse at the Cove by Amy Clipston is a sweet story.  There are great characters in the story that include Kaiah, Reid, and Piper.  I also like Reid’s family and Kaiah’s sister, Kam.  Coral Cove is a charming town with friendly, caring residents (for the most part).  I loved the lighthouse with its rich history.  I like that the romance between Kaiah and Reid progressed slowly and included Piper.  Piper was a cutie pie and a scene stealer.  The story does touch on some deeper topics such as grief, a broken heart, and the gravity of a bee allergy. I enjoyed the humor sprinkled throughout the story along with the cute moments between Piper and Kaiah.  The epilogue provided a satisfying conclusion.  The Lighthouse at the Cove is part of the author’s Coral Cove series, but it can easily be read as standalone.  The Lighthouse at the Cove is an appealing tale with a car in need of repair, an inviting town, an enticing lighthouse, an energetic girl, a bothersome ex-boyfriend, a fun festival, and figuring out the future.

The Lighthouse at the Cove is available from Amazon*.  You can read the first chapter of the book here.  The View from Coral Cove is another book in the Coral Cove series.  You can find Amy Clipston's other novels here.  If you follow Amy Clipston on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you so much for popping by today.  I will be back on Tuesday, December 9 with The Cold Case and the Corpse by Debra Sennefelder. It is the 8th A Food Blogger Mystery. I am off to decorate my next door neighbor's yard for the holidays.  I have a cute snowman display in mind.  I hope that all of you have a wonderful weekend.  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.

All My Bones by P.J. Nelson

 All My Bones

Book Summary

Madeline Brimley, new owner of a bookstore in a small Georgia town, finds herself playing sleuth when a friend is charged with the murder of a much-disliked woman.

Madeline Brimley recently inherited a bookstore in Enigma, Georgia, is embarking on her second career, after her first one (acting) founders upon the metaphorical rocks. Settling in, Madeline recruits her friend Gloria Coleman, the local Episcopal priest, to help her plant azaleas in the front yard of the old Victorian that houses the bookstore. Turning the soil, however, uncovers the body of one Beatrice Glassie, a troublesome woman who has been missing for the past six months.

When her friend Gloria is arrested for the murder, Madeline is determined to prove her innocence and, as she quickly finds out, there aren't many people in town who hadn't wanted to kill Bea Glassie at one point or another. And the very expensive and rare first edition of a particular volume of Grimm's Fairy Tales—ordered by the victim and her sister is somehow tied to the grim death. With the help of her not-quite-boyfriend, a local lawman, and her deceased aunt's best friend, Madeline plans to set a trap to catch the real murderer—before she becomes the next victim.

My Thoughts

All My Bones by P.J. Nelson is the second book in Old Juniper Bookshop Mystery series.  We get to catch up with Madeline, Gloria, Philomenia, David, and Billy.  I wanted to like this story, but I found it to be predictable with slow pacing. The final third of the book was particularly sluggish (helpful if you suffer from insomnia).  The body is discovered in the first chapter which makes for a lengthy story.  The mystery can easily be solved early in the book, which is a disappointment (it was so obvious).  There is a lack of suspense, but I enjoyed the conflict, humor, and secrets (they always come to light during a murder investigation).  The romance between David and Madeline is sweet.  I like the opinionated bookshop cat (I can envision the haughty cat).  All My Bones can be read as a standalone, but I believe it is helpful to have read Booked for Murder.  All My Bones is a southern cozy mystery with a murdered woman, a charged priest,  rampant rumors,  helpful friends, a toffee-nosed cat, a fairy tales first edition, and a maturing romance.

All My Bones is available from Amazon*.  The first book in the Old Juniper Bookshop Mysteries is Booked for Murder.  Thank you for dropping by today.  I know how busy everyone is during the holiday season.  On Thursday, December 4, I am sharing my thoughts on The Lighthouse at the Cove by Amy Clipston.  I have been busy this week decorating my front yard for the holidays (and enjoying every minute).  After I am done with my yard, I get to decorate two of my neighbors yards.  I am hoping that all of my neighbors will decorate in the future (a girl can dream).  I hope that you have a wonderful 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.

A Daughter's Choice by Kelly Irvin

 

A Daughter's Choice

About the Book

Book: A Daughter’s Choice (The Heart of the Amish Book Ten)

Author: Kelly Irvin

Genre: Amish/Christian Fiction

Release Date: November, 2025

Henrietta Is Set Against Love

Full of faith, hope, and romance, this series takes you into the Heart of Amish Country.

Henrietta Miller loves animals—especially her goats. She wants to marry and have children someday, but right now her goal is to have her own business selling snacks made from goat’s milk and goat’s soaps. Against her the wishes of her father–who’s also the bishop—she applies for a job as a veterinary assistant to earn money. Then newcomer Nicholas Byler snatches the job out from under her—or so it seems to Hen. Now Nicholas is treating Hen’s beloved animals as if he knows more than her. Hen turns her frustrations toward expanding her business to include wool-producing goats, even while her aunt hatches matchmaking plans—with Nicholas Byler, no less.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Award-winning author Kelly Irvin has published more than 30 novels and a dozen novellas. The bestselling novelist worked as a newspaper reporter before spending 22 years in public relations. She now writes fiction full time. She and her husband live in Texas. They are the parents of two kids, four grandkids, and an ornery senior cat.

More from Kelly

Research for A Daughter’s Choice leads to goats nips and cow cuddles

By Kelly Irvin

Each time I come up with a new story concept, I’m super excited about it. When a publisher lets me know the “pub” committee has approved a contract for the story, I get even more excited. Then I sit down at my computer, open a document, and zoom, my fingers take off on the keyboard . . . . nope . . . not exactly.

What really happens is that I suddenly realize this fabulous story idea will require a ton of research. In the case of A Daughter’s Choice, featuring goat lover Henrietta “Hen” Miller, I needed to be an “expert” on raising goats and tending to a horse with colic and making candy from goat’s milk, and delivering a foal that isn’t positioned correctly (and treating a crotchety cat!). The story also required a deep dive into several other kinds of livestock, veterinarians’ clinics and vet assistants, and facets of the Amish faith that I wanted to make sure I addressed properly.

Much of this information is easily available on the Internet and in the many reference books about the Amish I’ve acquired over the years. But on-line research doesn’t allow me to get up close and personal with key characters in my story—the animals. I especially wanted to hang out with some goats. To my surprise, I had trouble finding a place in the San Antonio area where I could interact with these frolicking creatures.

Then my daughter-in-law came to the rescue. She found Cavalry Farm, a nonprofit organization that takes in and cares for all sort of livestock animals in little Adkins, Texas, just south of San Antonio. They have frequent open houses where—for a nominal fee—the public can visit, pet, feed, and yes, cuddle some of the animals. My response? ROAD TRIP!

The farm is home to a small herd of pygmy goats as well as larger dairy goats. I have never been close to a goat, so I didn’t know what to expect. They were as curious about me as I was about them. They crowded around me, climbed up my rollator, chewed on my purse strap, nibbled at the zipper on my shorts’ pocket, and prodded my hands with their noses. I had a fabulous time!

The volunteer who stayed with us in the goat pen shared all sorts of tidbits about the care of goats. My grandson, who’s two and a half, chatted with them. I took lots of photos for marketing purposes. Most importantly, I gained an understanding of why Hen is so enamored of goats. They’re lively, friendly, and determined to learn all about their visitors.

Of course, Hen isn’t simply a “goat whisperer.” She also loves horses, which leads to her first encounter with vet assistant Nicholas Byler, a newcomer to Smicksburg, PA, and many other animals, including cats and dogs. At Cavalry Farm, I also was able to visit with horses, pigs, donkeys, alpacas, chickens, turkeys, and cows. I’m from Kansas so I’ve had my share of livestock sightings. However, I’ve never been offered an opportunity to snuggle a cow. Who knew that is a thing? My farmer family members will find it humorous, I’m sure.

The cows lounge on the grass just waiting for a visitor to come along, sit beside them, and snuggle up. It’s so stinking cute!

No cow snuggling occurs in A Daughter’s Choice. However, I can assure readers there is plenty of fun with a runaway puppy up for adoption, goats on the loose tearing through a wedding prep tent, and more. The story also moves beyond the humorous as Hen overcomes past losses and grief , allowing her to make important choices about her future. Nicholas too has to make hard choices about his occupation and his life as a faithful Amish believer.  What they decide will determine if they find their happily-ever-after!

If you’d like to know more about Cavalry Farm and their mission, check out the website at www.cavalryfarms.org.

My Thoughts

A Daughter’s Choice by Kelly Irvin has two unique main characters for an Amish story.  Henrietta “Hen” Miller prefers spending time with her goats than keeping house.  Her father, the bishop, would rather she spend her time doing household chores like the other women in the district. Nicholas Byler along with his sister, Lenora, have come to town to take care of their grandfather who has dementia.  Nicholas obtained the job with the local vet that Hen had applied for, but her father nixed it.  I felt for Hen.  She has a wonderful spirit, and she is a natural with animals. Her father did everything he could to discourage her.  I found him to be very harsh, and I did not like that he was punishing a twenty-two-year-old woman like she was two.  I also understood Nicholas’ desire to study to become a veterinarian. 

The story is well-written with steady pacing.  I like that the story is told from Hen and Nicholas’ point of view because it allows readers to see each of their perspectives on the various issues.  The themes in A Daughter’s Choice are God’s will, faith, family, and community.  A Daughter’s Choice is the tenth book in The Heart of the Amish series.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series.  I enjoyed the humor sprinkled throughout the story and the heartfelt ending. A Daughter’s Choice is a poignant tale with energetic goats, an animated animal lover, a job robber, a cute canine, strained ankle trouble, matchmaker mess, and rampant rumors. 

Giveaway

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

A Daughter's Choice is available from Amazon*.  The eleventh book in The Heart of the Amish series is Plain Jane's Secret Admirer and it will be out on January 1, 2026.  You can find Kelly Irvin's other novels here. Thank you for stopping by today.  On Wednesday, December 3, I am featuring All My Bones by P.J. Nelson. I hope that you have a terrific Tuesday.  Don't forget to enter the giveaway.  Good Luck!  Take care, stay warm, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, November 22

Life on Chickadee Lane, November 23

Simple Harvest Reads, November 24 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

She Lives to Read, November 25

lakesidelivingsite, November 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 27

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 28

Stories By Gina, November 29 (Author Interview)

Nighttime Reading Center, November 29

For Him and My Family, November 30

Jeanette’s Thoughts, December 1

Fruitfully Planted, December 1

The Avid Reader, December 2

Holly’s Book Corner, December 3

Vicky Sluiter, December 4

The Mommies Reviews, December 5

Mary Hake, December 5

*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.

Amish Midwife Witness by Dana R. Lynn

Amish Midwife Witness

Book Summary

She overheard something she shouldn't have…

Now she’s in a killer’s crosshairs.

After certified nurse midwife Vanessa Hall prevents a kidnapping attempt on a pregnant Amish patient, she becomes the target of a dangerous enemy. Lieutenant Carter Flint is determined to keep Vanessa safe as the police investigate an abduction and illegal adoption ring targeting Amish families. But after dodging several deadly attacks, Carter realizes the criminal seems to know their every move and no one can be trusted. Can they expose the kidnapper and stop his sinister plot before more innocent lives are put at risk?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

My Thoughts

Amish Midwife Witness by Dana R. Lynn is an action-packed tale.  I was quickly drawn into the story, and my interest was held until I turned the last page.  The action made it lively, with added mystery and suspense.  Someone was determined to capture Vanessa (they were relentless).  Pregnant Amish woman near their due date were not safe.  Vanessa and Carter were likable, realistic, and relatable characters. They both have romantic baggage which kept them from pursuing the chemistry between them.  The constant threats to their lives and their perilous journey may overcome their fears (you will have to read it to find out).  The characters face dangers that test their courage, and the epilogue provides closure. The story also touches on a sensitive topic that may be a trigger for some individuals.  Amish Midwife Witness is a page turner with a fatal phone call, abducted babies, battling bullets, car crashes, fierce flames, romantic chemistry, and a critical rescue.

Amish Midwife Witness is available from Amazon*.  The second book in the Amish Country Danger series is A Killer's Target which will be out on July 28, 2026.  You can find Dana R. Lynn's other books here.  If you follow Dana R. Lynn on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for  stopping by today.  On Tuesday, December 2, I am a stop on the Celebrate Lit Blog Tour for A Daughter's Choice by Kelly Irvin. It is the tenth book in The Heart of the Amish series.  I am still hunting for that pumpkin pie recipe.  I know I left it in the kitchen (somewhere).  If I did not find it, I will search for a similar recipe online.  When I was a teen, I would have needed to search cookbooks.  I hope that all of you have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!  

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.

Trail of Mountain Secrets by Darlene L. Turner

 Trail of Mountain Secrets

Book Summary

A case of mistaken identity.
A K-9 to the rescue.

Park archaeologist Violet Hoyt’s wilderness search for a missing family’s remains takes a deadly turn when a gunman mistakes her for someone else. The discovery of a grave of skulls reopens a cold case, and someone is determined to keep the truth hidden. With the help of K-9 handler Maverick Shaw and his human-remains-detector dog, Wolf, Violet must find the final family member—and evade the masked man who has targeted her. Soon Violet learns a shocking secret: She has a presumed dead twin sister who may still be alive, and now they’re both in danger. Can Violet and Maverick expose a conspiracy before this Christmas becomes their last?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

My Thoughts

Trail of Mountain Secrets by Darlene L. Turner is a gripping story.  I thought the story was well-written with steady pacing.  I liked the main characters, Violet and Maverick.  I just loved Maverick’s smart and protective dog, Wolf. Maverick’s daughter is a sweetheart.  I enjoyed the action, suspense, and mystery.  The plot has surprising twists and a tense reveal. I enjoyed both the mystery and the second chance romance, and the epilogue wrapped up the story well.  Trail of Mountain Secrets is the second book in the National Park Protectors series, and it can be read on its own.  Trail of Mountain Secrets is a page turner with skeleton searching, continual assaults, a clever canine, a second chance romance, emotional moments, a darling daughter, and dramatic twist. 

Trail of Mountain Secrets is available from Amazon* and other major booksellers (Barnes & Noble, Walmart, BAM).  The first book in the National Park Protectors series is Danger in the Wilderness.  You can find the author's other novels here.  If you follow Darlene L. Turner on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release. Would you like to win a copy of Trail of Mountain Secrets? Enter the Goodreads Giveaway to win a copy (it ends in seven days).  Good Luck! Thank you for stopping by today.  

I will return on Tuesday, November 26 with Amish Midwife Witness b Dana R. Lynn. Are you ready for Thanksgiving? It is hard to believe that it is just a couple of days away. I have purchased all the items that I need, but I cannot find my pumpkin pie recipe.  My mother loved the pie I made last year, and I want to recreate it this year.  I will keep searching (it is here somewhere).  I hope that you have a magnificient Monday.  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.

Deadly Bloom by Tracy Fredrychowski

 Deadly Bloom

Book Summary

Three elderly book-club friends, one poisoned president, and a town where secrets bloom beneath the roses.

Irma Gingerich finds comfort in her quiet Amish life, tending her garden, sipping peppermint tea, and sharing Thursday mornings with her two closest friends. But peace turns to turmoil when the proud president of the Sweet Briar Gardening Association collapses at the annual flower show.

The death is ruled a tragedy, yet gossip spreads faster than dandelions, and all fingers point toward Irma and her “miracle” roses. When the sheriff confiscates her prized blooms as evidence, Irma’s calm faith wavers beneath the weight of suspicion.

Now, with her reputation on the line, Irma leans on her outspoken friend Rosie Weaver and gentle Lovina Frey. Together, they trade their teacups for detective work, determined to prove Irma’s innocence before the truth withers away.

But the deeper they dig, the darker Sweet Briar’s soil becomes; rivalries, secrets, and one dangerous formula hidden among the flowers.

If they fail to uncover the truth, Irma could lose more than her good name… and the killer might strike again before the garden blooms anew.

Deadly Bloom is a heartwarming Amish cozy mystery and the prequel in An Amish Book Club Mystery Series, where friendship, faith, and a hint of danger make every chapter bloom.  Step into Sweet Briar today, where every secret takes root, and every bloom hides a story.

My Thoughts

Deadly Bloom by Tracy Fredrychowski has Irma, Rosie, and Lavinia investigating a curious mystery.  This was a cute story.  It is a short story that is easy to read with likeable characters. The investigative methods employed by the women are somewhat unconventional, yet they nonetheless prove effective, much to the frustration of Sheriff Carr. The mystery element was engaging; however, I believe that extending the length of the story would have allowed for a more thoroughly developed and intricate plot.  I thought the method of murder was quite clever.  I enjoyed Deadly Bloom and I look forward to Irma, Rosie, and Lavinia’s next adventure.

Deadly Bloom is available from Amazon*.  The first book in An Amish Book Mysteries is Buried Secrets which comes out April 1, 2026.  You can find Tracy Fredrychowski's other novels here.   Thank you for dropping by today.  I will return on Tuesday, November 25 with Trail of Mountain Secrets by Darlene L. Turner.  It is the second book in the National Park Protectors series. I hope that you have a wonderful weekend.  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.

At Midnight Comes the Cry by Julia Spencer-Fleming

 At Midnight Comes the Cry

Book Summary

It’s Christmas time in Millers Kill, and Reverend Clare Fergusson and her husband Russ van Alstyne - newly resigned from his position as chief of police – plan to enjoy it with their baby boy. On their list: visiting Santa, decorating the tree, and attending the church Christmas pageant. But when a beloved holiday parade is crashed by white supremacists, Clare and Russ find themselves sucked into a parallel world of militias, machinations and murder.

Meanwhile, single mom and officer Hadley Knox has her hands full juggling her kids and her police work. She doesn’t want to worry about her former partner – and sometimes lover – Kevin Flynn, but when he takes leave from the Syracuse PD and disappears, she can’t help her growing panic that something has gone very wrong.

Novice lawyer Joy Zhào is keeping secrets from her superiors at the state Attorney General’s Office. She knows they wouldn’t condone her off-the-books investigation, but she’s convinced a threatening alt-right conspiracy is brewing – and catching the perpetrators could jump start her career.

NYS Forest Ranger Paul Terrance is looking for his uncle, a veteran of the park service gone inexplicably missing. He doesn’t think much of an ex-cop and out-of-town officer showing up in his patch of the woods, but he’s heard the disturbing rumors of dangerous men in the mountains.

In New York Times Julia Spencer-Fleming's latest novel, as Christmas approaches, these five people will discover their suspicions hang on a single twisting thread, leading to the forbidding High Peaks of the Adirondacks. As the December days shorten and the nights grow long, a disparate group of would-be heroes need to unwind a murderous plot before time runs out.

My Thoughts

At Midnight Comes the Cry by Julia Spencer-Fleming is the tenth A Claire Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne Mystery.  Background information is provided for those new to the series like me (I was not aware that this book was part of a series when I requested it).  However, I believe that I would have connected more with the characters if I had read the previous books in the series. Also, there are references to events in the other books. The main characters are likeable, and they have interesting backgrounds.  There are a number of characters in the story, and it is difficult to keep track of all of them. The world building is well done. The story feels more like a suspense or thriller than a mystery.   I did find the pacing to be sluggish in the middle, and I found myself skimming over areas with too much detail (the manhunt for example).  The epilogue wrapped up all but one of the threads (which is frustrating).  The story does touch on some topics that may be triggering to some readers (racism, domestic violence). At Midnight Comes the Cry is an engaging story with a tense suspense, emotional moments, curious characters, surprising secrets, and  timely topics.

At Midnight Comes the Cry is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other A Claire Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne Mysteries here.  If you follow Julia Spencer-Fleming on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for stopping by today.  Christmas is fast approaching and, before you know it, the year will be over.  Time is just flying by so quickly.  I will return on Thursday, November 20 with Deadly Bloom by Tracy Fredrychowski.  It is a prequel to An Amish Book Club Mysteries.  I am off to begin shaping our Christmas tree.  I should have it shaped and decorated (too much to do and not enough time to get it all done).  I hope that you have beautiful 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.