Tuesday, February 11, 2025

New Arrivals on West India Dock Road by Renita D'Silva

 New Arrivals on West India Dock Road
Book Summary

The first in a BRAND NEW historical series from Renita D'Silva. Welcome to West India Dock Road, in London’s East End...

1938: Divya has made the long sea journey from India to England, employed as a nanny by a British family. But once they arrive, she is cruelly abandoned, with no means to return home. Afraid and alone, she faces prejudice and rejection… until she finds her way to an Irish-run boarding house on West India Dock Road and meets Jack, Charity and a host of unexpected friends.

Divya is a good cook, and preparing meals for the other immigrants, homesick for the food they were raised on, gives her a new sense of hope and purpose. In time, she opens a thriving curry house, beloved by the local communities.

But as war in Europe looms, Divya’s fragile sense of belonging – through her business, her friendships and budding romance with sailor Raghu – comes under threat.

A world away from home, will she ever truly find happiness in life, on West India Dock Road?

My Thoughts

The beginning of New Arrivals on West India Dock Road by Renita D’Silva drew me in.  I liked Divya and felt for her.  She went through some trying times.  We get to meet a variety of characters as Divya journeys from India to England.  The West India Dock Road was an interesting area of London.  There were people from many different countries living there.  I loved Charity and her brothers. They added humor and heart to the story. I did not enjoy reading about the racism. It is a shame that people can be so cruel to someone from another country because they look or sound different.  The dishes that Divya cooked sounded delicious (they will have your mouth watering).  The author provides vivid descriptions of the food, homes, people, and more.  There are two people who care for Divya, but only one catches her heart.  I enjoyed New Arrivals on West India Dock Road, and I am looking forward to the next book in the series. 

New Arrivals on West India Dock Road will be out on February 13 and it can be preordered from  Amazon.  You can find Renita D'Silva's other novels here.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will be taking a few days off.  I have a little problem that I need to resolve (it seems my new neighbor is against cats and ducks). I refuse to let the cats that I have been caring for the last four years go hungry.  I hope that you have an optimistic 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, February 6, 2025

A Protector for Her Baby by April Arrington

 A Protector for Her Baby
Book Summary

For one little boy,

he’ll change his whole life…

From the moment Mallory Kent arrives at his farm, pregnant and seeking shelter, Liam Williams vows to help her. Mallory’s fleeing an abusive ex-husband and needs to start over. Caring for Liam’s elderly mother, who has dementia, gives Mallory stability—for now. Soon Liam can’t picture life without Mallory or little Oliver. But Mallory struggles to trust any man, especially now she has a son to keep safe. Can Liam show her the family they’re building is worth risking her heart?

My Thoughts

A Protector for Her Baby by April Arrington is a sweet story.  The characters are likeable and relatable. The story spans several months which gives Mallory and Liam time to get to know each other.  It is a slow burn type of romance (old fashioned in a way which I liked).  Liam is a kind, caring, and compassionate man. You can tell by the way he cares for his ailing mother. Mallory needs a man with those qualities as she recovers from the abuse she suffered from her ex-husband.  It was great that Liam introduced Mallory to a wonderful group of women.  She needed additional support as Mallory struggled with her feelings for her soon to be born child.  I like that we get to catch up with Jessie, Holt, and their kids (from A Haven for His Twins).  The ending was not what I expected, but it is moving. I enjoyed the descriptions of the farm (I wanted to live there).  The epilogue left me smiling. A Protector for Her Baby is a touching, heartfelt tale with a heaven-sent haven, a mother with missing memories, a compassionate son, a welcome home, fireside chats, thoughtful friends, conflicted thoughts, and a generous God.

A Protector for Her Baby is avaiilable from Amazon.  You can find April Arrington's other novels here.  If you follow April Arrington on Amazon, they will email you when she has a new book release.  I appreciate you taking time out of your day to pop by today.  I will return on Tuesday, February 11 with New Arrivals on West India Dock Road by Renita D'Silva.  It is the first book in a new historical series.  

I am off to feed the ducks.  They are clever creatures.  They followed me to the backyard yesterday (see the picture above--this is only a few of the ducks) and watched me install these large shiny owls with bells in the pine tree that are supposed to scare them off.  One duck thought they were funny (he made these quacking noises and shook his tail feathers at the same time).  The contingent then followed me back to the carport for their evening feast.  The younger ducks (I call them the teenagers) have figured out how to get to the cats hard food dish.  They must duck under a child's size wood bench and stick their head through the fencing that I have around the cats food and water dishes (the realistic looking owl statues did not even phase them).  Their long necks allow them to accomplish this feat. The only thing that keeps them from going back into that area is the bear statue that I have at the entrance (at least something works).  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.

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

The Wagtail Murder Club by Krista Davis

 The Wagtail Murder Club
Book Summary

Holly Miller gets much more than she bargained for when she rescues an adorable stray pup by the side of the road in this all-new Paws & Claws Mystery from New York Times bestselling author Krista Davis.

Holly Miller is on her way home to Wagtail, Virginia when she spots something in the grass not far from her car. It turns out to be an adorable black Labrador in a cage with a note attached to his collar. 
My name is Squishy. I am a very good boy. Please take good care of me. Holly takes Squishy home to the Sugar Maple Inn, which she owns with her grandmother, who also happens to be the mayor of Wagtail. They decide to foster Squishy at the Inn. Days later, Holly is surprised to see her ex-boyfriend Ben checking in with a group of his attorney colleagues who all seem to think that he and Holly are still an item!

Aided by Squishy, Holly’s rascally dog and cat find one of Ben’s fellow attorneys who has died from a non-accidental fall. Is the fiend a resident of Wagtail or a visitor? Holly bands together with her mom, grandmother, and beloved elderly Inn butler, Mr. Huckle, to uncover the killer and the truth about Squishy. Because nothing brings a town together like murder.
My Thoughts

I enjoy my visits to Wagtail each year.  I wish Wagtail was a real town because my cat and I would love to live there. I found The Wagtail Murder Club by Krista Davis to be easy to read. There is a great core group of characters in the series that includes Holly, Oma, and Mr. Huckle.  Of course, we cannot forget Trixie and Twinkletoes.  Squishy was a delightful addition.  I was unhappy, though, to see Ben return to town.  I wish Holly would take a firmer stance with him (it would serve her better in the long run).  Ben, naturally, wishes to utilize Holly’s guest room.  I have a feeling that the freeloader does not pay for one thing at the Sugar Maple Inn during his stay.  I was unhappy with how a certain scene played out between Holly and Ben.  I can understand not wanting to embarrass someone, but I do not feel that Holly took Holmes feelings into account. 

I liked that there was more than one whodunit to solve (I love solving mysteries).  There is the present day mystery and one from the past where the wrong person may have been convicted.  I knew who committed each crime, but I did not know the why on one until later in the book.  The story had a sweet ending that will delight fans of the series.  The Wagtail Murder Club is the tenth book in A Paws & Claws Mysteries.  While it can be read as a standalone, a new reader may be a little lost in the beginning (the background details needed are soon provided). The Wagtail Murder Club is a dogtastic tale with cuddly creatures, a former boyfriend problem, convict moving into town, multiple murders, a sweet Squishy, offended feelings, and a joyful family. 

The Wagtail Murder Club is available from Amazon as well as other major retailers.  You can find the other novels in A Paws & Claws Mysteries here.   Check out Krista Davis's other books here.   Thank you for joining me today.  I hope that I have helped you find a new book and/or series to read.  On February 6, I am featuring A Protector for Her Baby by April Arrington.  I am still working on estimates for the various repairs that need to be completed to the house thanks to Hurricane Milton.  One estimate for a new air conditioner is outrageous.  It is almost the same as a new carport (plus a roof to the porch and storage shed).  I am going to get a second and third estimate (I am not a leprachaun with a pot of gold hidden away).  I hope that you have a charmed 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.

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

The Amish Baker Caper by Tracy Fredrychowski

 The Amish Baker Caper
Book Summary

Meet Ruthie Mast, the feisty and determined baker at the heart of The Amish Bakery, known for her bossy demeanor, which has kept suitors at bay—until now.


Ruthie’s world has turned upside down when her prized recipe box vanishes, threatening her bakery’s reputation and livelihood. The theft is just one in a series of unsettling crimes rippling through the tranquil town of Willow Springs, striking businesses and unsettling the tight-knit members of the New Order Fellowship Church.

With the arrival of Isaiah King, the quirky newcomer with ADHD tendencies and a fondness for chatter, Ruthie finds herself reluctantly drawn into an unexpected partnership to solve the mystery and restore harmony to Willow Springs. As they delve into their investigation, sparks fly between Ruthie’s no-nonsense approach and Isaiah’s social naivety, creating a dynamic that is as entertaining as it is endearing.

As they unravel the intricate web of secrets beneath Willow Springs’ idyllic façade, the community is rivetted by increasing tension. The frequent thefts have sown seeds of doubt, raising fears that the culprit could be one of their own or perhaps outside preying on the Amish.

Can they restore order before Willow Springs loses more than just cherished recipes? Join them in this heart-pounding adventure, where every clue counts, and now the secret is safe.

The Amish Baker Caper is the second book in the Willow Springs Amish Mystery Romance series. If you like secrets, disappearances, plot twists, and sometimes murder, then you'll adore Tracy Fredrychowski's small-town whodunnit Amish romance mysteries.

My Thoughts

The Amish Baker Caper by Tracy Fredrychowski is the second book in A Willow Springs Amish Mystery Romance series.  It can be read as a standalone if you have not had the opportunity to read The Amish Book Cellar.  Ruthie Mast whips up delectable pastries in her bakery.  Her rudeness and bossiness, though, do not endear her to customers or suitors.  Isaish King is a newcomer to town, and he has some quirks of his own.  He has yet to find a woman who will accept his fidgeting fingers.  The characters are developed and realistic. Their stories are ones that many people can relate to.   I admit that I did not like Ruthie Mast in the beginning.  She is a character that grows on you as you get to know her. The character’s faith is strong.  They know that God is there to help through the difficult times and guide them onto the right path.  

The mystery was different.  There were various clues that need to be found and followed.  Some people resorted to crime to get their hands on the clues (unfortunately, not everyone learns that crime doesn’t pay).  I searched and unraveled the clues alongside Ruthie and Isaish which allowed me to deduce what would be found at the end of the hunt (it suited the story nicely).  One of the themes in the story is to not let bitterness over an incident in the past ruin your future.  Bitterness can lead an individual down the wrong path.  I am looking forward to reading The Amish Widow’s Last Stitch when it comes out in the fall.  The Amish Baker Caper is a treasure of a tale with delectable baked goods, fidgety fingers, a cherished recipe box, curious crimes, an indomitable baker, and a remarkable treasure. 

The Amish Baker Caper is available from Amazon.  The first book in A Willow Springs Amish Mystery Romance series is The Amish Book Cellar.  The Amish Widow’s Last Stitch will be the third book in A Willow Springs Amish Mystery Romance series and it will be out on September 2.  You can find Tracy Fredrychowski's other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will be back tomorrow with The Wagtail Murder Club by Krista Davis.  It is the tenth book in A Paws & Claws Mysteries.  I am off to speak with another contractor.  I am hoping to get one to follow through and give me an estimate.  I need the carport completed (and the roof put back onto the one wall of the house) by June 1 and time is ticking away quickly. I have had three men show up from three different companies, take measurements, and talk the talk (a fourth one did not show up).  I have yet to get an estimate.  I have my fingers crossed that this one will follow through.  I hope that you have a positive 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 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 Hubbardand 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.