Trusting the Amish Farmer by Laurel Blount

 Trusting the Amish Farmer

Book Summary

To start a new life together,

They must overcome their pasts.

After tragedy leaves her widowed, Anna Speicher is determined she and her young son will be done with farming forever. And the Amish community’s matchmaker knows the perfect bachelor to buy her farm. But strong and gentle Jeremiah Weaver is certain that he and Anna can help each other out—if they can work together. When he offers instead to make repairs in exchange for renting the farm for a year, Anna never imagined that he would bring fresh joy into her life. But is she ready to open her heart to another farmer?

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Hickory Springs Amish

Book One:  The Amish Widower's Surprise

Book Two:  Trusting the Amish Farmer

My Thoughts

Trusting the Amish Farmer by Laurel Blount is a heartwarming Amish tale.  I enjoyed getting to know Jeremiah, Anna, Susie, and Anna’s son, Matthew.  I loved the scenes where Jeremiah was teaching Matthew the difference between a vegetable and a weed (so sweet).  I liked the interactions between Jeremiah and Anna.  Anna was determined to not marry another farmer.  This is a great example of how we plan, and God laughs.  There are good life lessons in the story including that it takes time for a heart to heal. While Trusting the Amish Farmer is the second book in the Hickory Springs Amish series, it can be read as a standalone.  The ending was sweet, and I was smiling when I turned the last page of Trusting the Amish Farmer.

Trusting the Amish Farmer is available from Amazon*.  The first book in the Hickory Springs Amish series is The Amish Widower's Surprise. The third book in the Hickory Springs Amish series is A Courtship for the Amish Nanny which comes out March 31, 2026.  You can find Laurel Blount's other novels here.  If you follow Laurel Blount on Amazon, they will send you an email when she releases a new book. Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return on Tuesday, August 5 with Hunting the Amish Witness by Dana Lynn. I hope that you have a blessed 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 Family on His Doorstep by Alena Auguste

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Family on His Doorstep by Alena Auguste

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: A Family On His Doorstep 
Author: Alena Auguste 
Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired 
Release Date: July 29, 2025 
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Sometimes a tough situation

Requires a leap of faith… 

Unwed, unemployed and pregnant, Rebecca Young is in desperate need of a job. But finding work seems impossible. So when her late ex-boyfriend’s cousin Walker Greystone offers her room and board, and help getting a part-time job at the library he’s renovating in Eden, Texas, she eagerly accepts. But as they work together on a project that could change both of their lives, their feelings for one another deepen. Can Rebecca and Walker overcome their scars from the past and embrace the possibility of a happily-ever-after together?  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Harlequin | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

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About the Author

Alena Auguste lives in Texas and can’t imagine living anywhere else. Married to her very own knight for thirty plus years, she and her husband have four amazing grown children and two of the handsomest grandsons ever! When she’s not creating trouble for her characters or working at the family business, you can find her cozying up with a steaming cup of tea and a good book. She would love to hear from you at alenaauguste.com.

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My Thoughts

A Family on His Doorstep by Alena Auguste is a sweet story. I thought this book was well written with steady pacing.  I enjoyed getting to know Rebbeca Young, Walker Greystone, and the rest of the Greystone clan.  Bell Greystone is such a dear.  The romance  is the slow burn type. I was a tad disappointed with the first kiss.  I expected it to be a special, emotional moment between the two, instead of a brief smooch.  I liked that Rebecca did not see her pregnancy as a mistake.  She was happily anticipating the birth of her child, but Rebecca was worried about providing for it.  Faith, family, and community were themes in the story.  I especially liked the fact that Rebecca was a librarian, and she was making a difference in the lives of children. Since there are still some single Greystone men, I hope we will get to visit Eden again.   A Family on His Doorstep is a heartfelt tale with an unexpected visitor, a warm welcome, financial difficulties, air conditioning setbacks, grand opening planning, and a helpful family.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winners will receive a $50 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 28, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 4, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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A Family on His Doorstep is available from Amazon*.  If you follow Alena Auguste on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return tomorrow with Trusting the Amish Farmer by Laurel Blount. Don't forget to enter the giveaway  before you depart.  Good Luck!  I hope that you have a delightful day.  I have two rocking chairs as well as a side table to put together for our porch (there are so many screws).  The upside is that once I get one completed, the other should be a snap (they are identical).  Wish me luck!  Take care, stay cool (there has been a heat advisory every day), and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

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.

Something Whiskered by Miranda James

 Something Whiskered

Book Summary

A dead baron, an Irish castle, and an unexpected ghost . . . Charlie Harris, Helen Louise Brady, and their feline friend Diesel find themselves hot on the trail of a conniving killer in this delightful Cat in the Stacks Mystery from New York Times bestselling author Miranda James.

Charlie Harris and his wife, Helen Louise Brady, have arrived in Ireland for their honeymoon. After a few days in Dublin, they head to County Clare, ancestral home to Helen Louise’s extended family, the O’Bradys. Her cousin Lorcan runs Castle O’Brady as a bed-and-breakfast with his wife Caoimhe and their daughter and son-in-law. But upon arrival at the castle, the newlyweds are shocked to see a body falling from the roof.

The dead man is centenarian Finn, Baron O'Brady, Lorcan’s grandfather, which means that Lorcan now becomes the new Baron O'Brady. Was someone in a hurry for Lorcan to assume the title and ownership of the estate? Or is there another reason for wanting Finn dead? And why is a ghostly cat making an appearance in their room-is he trying to warn them? Charlie and Helen Louise must answer these questions and more as they realize the local garda can't solve the crime alone. And along with Diesel they will have to investigate themselves or risk something wicked coming their way…

My Thoughts

Something Whiskered by Miranda James is a delightful tale.  I enjoyed Helen Louise, Charlie, and Diesel’s adventures in Ireland. Their honeymoon got off to a soaring start.  The vivid descriptions of the castle and grounds allowed me to envision them.  I agreed with Charlie about the library.  It is a place where I would happily spend weeks in exploring and reading.  I was happy that the honeymooners took Diesel with them.  I love how he chimes in on conversations (getting his two cents in) and gives comfort to those who are distressed.  Diesel is also a good judge of characters.  

The mystery began right away.  The way the body was discovered was certainly unique as was the manner of death.  I liked that Charlie and Helen Louise worked together to solve the crime.  Helen Louise knew the people involved, which was helpful.  At the end of the book, I was left with a couple of unanswered questions.  It was nice to meet Helen Louise’s Irish relatives.  There were some colorful characters working and residing on the estate.  I also enjoyed the Irish slang and phrases.  Something Whiskered is the seventeenth A Cat in the Stacks Mystery.  While fans of the series will enjoy this installment, I recommend newcomers start with a different book.  I enjoyed the departure from Charlie’s normal locale, but I did miss the regular cast of characters.  Something Whiskered is a máirt tale with a charming moggy, lipstick threats, an ancient elevator, drunken rants, car troubles, and a happy honeymoon.

Something Whiskered is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other books in A Cat in the Stacks Mysteries here.  If you follow Miranda James on Amazon, they will send you an email when he has a new book release. Other books that came out today are Trusting the Amish Farmer by Laurel Blount (a heartwarming story) and Hunting the Amish Witness by Dana R. Lynn (a suspenseful story). I will return tomorrow with A Family on His Doorstep by Alena Auguste (there will be a giveaway). I hope that you have a joyful day.  I am off to run a couple of errands. Do you plan out your errands?  I try to arrange them out for efficiency.  I am lucky that I can usually go in a circle.  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 Family for the Cowboy Cop by Tanya Agler

 A Family for the Cowboy Cop

Book Summary

To catch a thief? Or to capture her heart?

Denver detective Jase Virtue has one assignment: return to his hometown of Violet Ridge, catch an escaped bank robber, go back to Denver. Staying at Cassie O’Neal’s farm isn’t part of the plan. But the single mom and her two young children need protection—even if she is the robber’s half sister and suspected accomplice. Bonding with the O’Neals, and a sweet little hen, has Jase wondering if he can truly trust Cassie. Because she makes him long for the home and happily-ever-after he never thought he deserved.

My Thoughts

A Family for the Cowboy Cop by Tanya Agler is a charming story. I enjoyed getting to know Jase, Cassie, and Cassie’s children.  We also get to catch up with Jase’s family (from the first two A Violet Ridge Novels).  I enjoyed the humor in the story.  I had to laugh when Blossom, one of the hens, took a liking to Jase.  I liked Cassie’s farm and what she was trying to accomplish.  I do not know how she managed to get so much done on her own (I would have been worn out by lunch).  Trust, forgiveness, family, and love are some of the themes in the story. The first couple of chapters were a tad long, so the story had a   slow start.  Once I got past those chapters, the story picked up. I liked the tension in the story courtesy of the escaped criminal (had me wondering what would happen next).  A Family for the Cowboy Cop is the third A Violet Ridge Novel. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series.  I am looking forward to reading the next A Violet Ridge Novel. 

Blossom, a Speckled Sussex

Giveaway

Visit @justreadtours on Instagram for a chance to win a $25.00 Amazon gift card and an e-copy of The Triplets’ Holiday Miracle!  You will need to Like, Save, and Share their post regarding A Fafmily for the Cowboy Cop.  Follow the author @tanyaaglerauthor and @justreadtours.  Tag a friend (up to three per post).  Visit each hosted post of the tour for more entries (schedule at @justreadtours). The complete details are on @justreadtours posting.  Good Luck! (US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics. Instagram is not affiliated with nor responsible for this giveaway. Giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on July 30, 2025.)

Family for the Cowboy Cop comes out July 29 and it can be preordered from Amazon* and Harlequin.  The first two A Violet Ridge Novels are The Triplets' Holiday Miracle and Saving the Rancher.  The fourth A Violet Ridge Novel comes out November 25 and it is The Cowboy's Christmas Match (I cannot wait to read it).  If you follow Tanya Agler on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for dropping by today. I am off to rest.  I am experiencing severe back pain (part of my fibromyalgia) and, according to the doctor, rest is the best medicine.  It gives me an opportunity to catch up on my reading.  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.

Codebreaker by Jay Martel

 Codebreaker

Book Summary

This original, interactive thriller from debut author Jay Martel follows a brilliant teenage girl as she races across D.C. to decode the clues her father left behind, which may just be the key to saving the country from a devastating tragedy.

Mia Hayes has peaceful plans for the summer—find a part-time job at a coffee shop and work on her college applications. Those plans are shattered one night when government agents arrive unannounced at her home seeking something they believe her father has taken. When the dust settles, her mother is dead and her father is gone, a fugitive on the run.

Three weeks later, and still reeling from her father’s betrayal, Mia spends her seventeenth birthday at a protest in the heart of D.C., where she meets Logan, a rebellious and charming hacker. Just as she’s enjoying her first happy moment since the night her world exploded, a voicemail from her father arrives to upend everything she believed about her family, her past, and what really happened that night three weeks ago. Even more, the voicemail hides another encoded message inside which, once Mia solves it, sets her and Logan off on a mission from her sleepy suburb straight into the heart of the federal government.

With the same agents now hot on their trail, Mia and Logan must navigate their way through American history’s most iconic sites and uncover its most well-hidden secrets to reveal the truth about her family and stop a deadly attack.

In this non-stop thrill ride, the reader has the chance to test their own codebreaking skills alongside Mia, lending an exciting interactive element to this page-turning thriller packed with action, romance, and life-changing revelations.

My Thoughts

I found Codebreaker by Jay Martel to be an intriguing tale.   Mia Hayes looks forward to her birthday scavenger hunt each year.  Unfortunately, this year’s hunt has nefarious people hot on Mia’s trail and she does not know who she can trust.  I liked Mia who is smart and has a knack for solving codes.  I liked the different codes featured in the story and that a brief history of each one was provided (it was done in a way that made me want to learn more).  I enjoyed the interactive element where I can attempt to solve the code before the solution is revealed (some were trickier than others).  

The mystery had twists and turns.  Some bends can be anticipated (the author left a few too many breadcrumbs) while others were a surprise.  Logan and Mia made a good team.  There were times, though, when their dialogue made me cringe.  The story does contain minor foul language (I wish there were none since it is listed as a young adult novel).  Codebreaker is a young adult novel, but I enjoyed it (action, mystery, codes—I’m in).  I was surprised to learn that Codebreaker is the author’s debut novel (bravo).  I was sorry when Codebreaker ended. Codebreaker is a compelling tale with scary scavenger hunt, aggressive agents, curious codes, a helpful friend, memorable monuments, and a noteworthy conclusion.

Codebreaker is available from Amazon*.  If you follow Jay Martel on Amazon, they will send you an email when their next book comes out.  Thank you for stopping by today. I will be feature A Family for the Cowboy Cop by Tanya Agler tomorrow.  It is the fourth A Violet Ridge Novel.  I have a gift related question for you today.  Have you ever received a gift and it did not work (you put the batteries in and nothing happens)?  How do you tell the sender (no gift receipt included)?  The last thing I want to do is upset the sender, but the item has some major issues.  The situation is touchy because the last gift that was received from this individual was sent back (that one had a gift receipt--we did not know they would email the individual).  Any suggestions (please)?  I hope that you have a delightful day.  Take care, stay cool (there has been a heat advisory every day), and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Library of Congress

*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.

Library of Congress -- A look at some of the books housed there

*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.

Library of Congress -- Main Card Catalog (a small portion of it)

Death of an Ex by Delia Pitts

Death of an Ex

Book Summary

Delia Pitts expertly writes about family, race, class, and grief in her mysteries. Vandy Myrick captured readers' and critics' hearts in Trouble in Queenstown. She returns in Death of an Ex, where Vandy tries to piece together what brought her ex-husband's life to an end.

Queenstown, New Jersey, feels big when you need help and tiny when you want privacy. For Vandy Myrick, that’s both a blessing and a curse. Now that Vandy’s back in “Q-Town,” her services as her hometown’s only Black woman private investigator have earned her more celebrity—or notoriety—than she figured.

Keeping busy with work helps Vandy deal with the grief of losing her daughter, stitching the seams, cementing the gaps. The memories will always remain, and they come crashing back to the surface when her ex-husband, Phil Bolden, walks back into her life. Promising everything, returning home, restoring family. Until she answers her door to the news that Phil has been murdered. And Vandy decides Phil is now her client.

It’s hard to separate the Phil that Vandy knew from the one Queenstown did. She sees him—and their daughter—in Phil’s son, who attends a prestigious local high school. She sees the layers of a complicated marriage with his wife. She sees all of Phil’s various roles: parent, husband, businessman, philanthropist. But which role got him killed?

My Thoughts

Death of an Ex by Delia Pitts is the second book in The Vandy Myrick Mysteries. The author does provide a lot of background information at the beginning for those who did not read Trouble in Queenstown.  The author, though, I was expecting a cozy mystery, but Death of an Ex is definitely not cozy.  I tried several times, but I was unable to get into the story.  It takes a while for the story to get moving.  The pacing is slow (the snails were waving as they passed).  I am not a fan of Vandy who is beyond messy (the author does warn readers). She is  annoying as well.  I liked that we get to see a middle-aged woman who is lively and vibrant.  

The author shows the attitudes and behaviors of some wealthy (and entitled) individuals towards education.  They feel their money will grease the wheels for the little darling to get into a prestigious university (sound familiar).  The mystery may appear complicated, but identifying the guilty party is a cinch.   I knew the identity of the guilty party before the murder took place. Vandy uses her private investigator skills to uncover secrets and zero in on bad guy. There are many improbable elements to the whodunit.  The reveal was unrealistic.  I found myself rolling my eyes often (which gave me a migraine and made my eyes hurt).  I’m sorry, but Death of an Ex is not my cup of tea.

Death of an Ex is available from Amazon*.  The first book in The Vandy Myrick Mysteries is Trouble in Queenstown.  You can find Delia Pitts' other novels here.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return on Tuesday, July 22 with Codebreaker by Jay Martel.  I wanted to let you know that my mother had a lovely 80th birthday.  She loved all her gifts, and she has a couple more to come (it is her birthday week).  I also learned an important lesson.  If you do not want a relative to learn about a big purchase, do not post a picture of it online (oops).  I hope that you have a relaxing 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. 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.

Wayward Girls by Susan Wigg

 Wayward Girls

Book Summary

In 1968 we meet six teens confined at the Good Shepherd—a dark and secretive institution controlled by Sisters of Charity nuns—locked awaymerely for being gay, pregnant, or simply unruly.

Mairin— free-spirited daughter of Irish immigrants, committed to keep her safe from her stepfather.

Angela—denounced for her attraction to girls, sent to the nuns for reform, but instead found herself the victim of a predator.

Helen—the daughter of intellectuals detained in Communist China, she saw her “temporary” stay at the Good Shepherd stretch into years.

Odessa—caught up in a police dragnet over a racial incident, she found the physical and mental toughness to endure her sentence.

Denise—sentenced for brawling in a foster home, she dared to dream of a better life.

Janice—deeply insecure, she couldn’t decide where her loyalty lay—except when it came to her friend Kay, who would never outgrow her childlike dependency.

Sister Bernadette—rescued from a dreadful childhood, she owed her loyalty to the Sisters of Charity even as her conscience weighed on her.

Wayward Girls is a haunting but thrilling tale of hope, solidarity, and the enduring strength of young women who find the courage to break free and find redemption...and justice.

My Thoughts

Wayward Girls by Susan Wiggs is a compelling tale.  The story goes from 1968 to the present day.  The author captured the late 1960s when men were being drafted for the Vietnam War, Catholic schools were popular, nuns could do no wrong, communes popped up in the countryside, and unwed pregnant girls brought shame to their families.  I thought the story was well written with realistic characters. I liked the main character, Mairin O’Hara who was spirited and determined.  I felt for the girls and the horrible atrocities that they suffered.  I was shocked that parents would stick their children in this “school” (a Magdalena laundry) and then never visit them. 

What the girls suffered was heartbreaking. The author did a terrific job at handling these traumatic topics.    I like how the girls became friends and helped each other.  We get to see how childhood/teenage experiences shape their future.  I did feel that a smidgeon of the dialogue ventured over the line into cheesy while some felt a tad forced. I liked the movie and book references in the story.  The ending was realistic.  Wayward Girls is a fascinating narrative with a protective big brother, best friend with bad news, loads of laundry, a dark closet, a wild ride, a frantic call, and friends forever. 

Wayward Girls is available from Amazon*.  You can find Susan Wiggs other novels here.  If you follow the author on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for dropping by today.  On Thursday, July 17, I am featuring Death of an Ex by Delia Pitts.  It is the second A Vandy Myrick Mystery. I am off to run a couple of errands.  My mother's 80th birthday is tomorrow, and I have a couple more items to pick up (her cake request for example).  She is enjoying her birthday week where she gets a gift a day (I spoil her).  What are you currently reading?  I just finished A Family for the Cowboy Cop by Tanya Agler.  It is the third A Violet Ridge Novel.  I hope that you have a special day.  Take care, stay cool (it is so hot and humid), 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.