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. 

The Botanist's Assistant by Peggy Townsend

 The Botanist's Assistant

Book Summary

A murder in the science lab shatters a woman’s quiet and ordered life when she decides she must solve the crime herself in this entertaining and uplifting mystery.

Plenty of people consider Margaret Finch odd. Six-feet-tall and big-boned, she lives alone in a small cabin in the woods, drives a 20-year-old truck, and schedules her life so precisely you can tell the time and day of the week by the chore she is doing and what she is wearing. But the same attributes that cause her to be labeled eccentric—an obsessive attention to detail and the ability to organize almost anything—make her invaluable in her job as Research Assistant II to a talented and charismatic botanist.

It's those very same qualities, however, that also turn Margaret into a target after a surprising death shakes the small university where she works. Even as authorities claim the death appears to be from natural causes, Margaret fears it might be something more: a murder born of jealousy and dark secrets. With the aid of a newly hired and enigmatic night custodian, Margaret finds herself thrust into the role of detective, forcing her to consider that she may not be able to find the killer before the killer finds her.

About the Author

Peggy Townsend is an award-winning journalist who has panhandled with street kids, taken to the skies with pararescuers, and once chased an escaped murderer through a graveyard at midnight. Her first mystery, "See Her Run," was listed as one of "13 Thrillers to Keep You Up at Night" by Kirkus Reviews. Her second book "The Thin Edge," arrived May 14, 2019 and was called "an outstanding" novel by The Associated Press. She has rafted rivers, come face-to-face with grizzly bears in Alaska and has twice lived in a van for seven weeks — which makes her seem more adventurous than she actually is. She divides her time between the Central California coast and the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Book Summary

The Botanist’s Assistant by Peggy Townsend is a unique cozy mystery.  Margaret is a quirky and awkward main character (this trope seems to be the trend lately). She has several issues and is set in her way (timed morning routine and she does not like to be even a minute off schedule, five floral blouses so she has one for each day of work, same meals for lunch and breakfast).  Her attention to detail, though, is what makes her a great amateur sleuth.  When Margaret’s boss is found dead, most people believe he died of natural causes since he had heart issues.  Margaret is convinced he was murdered and sets out to catch the culprit when she cannot convince the campus police that it was murder.  The whodunit can easily be solved before the reveal if you pay close attention to the details. There is a detailed reveal.  I found poison plant facts fascinating, but the slow pace and dry storytelling less engaging. The story had an upbeat ending.  The Botanist’s Assistant did not tickle my fancy!

The Botanist’s Assistant is available from Amazon*.  While >The Botanist’s Assistant was not my cup of tea, I suggest you download a sample to judge it for yourself.  The beauty of books is that there is something for everyone.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return on Wednesday, November 19 with At Midnight Comes the Cry by Julia Spencer-Fleming.  It is the tenth book in A Clare Fergusson and Russ Van Alstyne Mysteries.  Are you ready for Thanksgiving?  My front yard is decorated and I have all the ingredients for our dinner.  Now, I just need to get our Christmas tree up and decorated (I am behind).  I hope that you have a 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. 

The Christmas Stranger by Richard Paul Evans

 The Christmas Stranger

Book Summary

Sometimes the universe sends us exactly who we need...

Three years after losing his family in a Christmas Eve accident, grief-stricken Paul Wanlass hasn’t just given up on Christmas, he’s given up on life. He can’t imagine anything to keep him here—not his work as a computer repairman, not the residents in his Salt Lake City neighborhood, and certainly not the idea of connecting with someone new. When a stranger knocks on his door, claiming to be picking up a laptop, Paul allows him in—but discovers the man has a very different mission in mind.

Paul wakes the next morning unsure if his encounter with the stranger really happened or was just a dream–but when the stranger shows up again, Paul challenges him to give him just one reason to live. The stranger agrees to the challenge but warns Paul not to expect a path he would have guessed or chosen.

As the stranger promised, Paul’s life takes a wild and fateful turn. A robbery connects him with a woman who has also lost the love of her life, and, in a seemingly unrelated incident, Paul rescues a young boy from bullying, only to find the boy needs a different kind of rescue. The twists leave Paul wondering what these people have in common, and why they were brought together. Who—or what—really is this Christmas stranger, and how will Paul find meaning once again?

My Thoughts

The Christmas Stranger by Richard Paul Evans is a heartfelt, well-written story with believable characters who display both strengths and flaws. This narrative integrates themes of adversity and recovery. Evans effectively illustrates how, even during challenging periods, compassion and faith can provide guidance. The story demonstrates that hope may be renewed through support from unexpected individuals.  The story reminds us of the true spirit of Christmas. It is amazing how a stranger can change your life.  Kindness does not cost us a thing, but it can be so rewarding. I just loved Barkley, Paul’s darling dog (such a cutie pie).  The Christmas Stranger is a touching tale that will linger with you longer after its conclusion.

The Christmas Stranger is available from Amazon*.  You can find Richard Paul Evans' other novels here.  Todays images are of Salt Lake City, Utah during the holidays (the setting for the book). Thank you for joining me today. I am a little overwhelmed at the moment, so I am going to take next week off.  I will return on Tuesday, November 18 with The Botanist's Assistant by Peggy Townsend. I am hoping this will give me a chance to get caught up as well as rest (sharp spikes of pain are shooting through my back). 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.

Death Comes to Jane Austen Town by Rosemary Stevens

 Death Comes to Jane Austen Town

Book Summary

First in a new cozy mystery series with a Jane Austen twist from Agatha Award winning author Rosemary Stevens!

When the local bottling plant closes, employment in Boring, Virginia dries up. The mayor is under pressure to accept an offer from Dale Casino Resorts to build a massive gambling complex. The prospect would bring jobs, but it would destroy the traditional, small-town life the community loves.

All seems lost until Kay Starling is inspired by her love of iconic author Jane Austen to reinvent Boring into Jane Austen Town! Together with her family, friends, and neigh

bors, Kay launches a Jane Austen Festival culminating in a grand Birthday Ball to honor the author’s 250th birthday and #PartyLikeIts1811.

But will the murder of the devious dancing master spoil their plans to save the town? With Detective Gordon focusing on shy Betsy Bell Ward, Kay vows to find the killer herself. Because it’s a truth universally acknowledged that every murder needs a determined sleuth.

Includes mouthwatering recipes including one from the Regency Era!

Publisher's Note: This is a clean, wholesome, humorous mystery. Readers do not have to be familiar with all of Jane Austen's work to enjoy the story. For Janeites, there are Easter eggs included.

My Thoughts

Death Comes to Jane Austen Town by Rosemary Stevens is the debut of A Jane Austen Town Mysteries.  Jane Austen fans will enjoy this story.  There are references to Jane Austen and her works throughout the book. Kay Starling is a determined and spirited Jane Austen fan who aims to save her town of Boring, Virginia. The story features a group of quirky characters who are each developed to some extent.  Kay begins solving the mystery, navigating several clues and a few red herrings.  I enjoyed the sense of community, the cozy atmosphere, and the hint of romance. The story moved along at a good clip and there was satisfying ending.  Death Comes to Jane Austen Town is a heartwarming tale with  a declining community, colorful characters, a dead developer, a Jane Austen anniversary, adorable animals,  a fun festival, and mouthwatering morsels.

Death Comes to Jane Austen Town is available from Amazon*.  If you are a member of Kindle Unlimited, you can read it for free.  You can find Rosemary Stevens other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return on Thursday, November 6 with The Christmas Stranger by Richard Paul Evans.  I am off to assist in a revolution (I am serious).  The manager of our little village is trying to limit the number of inflatables that can be used (no, I am not kidding).  All of my neighbors are going to put inflatables on their lawn (our street is going to be decked out for Thanksgiving and Christmas).  It turns out that my displays are well liked (I was surprised by all the wonderful comments) and I appreciate their support.  I hope that you have a delightful fall 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.

Saving Daniel's Daughter by Mindy Steele

 Saving Daniel's Daughter

Book Summary

When a storm threatens Miller’s Creek, an unexpected hero will emerge.

As the harvest wedding season approaches in the small Amish community of Miller’s Creek, Kentucky, love is everywhere and if Rosemary Raber isn’t careful, she might just catch the bug. After a childhood trauma, Rosemary vowed to never let anyone close outside of her own family. Keeping her head down, focusing on her honey and cheese business always worked before. At least it had before one meandering mutt sneakily plotted against her.

My Thoughts

Saving Daniel’s Daughter by Mindy Steele is an inspiring story.  It is a story that gives you hope.  I like the author’s casual writing story which makes the story easy to read.  The characters are realistic and relatable.  Rosemary Raber is stubborn and a worrywart.  It keeps her from having a fulfilling life.  Paul Eicher is patient and kind.  He knew Rosemary was the right person for him from the moment he saw her as a child.  The hard part is convincing Rosemary.  I loved Mischief, the dog Paul adopted.  I agree with Rosemary that Mischief is a better name than Chance for that impish pup.  

Rosemary’s younger brothers, Henry and Bryan are rascals.  The things those two would do to get their own bedrooms (they are tired of sharing and Catherine marriage gives them a perfect opportunity except their mother wants a quilting room). I do not know how the family put up with the engaged couple (lovey dovey). I enjoyed the humor in this story (I smiled, giggled, chuckled, and laughed). While Saving Daniel’s Daughter is the second book in Daniel’s Daughters series, it can be read as a standalone.  I believe it is best to read Courting Daniel’s Daughter first because it will give you background on the family and characters. This is a story about hope, family, friends, healing, love, and faith.   Saving Daniel’s Daughter is a heartwarming tale with a patient Paul, troublemaker brothers, a lovesick couple, Rosemary the worrier, a playful pup, chewed shoes, facing fears, and special nuptials.

Saving Daniel’s Daughter is available from Amazon*. If you are a member of Kindle Unlimited, you can read Saving Daniel's Daughter for free. The first book in Daniel's Daughters series is Courting Daniel's Daughters.  You can find Mindy Steele's other novels here.  Thank you for popping by today.  I will return on Wednesday, November 5 with Death Comes to Jane Austen Town by Rosemary Stevens.  

I am off to call about my washer.  It started leaking water in September.  Thankfully, I had purchased a three year warranty.  The repairman came out, diagnosed the problem, and ordered the parts.  He returned and the parts were incorrect.  Since they cannot get the correct parts, I get a new washer.  You know it is not that easy.  There are restrictions (price being number one).  We shall see if I get the washer that I want (it has the bells and whistles that I want plus it is 4.5 cubic feet  (I need to be able to wash a king size quilt in it).  Wish me luck! I hope that you have a cozy 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.