An Amish Widow's Hope by Pamela Desmond Wright

 An Amish Widow's Hope

Book Summary

Regrets from the past

could lead to a chance for redemption…

After a terrifying break-in, widowed dressmaker Isla Stohl finds herself leaning on town sheriff Evan Miller. Sixteen years ago, Evan chose a law enforcement career over her and their Texas Amish community, and now he’s determined to make amends. Evan vows to keep Isla and her two children safe, but old feelings begin to arise once more. As he’s drawn back to his heritage and faith, he must decide if he can leave behind the life he built for himself in the Englisch world for the woman he’s never been able to let go of.

My Thoughts

An Amish Widow’s Hope by Pamela Desmond Wright presents a thoughtfully crafted and encouraging narrative. The character development of Isla and Evan is well executed, with each facing distinct personal challenges. The portrayal of Isla drawing upon her faith to address the trauma of a break-in and theft is particularly notable. The depiction realistically reflects the difficulty individuals may experience in regaining a sense of security following such incidents.  I loved Aunt Hazel, Stewart the raccoon, and Hambone the pig (love the name).  The story explores themes such as hope, faith, redemption, love, family, mercy, and the concept of second chances. Additionally, the element of mystery was particularly engaging.  An Amish Widow’s Hope is a heartfelt tale with a bad break-in, cute kids, an animated aunt, a Hambone in the bedroom, grief and guilt, finding faith, and a second chance at romance. 

An Amish Widow’s Hope is available from Amazon* as well as other major booksellers.  Pamela Desmond Wright has Her Reluctant Amish Heart coming out July 28. You can find Pamela Desmond Wright's other novels here.  Thank you for dropping by today.  On Wednesday, January 28 I will be featuring Target for Abduction by Virginia Vaughan.  I am off to an appointment with my mother (hopefully--she has been trying to get out of it since yesterday) and then to stock up on provisions for the cold settles in tonight.  My new electric blanket arrived just in time.  It should not get down to freezing in Florida (my parents moved us to the Sunshine State to avoid this type of weather--I will need to remind myself of this in July)!  I hope that you have a delightful day.  Take care, stay warm, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links.

Death by Irish Coffee by Alex Erickson

Death by Irish Coffee

Book Summary

In Pine Hills, Ohio, the bars are hopping—and bodies are dropping—as bookstore-café owner Krissy Hancock gets drawn into a deadly St. Patrick’s Day mystery . . .

Krissy is ready to provide one of the essential ingredients for Irish coffee this St. Patrick’s Day—though without a liquor license, she’ll have to team up with a local bar owner to complete the recipe. It’s a perfect chance to distract herself from her upcoming wedding . . . and her worries about how her beloved cat will get along with his new canine stepsiblings.

As she doles out some much-needed caffeine the day after the festivities, she learns that the town is dealing with something worse than a hangover: homicide. Like many a reveler before him, the bar owner ended up green around the gills, but after he passed out, he never woke up. Now, between brewing, bookselling, and house-hunting, Krissy is reviewing a whole parade of suspects . . .

My Thoughts

Death by Irish Coffee by Alex Erickson has Pine Hills, Ohio celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.  The story is easy to read, with a relaxed pace and vivid descriptions that make the town feel real.  Pine Hills was certainly going all out for St. Patrick’s Day.  We get to meet the local bar owners which includes Bucky who Krissy was collaborating with for a St. Patrick’s coffee drink.  When Bucky ends up murdered, Krissy, of course, feels compelled to investigate.  Krissy runs around town asking questions.  The mystery is simple and easily solved before the reveal.  Krissy picks up three new employees along the way and considers buying her shop’s doppelganger from her rival in California.  Wedding planning and looking at homes for sale are worked in between sleuthing and working.  

Death by Irish Coffee is the fifteenth A Bookstore Café Mystery and it can be read as a standalone for those new to the series (or for those who may have missed a book or three along the way).  Death by Irish Coffee is a Éadromchroíoch cozy with a St. Patrick’s Day parade, a painful pinch, a dead bartender, house hunting, an injured father, nuptial planning, and a killer to catch. 

Death by Irish Coffee comes out January 27 and can be pre-ordered from Amazon*.  You can find the other A Bookstore Cafe Mysteries here.  You can find Alex Erickson's other novels here.  Thank you for dropping by today!  I am taking the rest of the week off.  My cold took a turn during the night.  I need to rest and get better (I do not want my mother to catch it).  I will be back on Tuesday, January 27 with An Amish Widow's Hope by Pamela Desmond Wright. 

Thankfully, it is warmer in Florida today. We get a couple of days of warm weather before the next cold front moves in. Did you know that it snowed in Florida on Sunday? The western panhandle of Florida briefly saw snow on Sunday morning when cold air rushed in behind a cold front turning the last rain showers into snowflakes.  I wish I could have seen it in person (I have not seen snow in person since I was eleven).  I hope that you have a joyful day.  Take care, stay warm, and Happy Reading!

 

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. 

A Very Novel Murder by Ellie Alexander

 A Very Novel Murder

Book Summary

Opening a detective agency above her beloved bookstore seems like the perfect business plan—until Annie Murray’s first case involves a suspicious death right on her doorstep.

June Munrow, an elderly resident of Annie’s home town, Redwood Grove, is convinced that young Kelly Taylor’s recent drowning wasn't the tragic accident everyone believes it to be. Despite the police ruling, June is determined to prove there’s more to the story and hires the Novel Detectives to uncover the truth.

As Annie delves into Kelly’s life, she discovers a tangled web of secrets involving Kelly’s complicated relationships, a peculiar landlord, and her mysterious roommate. Everyone connected to Kelly seems to be hiding something, and the deeper Annie digs, the more puzzling the case becomes.

With her trademark blend of curiosity and compassion, can Annie piece together the clues and solve her first official case—before she gets into deep water herself?

My Thoughts

A Very Novel Murder by Ellie Alexander is the first book in The Novel Detectives series.  It is a spin-off from A Secret Bookcase Mysteries. A Very Novel Murder works as a standalone, but reading the previous series gives more character background.  I found the story to be easy to read, and the main characters are likeable.  The book describes rooms, items, food, and clothes in great detail, and its pacing is leisurely.  First Annie and Fletcher have no business and then they have two cases to solve.  Novel Detectives is hired by June, the nosy neighbor on the block, to uncover the truth regarding the death of Kelly, an up-and-coming surfer.  June believes her friend was murdered and has even compiled a list of suspects for the duo.   

I liked this mystery.  It was not complicated, but it made me smile (if I told you why, I would spoil it for you).  Annie and Fletcher’s other case will require more time. Caroline asks them to investigate Hal’s ancestry.  Hal believes that he is related to Agatha Christie and Caroline has found an item that may reveal the truth.  Much like A Secret Bookcase Mysteries, I believe this whodunit will be revealed gradually across multiple books. I am curious to see how that storyline will play out.  My favorite quote from A Very Novel Murder is, “It just went to show you couldn’t judge a book by its cover, or a reader by the book.” 

A Very Novel Murder is available from Amazon*.  The next two books in The Novel Detectives Mystery series are  A Death in the Dark which comes out on April 21 and A Murder at the Mansion on July 21.  You can find A Secret Bookcase Mysteries here.  Ellie Alexander also wries A Bakeshop Mysteries and has The Whisking Hour coming out February 24.  You can find all of Ellie Alexander's novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return tomorrow which is Wednesday, January 21 with Death by Irish Coffee by Alex Erickson.  It is the 15th A Bookstore Cafe Mystery.  I am off to rest.  I caught a cold last week (I did not move fast enough to avoid it) and it is lingering (the cold weather is not helping).  Luckily, my mother has not caught it.  I hope that you have a delightful day.  Take care, stay warm, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*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.

The Good Mothers by Caitlin Weaver

The Good Mothers

Book Summary

With an eight-year-old son struggling with ADHD and nowhere else to turn, soon-to-be-divorced mom Lacey answers a life-saving ad: “Seeking responsible single mom to join our household. Motherhood can be lonely and we support each other!”

When she arrives at Wildwood Lane she finds a ramshackle house with a welcoming bright yellow door and a wraparound porch with its cozy couch and scattered toys. And inside, three mothers who have forged their own rules for survival.

As Lacey battles her conspiracy-theorist ex-husband for custody while juggling a new, make-or-break job, she discovers these women offer more than shared childcare, communal dinners and late nights bonding over wine after the kids’ bedtime. They're building something revolutionary: a chosen family where women don’t just survive—they thrive.

But when her enigmatic housemate comes up with a risky plan that could secure her financially and protect her son’s future, she faces an impossible choice: How far will she go to protect the family she’s found?

A fierce, tender novel about how sometimes women have to break the rules to build the life they really want. Perfect for readers who loved Big Little Lies and All They Need to Know.

My Thoughts

The Good Mothers by Caitlin Weaver portrays men and women in a bad light.  In the beginning, I felt for Lacey who is trying to protect her son from her husband.  Lacey’s son has been diagnosed with ADHD and needs medication, but her conspiracy theorist husband does not agree.  Thus ensues a bitter divorce and custody battle.  Every evening the four women residing in the “mommune” sit around the kitchen table drinking copious amounts of wine while complaining about men.  I did not like the methods the women employed to get ahead.  The men in the story with the exception are portrayed in a bad light.  

Lacey’s husband is awful and I do not blame Lacey for being nervous about him gaining custody of their sensitive son.  I found myself shaking my head and rolling my eyes over the actions taken by the women.  The ladies condemn the men for their action, but they felt it was okay to “break a few rules (they stomped on the rules).”   Breaking the rules and violence are never the answer.  I thought Lacey would have learned her lesson after the truck incident.  The ending was expected.  I did not feel that the story lived up to the blurb.

The Good Mothers is available from Amazon*.  If you are a member of Kindle Unlimited, you can read it for free.  While The Good Mothers was not my cup of tea, I suggest you download a sample to see if it suits you.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will be back on Tuesday, January 20 with A Very Novel Murder by Ellie Alexander. It is the first A Novels Detective Mystery. I hope that you have a wonderful 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.

*This post contains affiliate links.

Detecting Deadly Threats by Carol J. Post

 Detecting Deadly Threats

Book Summary

With ruthless criminals closing in, this K-9 is on a mission to defend.

Amateur photographer Lauren Hollander narrowly escapes a kidnapping attempt—moments before a disastrous earthquake rocks her small town, destroying her store. She’s saved from the rubble by Zachery Kimball and his search and rescue K-9, Ranger. Someone is determined to get to Lauren—but who, and why? Is it tied to her brother’s criminal past? Or are the culprits after the pictures on her camera? Under Zach and Ranger’s protection, Lauren races to discover the truth behind all the attacks. But as the danger escalates, can they survive long enough to untangle the mystery that’s putting their lives on the line?

My Thoughts

Detecting Deadly Threats by Carol J. Post is a compelling narrative.  I liked the characters especially Zach’s nephew, William, and his dog, Ranger.  I felt for Lauren who seemed to suffer one loss after another.  It is a lively story with drama, suspense, and action.  I liked the fast pace which had me quickly flipping the pages.  I could not wait to discover who was after Lauren and why.  I liked the epilogue which nicely wrapped up the book.  Detecting Deadly Threats is the sixteenth book in the  K-9 Search and Rescue series.  It can be read as a standalone like all the books in the series.  Detecting Deadly Threats is a fastmoving story with masked men, a quivering earthquake, a tumbling building, a clever canine, blasting bullets, and a tire rasper threat. 

Detecting Deadly Threats is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other K-9 Search and Rescue novels here.   Carol J. Post has Witness Safeguard Mission coming out April 28. It is the fourth book in the Canine Defense series.  You can find Carol J. Post's other books here.  Thank you for dropping by today.  Are you keeping warm?  I was talking to my neighbor's about their cold weather wardrobe.  I was curious to see if they were prepared for this cold snap or only had an outfit or two like me.  It turns out that they only have a couple of outfits for when the weather turns frigid (in the 50s during the day is what we consider frigid).  Everyone has an electric throw to use while watching television or reading in the living room. 

I will be sharing my thoughts on The Good Mothers by Caitlin Weaver on Thursday, January 15.  I hope that you have a cozy day.  Take care, stay warm, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links.

Rescuing Her Firefighter by Carol Ross

 Rescuing Her Firefighter

Book Summary

Not every hero…

Wears a uniform

Brooke Lawson refuses to let her troubled past stop her from making her mark in Flame, Texas. The close-knit community is exactly the fresh start she needs. Great new job, caring new friends—her only problem is the series of mortifying scrapes she finds herself in. Being frequently rescued by Michael Barnes, the small town’s handsomest firefighter, does have its upside. His warmth and humor set him apart from every man she's ever met. But when his large, ready-made family starts interfering, will she be the one to rescue him? And will their special spark continue to shine?

My Thoughts

Rescuing Her Firefighter by Carol Ross is a cute and amusing story.  Trouble should be Brooke’s middle name.  Her new chapter in Flame, Texas gets off a fiery start.  Brooke's decision-making is atypical for a business professional.  Of course, her bad decisions get her rescued by Michael Barnes, the hunky firefighter.  Sparks fly between them from the beginning.  I liked Michael’s large family.  His family played a significant role in his life. 

They were quick to embrace Brooke (well, with one exception) and she was soon helping Michael’s sister with her wedding.  I liked the small town feel of Flame which included nosey residents (gossip flowed faster than maple syrup on a stack of hot flapjacks).  Rescuing Her Firefighter is the first A Flame, Texas Novel and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.  Rescuing Her Firefighter is a heartwarming, feel good story with a crinkly sign, an iron inferno, a fine-looking firefighter, a padlocked door, a heartfelt family, trust troubles, and, hopefully, a happily ever after. 

Rescuing Her Firefighter is available from Amazon* as well as other major booksellers. The next A Flame, Texas Novel is Her Texas Plus-One which comes out June 30.  You can find Carol Ross's other novels here.  Thank you for joining me today.  Cold weather has hit Florida with a vengeance.  On Friday, the high will be 55 degrees.  Thursday night will be the coldest at 36 degrees.  I do not have clothes or pajamas for this type of weather.  It has not been this cold in years.  It is a good thing that I have an electric blanket and warm cardigans.  What is it like in your area?  Are you prepared for the frigid weather?  The one good thing about cold weather is that I can snuggle under my electric blanket and read.  I have plenty of reading material (I overbooked myself for February with twenty-six books).  

On Wednesday, January 14, I am featuring Detecting Deadly Threats by Carol J. Post.  It is the sixteenth book in K-9 Search and Rescue series.  Please return to learn more about romantic suspense story. I hope that you have cheerful day.  Take care, stay warm, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links.

Shielded by the Cowboy by Connie Queen

 Shielded by the Cowboy

Book Summary

A witness in danger…

and a protector standing guard.

Pregnant widow Holly Myers just wants a fresh start for her and her unborn child, but when she witnesses a double murder, her quiet life is shattered. On the run, she finds refuge with former Deputy Sheriff Clive Cantrell, who is determined to keep her safe. But with killers on their trail who’ll stop at nothing to silence Holly, staying alive might just be impossible. Especially when clues link the murders to a drug trafficking operation hidden on Clive’s family’s ranch. And stopping the criminals could prove lethal for them both.

My Thoughts

Shielded by the Cowboy by Connie Queen is a page turner.  I liked Holly who was looking for a fresh start and to protect her unborn child.  Clive is kind and protective despite  the memories Holly and her situation bring up.  Clive has a friendly, supportive family.   I enjoyed the suspense and action.  The tension builds as the story progresses.  There are twists and turns that keep Clive and Holly on their toes.  If Holly and Clive are to survive, they will need to trust each other.  I like how their relationship progresses, but I did feel it was a tad rushed at the end.  The author painted a picture with her words that brought the Texas setting to life. This was my first Connie Queen book, and I'm eager to read more of her stories.  Shielded by the Cowboy is a fast-moving tale with an unresponsive car, an astounding death, a protective cowboy, determined killers, trust troubles, a monster mother-in-law, and a helpful family.

Shielded by the Cowboy is available from Amazon*.  The next two books in the Thunder Ridge Justice series are Texas Cowboy Protector which comes out May 26 and Something for the Stolen Son on August 25.  If you follow Connie Queen on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return on Tuesday, January 13 with Rescuing Her Firefighter by Carol Ross.  It is the first A Flame, Texas Novel.   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.

*This post contains affiliate links.

The Shop on Hidden Lane by Jayne Ann Krentz

 The Shop on Hidden Lane

Book Summary

New York Times bestselling author Jayne Ann Krentz dives into an enthralling new romantic suspense novel filled with deeply entrenched grudges, psychic dangers, and a conspiracy that threatens not only two families but also the entire paranormal community.

The Harper and the Wells families have regarded each other with deep suspicion for four generations. The Harpers have been known to offer their psychic talents for less-than-legal purposes, and the powerful Wells clan has a reputation for playing both sides of the street. But for all the years of history and distrust between them, there is a mysterious pact binding the two. They share the responsibility for protecting a long-buried and very dangerous secret.

Sophy Harper and Luke Wells are shocked to learn that her aunt and his uncle have been sleeping together—and now they are both missing. Not only that, but the last traces of them are at the scene of a murder soaked in negative paranormal energy. Clearly, someone is willing to kill to obtain the secret their families have been charged with protecting. Despite their mutual distrust, which, as far as Sophy is concerned extends to Luke’s hellhound of a dog, they both know that the terms of the pact must be honored.

Their investigation uncovers a psychic trail leading to a bizarre desert art colony where nothing is as it seems. But Luke and Sophy are concealing a few secrets, too. By a strange twist of fate, a Harper and a Wells have no choice but to trust each other and the fierce attraction that is binding them as surely as the pact between the families.

My Thoughts

The Shop on Hidden Lane by Jayne Ann Krentz was not up my alley.  I have been reading this author’s novels since I was teen, and this is the first time that I did not want to finish one of Jayne Ann Krentz’s books.  It would have been helpful if the blurb had specified the type of creature (demon) that Sophy Harper is (I would not have requested the book if I had known).  There is quite a bit going on in the story that includes a murder, two missing people, feuding families, and antagonistic main characters.  I did not connect with any of the characters including Sophy and Luke.  Some characters are introduced only at the end, while others appear sporadically throughout the chapters. 

I found the foreshadowing to be heavy handed which is unusual for this author.  The suspense was lacking much to my dismay.  I wanted a thrilling mystery and suspense, but I did not get it with The Shop on Hidden Lane.  The pacing was slow and there was too much going on.  My favorite character was Bruce, the dog/ hellhound.  I kept putting down The Shop on Hidden Lane, and I was reluctant to pick it back up.  I was happy when I turned the last page of The Shop on Hidden Lane.

The Shop on Hidden Lane is available from Amazon*.  If the blurb appeals to you, I suggest you download a sample of The Shop on Hidden Lane.  As they say, not every book is for every reader.   Jayne Ann Krentz (contemporary) also writes under the pen names Amanda Quick (historical) and Jayne Castle (futuristic).  Thank you for joining me today.  On Thursday, January 8, I am featuring Shielded by the Cowboy by Connie Queen tomorrow.  It is the first book in the Thunder Ridge Justice series.  

Guess who has returned to my porch?  Mama Duck along with two little ducklings.  It is unusual for a duck to have babies in the winter.  Mama Duck is taking good care of the little ones.  She surprised me the other day.  I came out of my bedroom to find Mama Duck and her ducklings in the house.  I thought the ducklings were too small to get up the steps.  This is what happens when I forget to put food out for them.  We are having some nice weather which gives me an opportunity to get the porch furniture put together (two rockers, a table, a cat tree--for my cat, Dickens, and a cat house--will go outside the porch for the neighborhood cats).  I hope that you have pleasant 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.