The Avid Reader: 2026

Thursday, July 9, 2026

Guarded by the Sheriff by Monique DeVere

Guarded by the Sheriff

Book Summary

A child in need of protection…

and a lawman keeping watch.

It’s a shock to Sheriff Ethan Callahan to see his ex-fiancée, Sienna Blake, again—especially with a child in tow…and a gunman on her heels. Witnessing a shooting has made Sienna a criminal’s next target. And when Ethan realizes that he’s the father of her son, he is determined to keep them both safe…no matter the cost. With trust hanging in the balance and their enemy closing in, Ethan and Sienna must stand together to survive. Except the hit man knows their every move…and trusting the wrong person could get them killed.

My Thoughts

Guarded by the Sheriff by Monique DeVere is an exciting page-turner packed with action, suspense, danger, and heart. The story is well written and moves at a wonderfully fast pace, keeping me eager to see what would happen next. The main characters are well developed, likeable, and easy to root for, which made the emotional stakes even stronger. I especially enjoyed the blend of romance and danger, and as a fan of second-chance romance, this story checked all the right boxes. Guarded by the Sheriff took me on a thrilling roller coaster ride filled with threats, action, emotion, and swoon-worthy moments. This is the kind of story that grabs your attention, keeps you turning pages, and leaves you smiling long after the final chapter.

Guarded by the Sheriff can be obtained from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major booksellers. Follow Monique DeVere on Amazon to be notified when she has a new book release.

I will return on Tuesday, July 14 with Sisterhood Above All by Kathleen Barber with Amayah Shaienne. My mother's 81st birthday is next week. I have one last gift to obtain and I will be set (something the birthday girl mentioned yesterday). I will be making my mother a special dinner since she does not want to go out to eat and there will be a cake as well. May your weekend be full of joy and laughter. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Wednesday, July 8, 2026

Murder at First Sight by JP Bird

Murder at First Sight

About Murder at First Sight by JP Bird

Murder at First Sight

Cozy Psychic Mystery

1st A Suddenly Psychic Novel

Setting- Small fictional town of Hillside, USA

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Tule Publishing

Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 1, 2026

Print length ‏ : ‎ 230 pages

When a good deed might lead to murder… Coerced into posing as a seer at her small town’s spring fair, barista and aspiring artist Amelia Wethers dives into the dramatic role, comforting herself that it’s only a few hours and then she can indulge in sweet and savory snacks. When the wealthy and snarky Summer Foster swans into her tent inquiring about the expected success of her swanky summer party, Amelia’s not prepared for the crystal ball to fill with smoke and reveal the shockingly violent murder of Summer’s husband. Amelia grapples with skepticism, anger, and scorn as she tries to warn wealthy scion Phillip Foster that he’s a target for murder in a few weeks. Discovering she’s descended from a long line of psychics complicates Amelia’s investigation, especially when the town’s newest and distressingly handsome homicide detective dogs her every step and suspects her of murder. It’s a race to the finish, and Amelia will do anything—including pre-dawn hot yoga, adopting her brother’s feral ferrets, missing dessert, setting herself up as bait and making a fool of herself—to stalk a killer.

About JP Bird

JP writes cozy mysteries with quirky characters that make her laugh when they disagree with the laid-out plans for their story and take her on a different path. She lives in Winnipeg, Canada, and hates the cold weather but loves the winter months because they’re a great excuse to hibernate with a cup of tea or a glass of red wine. When she’s not writing or reading, she spends her summers in the garden and her winters plotting how to win her neighbourhood Christmas display competition. They don’t know it’s a competition, but she plays to win nonetheless.

My Thoughts

Murder at First Sight by JP Bird is a delightfully entertaining read filled with humor, suspense, and plenty of quirky charm. Amelia is a wonderfully offbeat character who delivers laugh-out-loud moments from start to finish, and the main cast is lively, well-developed, and fun. The snarky supporting characters add extra sparkle, while Amelia’s brother is an absolute hoot. The steady pacing, smooth flow, and enjoyable plot kept me happily turning the pages. The ferrets and Amelia’s brother bring even more merriment to the story, and the diverting mystery offers just the right mix of twists and suspense. The dreamy detective’s skepticism of Amelia feels natural, especially as she races against time with her best friend and brother to prevent a murder. With its winning blend of suspense, wit, and whimsy, this first Suddenly Psychic Novel left me eager for the next adventure. Murder, mayhem, and mischievous ferrets—what more could a cozy mystery fan want?

Author Links

Website

Bluesky

Facebook

Goodreads

Instagram

Amazon Author Page

Murder at First Sight can be purchased from Amazon Kindle, Amazon Paperback, Barnes & Noble, Google Books, and Kobo. The second A Suddenly Psychic Novel is Possessed by Murder which comes out September 2. Don't forget to enter the giveaway before you depart. Click here or use the form below my signature. The prize is a signed copy of the book along with some fun swag.

On Thursday, July 9, I am featuring Monique DeVere's Harlequin debut, Guarded by the Sheriff. If you enjoy heart pounding second chance romance, you will want to check this one out! I hope you have a cheerful day. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Giveaway

Tour Participants

July 6 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

July 6 – Boys' Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT

July 7 – Salty Inspirations – CHARACTER GUEST POST

July 8 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

July 8 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW

July 9 – Jody's Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

July 10 – Twirling Book Princess – SPOTLIGHT

July 11 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

July 12 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

July 13 – Sarandipity's – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

July 13 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – AUTHOR GUEST POST

July 14 – Sarah Can't Stop Reading Books – REVIEW

July 15 – Christy's Cozy Corners – CHARACTER GUEST POST

July 16 – Storybook Lady – REVIEW, AUTHOR GUEST POST

July 17 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT

July 18 – Elizabeth McKenna - Author – SPOTLIGHT

July 19 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Tuesday, July 7, 2026

The Unexpected Caller by Shelley Shepard Gray

The Amish Widow's Club JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Unexpected Caller by Shelley Shepard Gray, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Unexpected Caller
Series: The Amish Widows Club #1
Author: Shelley Shepard Gray
Publisher: Revell
Release Date: July 7, 2026
Genre: Amish Fiction / Contemporary / Romance

She finds sisterhood in the Amish Widows Club--but will she risk loving again?

Leanna Mast never imagined she'd be a widow at forty-one, but it seems God had other plans. After mourning her husband for a year, she realizes it's time to start living again. But her community expects her to remarry, and after living on her own, she's not eager to start cooking and cleaning in another man's home.

When she's invited to join the Amish Widows Club, she discovers a place of belonging she didn't even know she needed. In this group of women who support each other through sharing books, stories, and companionship, Leanna immediately feels welcome. She's sure her life as a widow will bring her the fulfillment she craves . . . until handsome, kind Evan Keim comes calling. As their relationship deepens, her heart becomes involved. But how could she possibly leave the widows club for a dream that might be too good to be true?

New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray skillfully draws readers into an endearing and delightful Amish community of friendship during widowhood and a second chance at love.

About the Author

Shelley Shepard Gray

Shelley Shepard Gray is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 100 books. Two-time winner of the HOLT Medallion and finalist for both the Christy and the Carol Awards, Gray lives in Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail. Learn more at ShelleyShepardGray.com.

My Thoughts

The Unexpected Caller by Shelley Shepard Gray is a charming and heartwarming debut for The Amish Widows Club series. I truly enjoyed getting to know Leanna Mast, along with Evan Keim and his family. Evan’s son, Jeremy, quickly became a favorite of mine. Though he is only seventeen, he offers wise advice, shows remarkable kindness, and has such a big heart. Leanna’s puppy, Bumble, is an adorable addition who brings extra sweetness to the story. I also loved the idea of the Amish Widows Club itself. It is a wonderful way for widowed women to find companionship, receive help when they need it, meet new people, and step into fresh adventures.

Shelley Shepard Gray’s engaging writing style pulled me easily into the story, and I appreciated the gentle humor sprinkled throughout. The epilogue was especially satisfying, wrapping things up in a lovely and thoughtful way. Faith is beautifully woven throughout the novel, adding depth and encouragement. My favorite quote is, “. . . I know that the Lord had already determined our futures. Because, one way or another, the Lord always provides, Jeremy. He holds us in His arms and guides our futures. That is how it is. It is how it will always be.” I am already looking forward to the next The Amish Widows Club novel, which will feature Jenna. This is the kind of story that leaves you smiling, uplifted, and eager to return to this wonderful circle of friends.

Tour Giveaway

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

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 6, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 13, 2026. Winner 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

The Unexpected Caller can be purchased from Amazon (other retail links above). The Forbidden Caller is the next The Amish Widows Club novel which will be out on September 15 and the third is The Persistent Caller which releases on March 2, 2027. You can find Shelley Shepard Gray's other novels here plus you can follow her on Amazon and they will send you an email when she has a new book release.

I am a stop on the Great Escapes Virtaul Books Tours for Murder at First Sight by JP Bird tomorrow (Wednesday, July 8). It is the first A Suddenly Psyhic Novel and there is a giveaway. Don't forget to enter The Unexpected Caller Giveaway before you depart. Have a lovely and peaceful day. 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.

Thursday, July 2, 2026

A K-9 Mountain Promise by Helena Smrcek

A K-9 Mountain Promise

Book Summary

Can a loyal companion

Heal two damaged hearts?

After her life is shattered by divorce, Abby Clifford retreats to her family’s mountain cabin in Colorado with her six-year-old daughter, Charlotte, to heal. Then she comes face-to-face with the man she never thought she’d see again. Noah Ross broke Abby’s teenage heart. Now she wants nothing to do with the handsome veterinarian. But when Noah’s in danger of getting evicted from his condo because of his two Hungarian vizsla dogs, Abby reluctantly allows him and his K-9s to spend time on their property. Charlotte immediately bonds with the sweet dogs. Will Abby ever forgive the past and embrace a fresh start?

My Thoughts

A K-9 Mountain Promise by Helen Smrcek is a sweet, heartwarming read with a lovable cast of characters. While it took me a little time to warm up to Abby Clifford, I appreciated her journey and found myself wanting her to let go of the past and embrace the life in front of her. Abby’s daughter, Charlotte, nearly steals the show with her precocious, loving, and outgoing personality. Noah’s dogs, Rosie and Briggs, add even more charm to the story, and I especially enjoyed the way they helped Charlotte begin to heal from her parents’ divorce and her father’s abandonment.

Hungarian vizsla dogs

Faith is woven naturally throughout the novel, and I liked how Noah gently encouraged Charlotte in her faith. Although this book is part of the K-9 Companions series, it can easily be enjoyed as a standalone. Overall, A K-9 Mountain Promise is a charming, uplifting tale that left me wishing for just a little more time with these characters.

You can get a copy of A K-9 Mountain Promise from Amazon along with the other books in A K-9 Companions series. If you enjoy clean Christian romances, you should take a look at Helena Smrcek's other novels.

On July 7, I will be sharing my thoughts on The Unexpected Caller by Shelley Shepard Gray. It is the debut of The Amish Widows Club. I hope your Fourth of July is a blast!🎆 I will be cooking dinner on the grill, our village is having a Fourth of July golf cart parade, and then we will watch the fireworks from our porch (the fireworks go off in the lake downtown which is one street away). I am grateful that fireworks do not scare my cat, Dickens (she will sleep right through them). Have a star-spangled holiday! 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, July 1, 2026