A Killer for Christmas by Kim Harrington

A Killer for Christmas

Book Smmary

Wrapped in red has a bloody new meaning in this contemporary holiday romance with a murderous twist, perfect for readers who enjoyed The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year.

Christmasville, Maine, is the only place where Kelsey Hendricks has ever felt happy. When she loses both her job and her boyfriend, the move is a no-brainer, especially when she sees a listing for a position as Christmasville’s social media manager. Surrounded by twinkling lights and candy canes and with the perfect job, this tinsel town is working its magic on Kelsey. With two heartthrobs vying for her attention, her life is now just like a Christmas movie.

Except for the murders.

The first one is dismissed as an accident. But after the second, and definitely the third, it becomes abundantly clear that Santa is leaving coal in someone’s stocking this year.

Determined to bring back the holly jolly spirit to the town before tourists begin canceling their reservations, Kelsey must sleuth her way out of a chilling murder mystery and back to a holiday rom-com.

This charming and clever mystery-romance where a cozy winter wonderland warms the heart while suspense chills the bones is the perfect read for the holiday season.

My Thoughts

Pour yourself some cocoa and settle in—A Killer for Christmas by Kim Harrington is a festive little mystery that brings just the right dash of holiday cheer, cozy romance, and suspense. Set in the tourist town of Christmasville, Maine, this lighthearted story blends a cozy mystery with a sweet holiday-romance thread, giving the suspense a fun rom-com sparkle without letting it take over. The mystery is well paced and satisfying, with a twist that adds a nice surprise, and the plot stays refreshingly easy to follow rather than becoming overly complicated. 

The Christmas setting may be unusual for a murder mystery, but it works beautifully and never feels forced. I also enjoyed the quirky cast of characters and the warm small-town atmosphere that make Christmasville feel inviting. The romance is gentle and supportive, adding charm and coziness while still leaving the mystery at the center. Overall, this is a quick, feel-good read with steady pacing, a relatable heroine, and a festive backdrop that makes Kim Harrington’s adult mystery-romance debut a cheerful seasonal treat. If Christmasville had a welcome sign, this book would be the twinkling lights around it.

Books, porch weather, and one very determined cat—what more could a reader ask for? Kim Harrington’s A Killer for Christmas is available now on Amazon. I’ll be back on Wednesday, September 23, with Mary Alford’s richly atmospheric and suspenseful The Memory House. Meanwhile, my cat, Dickens, has decided that the screened porch is the place to be. Since it’s still hot and humid, I don’t quite understand the appeal—and Dickens doesn’t understand why I won’t let her stay outside all night. Perhaps it has something to do with the coyotes and raccoons roaming our village since the nearby woods were cleared to make way for new homes! At eighteen, Dickens still acts like a kitten, proving that a little curiosity—and a good mystery—never gets old.

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.

A Heart to Cherish by Amy Clipston

 A Heart to Cherish

Book Summary

Return to Amish country in an uplifting story of faith, friendship, and finding the courage to follow your dreams—and your heart.

Jeannie Graber is grateful for her life in Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania, where she enjoys working at her family’s fabric shop and saving for her future. Still, she longs for something more.

When customers suggest she offer quilting lessons, she jumps at the chance to remodel the storeroom into a sewing studio where she can give classes. Jeannie sees this as her opportunity to prove she is no longer the flighty girl no one takes seriously. She just needs help getting her dream off the ground.

Matthew Fisher works for his brother’s construction business, but he has dreams of his own. While he’s good with a hammer and nails, he’s even better with drafting tools. When Jeannie—the woman he’s quietly loved for years—asks him to design and build her business space, he knows God has given him the perfect opportunity to prove himself, to both his brother and Jeannie.

When a beloved elderly woman disappears from the community, Jeannie and Matthew join forces to bring her home safely. As they work side by side, faith and friendship blossom into something deeper. Will old insecurities keep them apart or will they finally trust God—and each other—with their hearts?

A Heart to Cherish is a must-read for anyone who loves the beauty and simplicity of Amish life and culture, characters with emotional depth who long to prove their value, and seeing how God brings two hearts together.

My Thoughts

Some stories feel like a gentle invitation to slow down, settle in, and remember what matters most—and A Heart to Cherish by Amy Clipston is one of them. Set in Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania, this heartfelt Amish romance beautifully blends faith, dreams, love, and a touch of suspense. Clipston draws readers into a world rich with wholesome traditions, close-knit community, and deeply held values, creating a setting that feels both comforting and alive. The two main characters each wrestle with personal doubts and the desire to prove their worth, which makes their journey feel honest, tender, and easy to connect with. 

The disappearance of an elderly woman from the community adds just the right amount of tension, keeping the story moving while the romance unfolds in a natural and meaningful way. Clipston’s close ties to Amish life shine through in the realistic details and emotional depth she brings to the page. A Heart to Cherish is the second book in her From the Heart Amish series and can be read as a standalone, though I would encourage readers to begin with A Heart Set Free for the fullest experience. With its small-town charm, heartfelt tenderness, quiet mystery, and uplifting message of faith and purpose, A Heart to Cherish is a story that lingers warmly long after the final page.

Grab your favorite bookmark, because today’s post has a sweet mix of heartwarming reads, cozy book news, and a little birthday joy. A Heart to Cherish is available from Amazon, and if you are new to the From the Heart Amish series, you can start with A Heart Set Free. These books come from Guideposts, the publisher behind several delightful cozy mystery series. I’ll be featuring the fifth heartwarming book in A Gift Shop Mysteries, A Lighthouse Legacy, on Tuesday, September 22. For now, I’m off to enjoy my birthday, made extra special this year by my mother and daughter, and I’m so grateful for the love they’ve poured into the day. I hope your next book brings you the kind of comfort, joy, and page-turning delight that makes reading feel like a celebration.

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.

Sisters of the Midnight Sun by Fiona Valpy

 Sisters of the Midnight Sun

Book Summary

Two women from different generations connect over their shared need to recover from trauma as they attempt to heal and begin their lives anew, from the bestselling author of The Dressmaker's Gift and The Beekeeper's Promise.

2001: Overwhelmed by grief in the wake of losing her twin sister, Ruby Reid has come to the north of Scotland to escape. Her new job as companion to Hanna Kristiansen, an elderly woman living on a rugged homestead in the wild and remote Shetland Islands, offers plenty of challenges and a welcome distraction from the devastating choice Ruby has to make.

1940: Hanna’s quiet life on the fjords of northern Norway is overturned when her hometown is attacked and her country falls into the hands of Nazi occupiers. But the Norwegians are a people as resilient as the ancient bedrock of their land. With her twin sister Hanna becomes involved in the resistance movement, fighting to end the war that has taken so much from her. She’s sent to Scotland for training, where she falls for a charismatic member of the shadowy special forces supporting Norway’s fight for freedom. Though she's torn between staying and going, Hanna must return to her homeland, leaving her new love behind, and face the dangerous underground work that lies ahead.

As Hanna shares her story, Ruby begins to navigate the path of her grief. Hanna in turn finds comfort in discovering that confiding in her younger friend is helping them both heal. Ruby also learns that, like the beautiful untamed land of Hanna’s rural croft, there is strength to be found in fragility, as well as hope for new life, in the wildness of an island at the end of the world.

My Thoughts

Some stories arrive quietly and end up glowing in your heart, and Sisters of the Midnight Sun is one of them. Fiona Valpy pairs a sweeping historical backdrop with an intimate portrait of women shaped by love, loss, courage, and hope. The dual timelines give the novel a beautiful rhythm, moving between the intensity of wartime struggle and the restorative pull of nature and human connection. Valpy is especially moving in her portrayal of grief and healing, showing how friendship, mentorship, and shared experience can help light the way forward. With the rugged Shetland Islands and the fjords of Norway echoing the characters’ inner strength, this is a richly layered, life-affirming novel for anyone who loves historical fiction with emotional depth and resilience at its core. By the final page, the story has left its light behind, warm, steady, and impossible to forget.

Curl up with your favorite bookmark, because today’s post has a little storybook sparkle, a pair of wonderful reads, and one very determined porch explorer. Fiona Valpy’s Sisters of the Midnight Sun is available from Amazon along with her other engaging stories. On Thursday, September 17, I’ll be featuring A Heart to Cherish by Amy Clipston. Meanwhile, my eighteen-year-old cat, Dickens, has been spending extra time on our screened porch, where she recently discovered that tiny frogs have moved in. Now she is fully committed to solving the grand mystery of their hiding place, and you would never guess she is eighteen. Here’s hoping your next good book brings as much curiosity, comfort, and delight as a cat with a mystery to chase.

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.

The Forbidden Caller by Shelley Shepard Gray

The Amish Widows Club

Book Summary

 

She finds belonging in the Amish Widows Club--but will she dare to love across an impossible divide?

Twenty-four was too young to become a widow, but Jenna Graber is learning that grief doesn't follow anyone's timeline. Nearly two years after losing her husband, Jimmy, in a workplace accident, she's still struggling to make ends meet while raising her five-year-old daughter. When Jenna is invited to join the Amish Widows Club, blooming friendships stir hope in her heart. And thank goodness for Nelson Harper, the Englisher who runs the mill where Jimmy worked. His steady friendship and generous help have been a lifeline.

Nelson knows he's treading on dangerous ground having fallen for Jenna and her precious daughter--their worlds couldn't feel further apart. Religious differences and Jenna's grief make the divide almost impossible to cross, and Nelson carries a burden that could destroy the trust between them. As long-buried secrets surface, Jenna must face hard truths about the past--and decide what her heart can accept for the future.

An Amish romance novel about grief, healing, and second chances from New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray.

My Thoughts

Shelley Shepard Gray’s The Forbidden Caller immediately draws readers in with its tender blend of heart, hope, and quiet strength. This beautifully written story explores loss and grief with compassion, offering characters who feel genuine and easy to care about. Jenna’s path is deeply touching as she begins to heal, finds a true sense of belonging, and slowly opens her heart to hope after being widowed at just twenty-four. Nelson makes a wonderful counterpart to Jenna with his friendly, calm, caring, and patient nature, and I loved watching the connection among Jenna, Nelson, and little Katie grow. Their relationship unfolds gently as they navigate different worlds, grief, faith, friendship, and the first stirrings of romance.

The Amish Widows Club is a thoughtful and meaningful part of the story, providing community, understanding, and support for widows who need space to heal without being rushed into another marriage. Although The Forbidden Caller is the second book in The Amish Widows Club series and can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading The Unexpected Caller first for the fullest experience. Warm, uplifting, and full of grace, The Forbidden Caller is a heartwarming reminder that healing can lead to friendship, love, and renewed hope.

Grab your favorite bookmark, because there are some lovely new reads and exciting book updates waiting for you. The Forbidden Caller is now available from Amazon, and if you’re new to The Amish Widows Club series, you can begin with The Unexpected Caller. The third book, The Persistent Caller, is coming on March 2, 2027. 

I’ll be back on Wednesday, September 16, to feature Sisters of the Midnight Sun by Fiona Valpy. If Amish fiction is your cup of tea, you may also want to take a look at The Amish Candlemaker’s Fake Fall Marriage by McKenzie Boone. And today brings two more wonderful releases to celebrate: Kristan Higgins’s thought-provoking The Me I Used to Be and Amy Clipston’s uplifting A Heart to Cherish. I hope one of these stories finds its way into your hands, your heart, and the happiest corner of your reading stack.

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.

The Mystic and the Missing Girl by Vikki VanSickle

 The Mystic and the Missing Girl

Book Summary

Small town secrets, a reluctant psychic, and a cold case that could expose them all.

Drew Benson can read tarot cards and get impressions from objects—she just never expected to use her gifts to investigate an infamous cold case.

Drew Benson has a secret. She gets visions, something she hasn’t tapped into since she was a teenager, when her late aunt, a TV psychic known as Hannah Mystic, became the scapegoat in the unsolved disappearance of a local teenager. Twenty years later, Drew is happy to ignore her gift, focusing instead on keeping the metaphysical shop she inherited from Hannah afloat, wrangling her sole, astrology-obsessed employee, and dodging local rake Foster Banks in her picturesque lakeside hometown.

But when Drew's arch-nemesis from high school, now a big city reporter, decides to investigate the cold case from all those years ago, it’s Drew’s ability that could finally make a break in the decades old mystery. With bills piling up, a disapproving mother laying on the guilt, and a local vandal who wants Drew and her witchy store gone, Drew has a lot to lose. But what she stands to gain—finding out what happened to the missing teen, clearing her aunt’s name, and a second chance at belonging—could change everything.

In The Mystic and the Missing Girl, Vikki VanSickle seamlessly draws readers into an utterly charming world in this unputdownable, small town mystery.

My Thoughts

Grab your tarot deck and a cozy drink—The Mystic and the Missing Girl by Vikki VanSickle is ready to pull you into its small-town mystery. I was quickly charmed by the metaphysical shop, psychic gifts, and cold-case setup, and Drew Benson makes an appealing lead with just the right mix of curiosity and determination. The mystery unfolds in an accessible, satisfying way, making it easy to settle in and enjoy the ride, while the pacing gives readers time to savor the atmosphere and world-building. The story offers plenty of charm, a satisfying ending, and a fun peek into the world of mystics and psychics. For VanSickle’s first adult novel and paranormal mystery, this is a warm, inviting start—and I’ll happily keep one eye on the cards for whatever mystery comes next.

Cue the cozy reading nook and fluff up that favorite pillow—there is a new mystery waiting to be cracked! 📚✨ Vikki VanSickle’s first adult novel, The Mystic and the Missing Girl, is available now from Amazon. I will return on Tuesday, September 15, with The Forbidden Caller by Shelley Shepard Gray, the second book in The Amish Widows Club series. I hope your weekend is filled with wonderful stories, comfy pages, and just enough mystery to keep your bookmark busy. Until next time, happy reading and may your TBR stack always have room for one more! 🔖📖

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.

The Society of Second Chances by Deborah Raney

 The Society of Second Chances

Book Summary

Welcome to Hope Valley, Kentucky, where a mysterious—and apparently very wealthy benefactor—brings together four women with extraordinary talents and compassionate hearts. Helen Janway, Rachel Hooper, Jennifer Stanton, and Evelyn Richmond receive a check for a large sum to cover expenses and are invited to become a covert “team of angels,” tasked with a secret mission: to offer God’s love, grace, and mercy to a young woman in need of a fresh start.

Their first assignment proves challenging. The Society of Second Chances is called to help Harmoni Branaham, a young woman newly released from prison and struggling to find her place in the world. As the women work to earn Harmoni’s trust and guide her toward a brighter future, their own lives—and secrets—begin to surface. For Rachel, the risk is deeply personal, as she fears her darkest secret may undo the fragile bond forming among the group.

My Thoughts

Every once in a while, a story comes along that feels like a warm hand reaching out with hope—and The Society of Second Chances is one of those stories. Deborah Raney has crafted an uplifting, feel-good novel that drew me in from the very first pages and kept me invested with its wonderful cast of characters. With compassion and grace, the author tackles challenging topics, including the difficult road a formerly incarcerated person faces when reentering society. Through Harmoni’s story, we see how quickly people can judge an ex-offender, and how powerful kindness, faith, and community can be in offering someone a true second chance. 

I loved the anonymous benefactor’s thoughtful effort to bring four women together—not only to help Harmoni, but possibly to open doors for others in the future. The story also explores the ripple effect of secrets on individuals, friendships, and families, while gently weaving a meaningful thread of faith throughout. By the end, I was smiling, hopeful, and sincerely wishing for more. If The Society of Second Chances is the beginning of a series, then readers are in for something truly special.

Grab your favorite bookmark and settle in—this one is all about fresh starts, feel-good fiction, and happily turning the page! 📚✨ The Society of Second Chances is available now from Amazon. If you enjoy heartwarming, inspiring women’s fiction, be sure to explore Deborah Raney’s other novels, too. I will be featuring The Mystic and the Missing Girl by Vikki VanSickle on Thursday, September 10, and I hope you will stop by to learn more about this charming story. Until then, may your to-be-read stack be tempting, your reading chair be cozy, and your next chapter be a delightful one. 💕📖

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.

Fury in Death by J.D. Robb

 Fury in Death

Book Summary

In the new crime thriller from the #1 New York Times-bestselling author, Lt. Eve Dallas journeys into the darkness where murder is born…

NYSPD lieutenant Eve Dallas never knows what to expect when she gets word of a body. It could be an elderly man who made the mistake of climbing a ladder in slippery footwear. And the next call could be a wealthy biotech executive beaten to death in his home office—but what was Larry Chu’s mistake?

The victim’s corpse is so mangled and damaged it’s hard to believe a lone, unarmed assailant could have managed it. The killer was clearly unnaturally strong—and smart enough to find a way into Chu’s highly secure building. Most of all, whoever did this was very, very angry.

The excessive violence leads Dallas to conclude that this was a deeply personal act, born of a rage that she can’t excuse but can understand thanks to her own traumatic past. And though the motive seems rooted in heated emotion rather than cold hard cash, she can’t ignore the suspicious bank account in the Cayman Islands, or the shadowy, profit-hungry company Chu worked for. The mystery only grows when it turns out Chu isn’t the only victim—and Dallas will need to tear through one layer of secrecy after another to reveal what lies behind this explosion of fury...

My Thoughts

After sixty-three books, the In Death series still knows how to deliver a pulse-pounding ride—and Fury in Death is no exception. J.D. Robb brings readers back into Eve Dallas’s world with the familiar mix of suspense, sharp characterization, and emotional warmth that makes this long-running series feel like a reunion with old friends. Eve, Roarke, Peabody, and the rest of the gang continue to grow and evolve, and it is always a pleasure to catch up with them. Of course, Galahad deserves his own spotlight: that chubby scene-stealer adds just the right touch of charm and humor whenever he appears. 

This installment takes a slightly different approach by revealing the culprit’s identity and motive early on, which gives the story a fresh, tension-filled angle rather than a traditional whodunit structure. While I usually enjoy puzzling out the mystery alongside Eve, this format lets the focus shift to the why, the how, and the race to bring everything together. The case itself is intriguing and clever, with intense moments that underscore just how high the stakes are. Some of the darker details are vivid, but they also reinforce the urgency of Eve’s work and the strength it takes to face such brutality head-on. Watching the pieces fall into place was deeply satisfying, and Fury in Death ultimately delivers another gripping, character-rich entry in the series. Best of all, newcomers can jump in and enjoy this book as a standalone—though longtime fans will find even more to love.

Bookish excitement alert! 📚✨ If you are ready to dive back into the thrills, twists, and page-turning drama of the In Death series, Fury in Death is available now on Amazon along with the other books in the series. J.D. Robb—also known as Nora Roberts—has Birth of the Witch coming out November 17, so be sure to follow J.D. Robb on Amazon to get notified when a new release hits the shelves. To learn more about Nora Roberts and her many books, visit her website. I will return on Wednesday, September 9, with The Society of Second Chances by Deborah Raney. Until then, may your coffee be warm, your bookmark never go missing, and your next chapter be a delightful one. ☕📖

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.

The Oxford Guide to Scandal and Lies by Kate Westbury

The Oxford Guide to Scandal & Lies

Book Summary

Set against the backdrop of post-WWII Oxford University, The Oxford Guide to Scandal and Lies is the irresistible debut from Kate Westbury that seamlessly layers mystery, romance, and a dash of academia to introduce the Crown’s newest undercover operatives.

Oxford, England, 1951 - The Honorable Ginevra Bishop likes red lipstick, clever retorts, and earning top marks in her tutorials. She’s following her mother’s footsteps by studying at Oxford, eager to prove she’s more than a debutante.

Sidney Braithwaite likes brooding, Latin, and ignoring his nightmares. He’s determined to forge a new life for himself at Oxford, far from his childhood mining village and free from memories of the war.

Though Gin and Sidney have little in common, the British Security Service is keen to unite her charm with his espionage experience: there’s a Soviet spy at the university, and the agent tracking them down was poisoned. MI5 wants Gin and Sidney to pick up the trail and identify the informant before more sensitive information is compromised. As a team, the pair of undergraduates clash in personality, upbringing, and taste––but have a connection neither can deny. Gin and Sidney must unite their respective talents to follow the clues before they’re caught in the traitor’s crosshairs…if the sparks flying between them don’t blow up the operation first.

My Thoughts

Step through the gates of Oxford, and you’ll find secrets tucked into every shadow. The Oxford Guide to Scandal and Lies by Kate Westbury is a delightful blend of espionage, history, mystery, and sparkling character dynamics, all woven into one wonderfully engaging story. I especially enjoyed the chemistry and witty banter between Gin and Sydney, as well as the way their romance unfolds slowly and naturally. 

The mystery is well-crafted and thoughtfully plotted, with secret clues, coded messages, suspicious professors, whispered conversations, and the thrilling sense that someone may be watching from just around the corner. I love a mystery that keeps me suspecting everyone, and this one does exactly that. The Oxford University setting is another highlight, filled with rich history, beautiful libraries, secret corridors, and intriguing academic societies. Westbury brings it all vividly to life through picturesque descriptions that make the story feel atmospheric and immersive. Charming, clever, and full of intrigue, The Oxford Guide to Scandal and Lies left me eagerly hoping this is only the first case in a brilliant new series.

Let’s wrap up the week with a little bookish sparkle! Kate Westbury’s debut novel The Oxford Guide to Scandal and Lies is now available from Amazon, and today also brings a deliciously spooky treat: Sue Hollowell’s boo-tifully spicy cozy mystery Food Truck Fright Night. This is my last post for the week, but I’ll be back on Tuesday, September 8, with The Mystic and the Missing Girl by Vikki VanSickle. Until then, may your weekend be cozy, your coffee be strong, and your reading pile be delightfully irresistible!

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.