A Lancaster Amish Christmas by Anne Blackburne, Mindy Steele, Amy Clipston, and Amy Lillard

 A Lancaster Amish Christmas

Book Summary

Christmas Is Simply a Time for Love 

Enjoy a simple Amish Christmas in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, that is sweetened by second chances, trimmed in love, and wrapped in faith.

Lucy’s Christmas Sunbeam by Anne Blackburne

When her parents suddenly died, Lucy stepped into the mother role for her infant sister with Down’s Syndrome. But Lucy’s boyfriend wasn’t interested in a readymade family. Living in the dawdi house on her brother’s farm, Lucy is happy with life—until she literally runs into the hardware store owner and desire for romance returns.

A Bird-in-Hand Christmas by Amy Clipston

After learning her boyfriend, Wyatt, was seeing someone else, Makayla moved across state and married. Recently widowed, she visits her parents for Christmas, only to find that Wyatt is still single and working for her father. When her five-year-old son instantly bonds with Wyatt, Makayla starts to hope for a second chance at love.

Christmas Lily by Amy Lillard

Seven-year-old Jacob Bontrager is working hard to help his lonely widower father find love again. He believes his pretty new teacher who has just moved to the community is perfect, but none of his matchmaking works until a snowstorm strands Lily Kate Troyer at the Bontrager farm. Could God and nature be on Jacob’s side?

Leaving Lancaster by Mindy Steele

The Wicky sisters didn’t expect their father to sell their thriving deer farm with plans to move them to Kentucky. Always obedient Louise fears for her growing jam business. Beth cannot wait to start a new adventure while her twin, Leah, is running out of time for a happy-ever-after. They have only one Christmas left in Lancaster. Can God deliver a Christmas miracle for all three? 

My Thoughts

A Lancaster Amish Christmas contains four novellas by Anne Blackburne, Amy Clipston, Mindy Steele, and Amy Lillard.  I enjoyed all four stories, but Lucy’s Christmas Sunbeam is one that really touched my heart.  All four stories had good characters and plots.  I did feel that Leving Lancaster had a little too much going on.  I wish the story had focused on Louise and left the twins stories for another novella. There is a recipe for jam at the end of Leaving Lancaster.  Christmas Lily by Amy Lillard had my favorite character, Jacob Bontrager.  He is a young boy who loves his temporary teacher.  I liked the humor in this story.  We get to learn about Amish Christmas traditions in each novella including their school Christmas program and making Christmas cards.  Faith is nicely woven into each tale.  Family, friendship, second chances, romance, forgiveness, and faith are some of the themes.  I enjoyed the four uplifting holiday novellas.  A Lancaster Amish Christmas left me smiling and ready for the holidays.  

Christmas cards made by hand

A Lancaster Amish Christmas is available from Amazon* as well as other major booksellers.  Mindy Steele has Stolen Kiss coming out November 15.  It is the seventh book in The Heart of the Amish series. You can follow the authors, and Amazon will send you an email when they have a new book release (Anne Blackburne, Amy Clipston, Amy Lillard, and Mindy Steele). Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return tomorrow with The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson (Christmas is in the air this week).

I thought I would share an amusing (sort of) story with you before I sign off.  I have two cats, Dickens and Bucky.  Bucky is a sweet cat, but she is not adventurous (she is my shy girl).  When I got up, I noticed that Bucky was not in her usual spot (near her food dish).  I looked around for her and called for her (I knew she would not answer, but I gave it a try).  I looked in all the usual spots, but I did not find her.  I was in the shower, and I kept hearing all this noise (sounded like someone was going to come through the wall).  When I got out of the shower, I hurried out to the hall to the linen closet and opened the door, and out shot Bucky.  That is when I remembered that the door to the linen closet had not been shut all the way when I got up (the door had been pushed against the jam, but not shut), and I had pushed it shut (not knowing Bucky was inside).  Needless to say, the linen closet needs straightening after Bucky's ordeal (it is a mess). I am glad that Bucky is uninjured.  I hope that you have a magical day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

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

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

A Murder for the Sages by Amy Lillard

 A Murder for the Sages

Book Summary

Twenty-something advice columnist and amateur sleuth Sissy Yoder loves helping out at her Aunt Bethel’s Sunflower Café in Yoder, Kansas. It connects her to family, to the close-knit community—and to the suspicious events that always seem to bubble beneath small-town life . . .

The unusual death of local herb farmer, Ginger Reed, is the talk of Yoder. Naturally, Sissy is intrigued. The official report classifies Ginger’s demise as an accident, concluding that she ran herself over with a tractor. But Sissy’s cousin, Naomi, a friend and longtime employee of Ginger’s, insists that’s impossible. When she asks for Sissy’s help in unearthing the truth, Sissy’s on the case—accompanied as ever by her loyal Yorkie companion, Duke . . . 

The deeper Sissy digs, the longer the list of suspects grows—and none of them are Ginger. Near the top is Ginger’s resentful sister-in-law, Mallory. Next is Naomi’s brother, Lloyd, who’s bitter about the oil derrick presumably pumping black gold from Ginger’s land—land that once belonged to his family. Naomi herself could be a suspect—it’s her tractor, after all. But the investigation stalls when Naomi makes a shocking turnaround in her story. Is she lying? And if so, why? Then a missing dog, a desperate lawyer, and a teenage con artist are added to the mix, and the puzzle becomes hopelessly complicated. If Sissy doesn’t solve it quickly, she’ll be lost in the weeds as a killer reaps a deadly harvest . . .

My Thoughts

A Murder for the Sages by Amy Lillard is the third A Sunflower Café Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone for those who are new to the series.  This is a lighthearted story with plenty of humor.  Sissy Yoder does not believe the local herb farmers death was an accident.  It is not often that someone is run over by their own tractor.  Sissy’s cousin, Naomi insists it was impossible and wants Sissy to ferret out the truth.  Sissy, of course, is intrigued and decides to do a little snooping around.  Sissy’s job at The Sunflower Café allows her to hear the latest gossip.  The more Sissy digs, the more suspects she uncovers.  It is a fun mystery. I do feel there is too much repetition.  The same details and phrases do not need to be repeated excessively (an example is that Sissy works at the Sunflower Café). It begins to feel like filler.  I do know how Sissy endures her pushy and annoying mother.  Mrs. Yoder feels that Sissy is wasting her journalism degree by working at the café.  She is unaware that Sissy does have a syndicated column (the woman could not be trusted with that information—talk about loose lips).  There are a variety of quirky characters in the story.  Amy Lillard has a vivid imagination.  I love Sissy’s darling little dog, Duke.  I also find Sissy’s Chicken Coop to be darling (perfect for one person and a small dog). Yoder, Kansas has not been the same since Sissy has arrived. I wonder what Sissy will get up to next time.  

A Murder for the Sages can be obtained from Amazon*.  The first two books in A Sunflower Cafe Mysteries are Dairy, Dairy Quite Contrary and A Murder of Aspic Proportions.  Amy will have the novella Christmas Lily in Christmas Lily in A Lancaster Amish Christmas on August 15.  You can follow Amy Lillard on Amazon and they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for visiting today.  I will be featuring An Amish Country Reunion by Patricia Johns tomorrow.  I hope that you have a cheerful day (we need more joy in our lives considering the political situation, gun violence, and all the other negative news).  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris 

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own. This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.  

A Murder of Aspic Proportions by Amy Lillard

 A Murder of Aspic Proportions

Book Summary

The award-winning author’s brand-new Sunflower Café Mystery series, set in small-town Kansas, features a twenty-something advice columnist turned café manager and sleuth, her loyal Yorkie, farm-fresh produce—and murder. Will appeal to fans of Charlotte Hubbard, Molly Jebber, Susan Lantz Simpson, and Kelly Long.

Twenty-something Sissy Yoder never imagined herself running her Aunt Bethel’s café, but her help is needed, so she’s making a go of it. And she must admit that life in tiny Yoder has been anything but

dull–she’s already solved one homicide—after being named the prime suspect in the case! Enjoying a peaceful respite after all that excitement, Sissy just wants to write her advice column, hang out with her loyal Yorkie, Duke, and procure some of local farmer Walt Summers’ scrumptious “To Die For” tomatoes for the Sunshine Café’s menu. But when the unsavory Summers–resented by just about everyone in town–turns up murdered in his garden shed, it’s up to Sissy to roll up her sleeves, dig for some clues, and weed out the culprit . . .

My Thoughts

A Murder of Aspic Proportions by Amy Lillard is a cute, lighthearted cozy mystery.  Amy Lillard has a casual writing style.  It is reminiscent of talking with an old, Southern friend.  The story moves along at a good pace.  There is a cast of quirky characters that includes Sissy Yoder, Aunt Bethel, Lizzie, Gavin Wainwright, and indolent Earl Berry.  Sissy Yoder's temporary stay in Yoder, Kansas may become permanent.  She is discovering that she likes life in the small town.  Sissy especially likes the Chicken Coop, her tiny home that she shares with her small companion, a Yorkie named Duke.  Sissy is getting to know her Amish relatives as well.  She has a fondness for her Lizzie who is on bedrest awaiting the birth of fraternal twins.  Aunt Bethel is quite a character.  She is a bit of a grump, but Bethel loves her family.  The mystery was simple and frustrating.  Emma, a young Amish woman, confesses to the crime.  Deputy Earl Berry should not be in charge of a donut shop much less a town.  That he would let her confess without a lawyer or a parent present is appalling (it is a small town, and he should know that Emma could not have committed the crime).  Earl Berry does no investigating (why is this man an officer of the law).  I can understand why Bethel feels the need to clear Emma.  Sissy, of course, is happy to tag along and help (plus, she has the car).  The mystery is one that can be solved early in the book.  The reason why is mentioned many times.  The reveal was anticlimactic and unsatisfying.  

I did feel that A Murder of Aspic Proportions was a little long.  Fifty pages could have easily been shaved off.  There is repetition of information (Sissy’s convertible Fiat is mentioned eleven times, Duke is mentioned by name over fifty times, her column alias at least eight times).  There is humor in the story which keeps things light.  A Murder of Aspic Proportions is the second A Sunflower Café Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone since the author provides the necessary background information on the main characters.  A Murder of Aspic Proportions is a cute story that is good to read when you need something to lighten your mood or brighten a rainy afternoon.  A Murder of Aspic Proportions is an upbeat tale with a snuffed-out farmer, a cozy convertible, an idle deputy, a false confession, stolen tomato plants, futile fertilizer, and a sleuthing Sissy.  

A Murder of Aspic Proportions is available from Amazon*.  The first book in A Sunflower Cafe Mysteries is Dairy, Dairy Quite Contrary.  Amy Lillard has The Amish Christmas Promise (Love Inspired) and When Hattie Finds Love (4th book in the Paradise Valley series) coming out November 28.  You can find Amy Lillard's other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  Here are some of the books that came out today:  Murder is a Piece of Cake by Valerie Burns, The Other Mistress by Shanora Williams, Her Pretend Amish Boyfriend by Rachel J. Good, Dead Man's Wake by Paul Doiron, Palazzo by Danielle Steel, A Single Dad in Amish Country by Patricia Johns, Hidden Beneath by Barbara Ross, and Hiss Me Deadly by Miranda James.  I will return tomorrow with A Single Dad in Amish Country by Patricia Johns.  It is the second book in The Butternut Amish B&B series.  I hope that you have a joyful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

One More Time for Joy by Amy Lillard

 One More Time for Joy

Book Summary

In this uplifting inspirational romance series, award-winning author Amy Lillard unites a “Widows Club” of women who share solace, friendship, faith—and mouthwatering Whoopie Pies—in the Amish community of Paradise Valley, Missouri. Will appeal to fans of Charlotte Hubbard, Molly Jebber, Susan Lantz Simpson, and Kelly Long.

At the heart of a Missouri Amish community, a circle of caring friends—the Widows’ Club of Paradise Valley—sees each other through life’s storms, in this uplifting series from award-winning author Amy Lillard . . .
 
Joy Lehman has pressed on faithfully since losing her husband, raising their children and running a thriving bakery alone. Even caring for her oldest son, Johnny—seriously injured after a fall—has not shaken her fierce independence. Johnny will walk again, she’s sure. Until then, a meeting of the Widows’ Club at her home makes it clear that Joy must consider some costly renovations. Her brother-in-law, Uriah, is happy to provide the lumber and the labor—if Joy will accept his help.
 

Uriah understands family challenges—he’s a widower himself, and father to four daughters. Yet he can see that Joy’s struggle lies deeper than house repairs, in learning to accept an altered future for her son. As Uriah’s daughters begin helping in the bakery, and Joy and Uriah’s bond grows deeper, a new possibility glows bright—the unexpected happiness that lies in embracing one strong, united family, filled with support and love . . .

My Thoughts

One More Time for Joy by Amy Lillard is a sweet story. One More Time for Joy is the third book in the Paradise Valley series.  It can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series.   I have enjoyed each book in this charming series.  We get to catch up with the characters from the first two stories.   I like the characters in this story.  They are kind, hardworking individuals. Joy is doing her best to raise her children on her own since the death of her husband.  Joy’s oldest son, Johnny, was injured in an accident.  He is confined to a wheelchair.  Unfortunately, Joy’s house is not set up for someone in a wheelchair.  Joy’s brother-in-law, Uriah wishes to help.  It will make life easier for Johnny and Joy.  Uriah just needs to convince Joy.  The story centers on family and faith.  Joy and Uriah are both hardworking individuals who love their kids.  Uriah is a widower with four daughters.  There is some repetition of key details especially Joy’s hope that her son will walk again.  I like that the author addresses the challenges handicapped individuals face in a home.  Uriah is a kind and patient individual.  He is going to need that patience when dealing with Joy.  The romance is sweet, and it progressed at the right pace.   I enjoyed the humor sprinkled throughout the story.  Joy learns the importance of trusting God and following His path.  One More Time for Joy is an uplifting tale with constricted doorways, delectable bread, an obliging brother-in-law, troubled daughters, an optimistic mother, and a giving God.

One More Time for Joy is available from Amazon*.  The first two books in the Paradise Valley series are Marry Me, Millie and The Amish Matchmaker (both books can be read for free if you belong to Kindle Unlimited).  The next book in the Paradise Valley series When Hattie Finds Love which will be out November 28. It looks like it will be an entertaining tale. Amy Lillard has Murder of Aspic Proportions publishing on June 27.  It is the second A Sunflower Cafe Mystery.  You can find Amy Lillard's other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  Tomorrow I am featuring Barbara's Amish Truth Exposed by Tracy Fredrychowski.  It is the fourth novel in The Amish Women of Lawrence County.  I hope that you have a happy day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Amish Matchmaker by Amy Lillard

 The Amish Matchmaker

Book Summary

In this uplifting new inspirational romance series, award-winning authorAmy Lillard unites a “Widows’ Club” of women who share solace, friendship, faith—and mouthwatering Whoopie Pies—in the Amish community of Paradise Valley, Missouri. Will appeal to fans of Charlotte Hubbard, Molly Jebber, Susan Lantz Simpson, and Kelly Long.

While most women her age are searching for husbands, Astrid Kauffman has chosen a different path--writing romance novels and donating her profits to her beloved Amish community. But when Astrid struggles with writer’s block, she agrees to play matchmaker for Imogene Yoder, a widowed mother of rambunctious twin boys. Perhaps the diversion—and the entrée it gives Astrid to the stories among the Widows’ Club—will spark her creativity . . .

Fortunately, Astrid has just the match for Imogene: a widower she believes is the finest, most handsome man in town. In fact, Astrid realizes he’s perfect . . . for herself! Soon, the plot thickens as Imogene questions what kind of marriage she really wants, and Astrid wonders what kind of matchmaker falls for someone else’s match. But by letting faith guide the way, all involved may discover true love has written a far better next chapter than any of them expected . . .

 

My Thoughts

The Amish Matchmaker by Amy Lillard is an amusing story.  I chuckled often while reading this entertaining tale.  I thought the story contained good writing with interesting characters.  I loved Astrid who is confident and outgoing.  She also has an unusual profession for an Amish woman.  Imogene’s twin boys, Mattie and Mahlon Yoder, were a hoot.  They are ten years old and constantly getting into mischief.  They kept the story lively.  It was good to see the characters grow and become better people as a result of the meddling.  Astrid learns a good life lesson that she will not soon forget.  I liked that we get to see the importance of being pushed out of our comfort zone.  It may be uncomfortable, but we are better for it in the end.  I loved the epilogue that nicely wrapped up the book.  This was a fun story about friendship, family, meddling, and mischievous twins.  This is one of those feel-good stories that leaves you with a smile on your face when you finish it.  I am looking forward to One More Time for Joy.  The Amish Matchmaker is the second book in the Paradise Valley series.  It can be read as a standalone, but you will be missing out.  The Amish Matchmaker was a heartwarming, lighthearted tale with impish twins, writing troubles, a meddlesome matchmaker, a doggy dilemma, festival fun, and happy hearts.

The Amish Matchmaker publishes Tuesday, September 27 and it can be preordered from Amazon*.  The first book in the Paradise Valley series is Marry Me, Millie (can read for free through Kindle Unlimited).  The third book in the Paradise Valley series is One More Time for Joy which will be out on March 28, 2023.  You can follow Amy Lillard on Amazon and receive an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for dropping by today.  Murder on the Poet's Walk by Ellery Adams is on deck for tomorrow.  It is the eighth novel in The Book Retreat Mysteries.  I hope that you have a fun day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Dairy, Dairy Quite Contrary by Amy Lillard

 Dairy, Dairy Quite Contrary

Book Summary

Looking for a fresh start, advice columnist Sissy Yoder heads to small-town Yoder, Kansas, to help in her aunt’s café. But when a milkman is murdered, the newcomer becomes the prime suspect . . .

After Sissy’s rodeo cowboy boyfriend turns out to be more of a rodeo clown, she packs a bag, picks up her Yorkshire terrier Duke; and leaves Tulsa, Oklahoma, bound for her parents’ former hometown. There are still plenty of Yoders in Yoder, Kansas, including Sissy’s aunt Bethel, who owns the Sunflower Café but recently broke her leg. It’s a homecoming of sorts as Sissy arrives to help in the café and reunite with her pregnant cousin Lizzie. Plus, she can continue to secretly write her newspaper advice column as seventy-year-old “Aunt Bess.” But it’s Sissy who could use some advice when she finds the milk deliveryman out behind the café with a knife in his back. As the sheriff’s prime suspect, it’s up to Sissy to catch the backstabber herself—before someone else gets creamed . . .

My Thoughts

Dairy, Dairy Quite Contrary by Amy Lillard is the debut of A Sunflower Café Mysteries. We meet Sissy Yoder and her Yorkshire terrier, Duke.  They have traveled to Yoder, Kansas to help her aunt, Bethel who broke a leg.  Bethel needs help running the Sunflower Café.  Sissy is glad for an excuse to get away from Tulsa, Oklahoma after breaking up with her boyfriend and losing her apartment.  Unfortunately, Sissy’s fresh start begins with the murder of the local milk delivery driver in the back doorway of the Sunflower Café.  Deputy Sheriff Earl Berry has Sissy at the top of his suspect list.  The only way to clear her name is for Sissy to find the real culprit. I like Amy Lillard’s casual writing style.  It is welcoming and friendly.  The pacing is leisurely and could have used an injection of caffeine.  Sissy Yoder is a friendly character who has an adorable dog named Duke of York (aka Duke).  We meet a cast of quirky characters as Sissy works in the café and investigates the mystery.  I enjoyed the descriptions of Yoder.  It sounds like a quaint small town that is a mixture of English and Amish. I thought Sissy’s new home was clever and cute (I am not going to spoil it for you).  

The murder of the milkman happens early in the story.  Sissy is the prime suspect even though she barely knew the man.  There are several suspects since the milk delivery driver is the local lothario.  There are few clues which makes it challenging for Sissy to solve.  Sissy gets help from local reporter, Gavin.  I wish the whodunit had been stronger and more complex.  I also thought the mystery needed a better conclusion with any lingering questions answered.  I kept hoping the bumbling deputy sheriff would find himself the next victim.  In the end, Sissy finds the final piece of the puzzle and identifies the guilty party.  Gavin Wainwright is a reporter for the Sunflower Express, the local underground newspaper.  He helps Sissy with the mystery plus he is her new love interest.  I did feel it was a little soon for a love interest since Sissy is still getting over her ex-boyfriend.  I am hoping that the romance will progress slowly.  

I like Sissy’s job as the syndicated advice columnist Aunt Bess.  Aunt Bess is a sassy, know it all seventy-year-old grandmother (at least that is what everyone thinks).  Aunt Bess is plain spoken with plenty of helpful advice (Sissy should take some of it herself).  There are quotes from Aunt Bess at the beginning of each chapter.  Of course, Sissy has to have a cover occupation because no one knows that she is Aunt Bess.    The food descriptions will have your mouth watering, especially for chocolate peanut butter pie.  I enjoyed my first visit to Yoder, Kanas.  I am curious what trouble Sissy will stumble upon next time.   Dairy, Dairy Quite Contrary is cute cozy with the delightful Duke, the grabby Bethel, the loving Lottie, the laid-up Lizzie, the bullying Earl Berry, the scrumptious chocolate peanut butter pie, the grinning Gavin, and a suspicious Sissy.

Dairy, Dairy Quite Contrary will be out on Tuesday, June 28 and it can be preordered from Amazon*.  Amy Lillard has The Amish Matchmaker coming out on September 27.  It is the second novel in the Paradise Valley series.  You can find Amy Lillard's other novels here.  I appreciate you stopping by today and reading my book review.  Tomorrow I am featuring Suspects by Danielle Steel.  I hope that you have a cheerful day.  I am off to work on another project around the house.  I am trying to get one item off the to do list each day (that should tell you how long a list it is).  Take care, stay cool, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Marry Me, Millie by Amy Lillard

 Marry Me, Millie

Book Summary

Award-winning, USA Today bestselling author Amy Lillard's uplifting new series unites a "Widows Club" of women who share solace, friendship, and faith in the Amish community of Paradise Valley, Missouri. In this series starter, a young pregnant widow running a B&B meets a handsome outsider who begins to make her believe in love again.

When her young husband died unexpectedly, Millie Bauman thought her life was over too--until she learned she was carrying his child. Now, as she awaits the baby's arrival, Millie's sure her future will revolve around motherhood, the B&B she runs with her Aunt Sylvie, and the beloved Whoopie Pies her Widows Club whips up each week. But when a handsome newcomer arrives in town, Millie is intrigued, and the club wonders if Millie might find a second chance at love...

Henry King plans to stay in Paradise Valley long enough to take care of some family business, and hopefully mend the heartache of his own lost love. As Henry and Millie cross paths, it's clear their neighbors are gently trying to play matchmaker. Not wanting to disappoint, the two pretend to play along--but life gets complicated when a true and tender affection grows. As Millie gets ready to welcome her baby, they must rely on faith and fate to decide if they should risk their hearts on love again...

My Thoughts

Millie Bauman is a recent widow who is also six months pregnant.  She has moved to Paradise Valley and is staying with her Aunt Sylvie who runs a bed and breakfast.  Sylvie is also working on recipes for the upcoming Whoopie Pie Festival because she wants to continue her winning streak.    She is trying multiple flavors in order to find the winning combination.  Henry King has come to Paradise Valley to help his grandfather and convince him to move to Oklahoma.  He is also trying to get over his heartbreak at losing his fiancé.  She decided to go on a mission trip to Belize rather than marry Henry. Both Henry and Millie have decided that marriage is not for them.   Sylvie decides that Henry is perfect for Millie.  She teams up with Henry’s grandfather, Vern to play matchmaker.  They conspire to make sure that Henry and Millie manage to “bump” into each other (often).  Marry Me, Millie by Amy Lillard is the first novel in the Paradise Valley series.  I thought Marry Me, Millie was well-written with developed characters.  Amy Lillard created some delightful characters.  I thought they were realistic and relatable.  Millie is six months pregnant and still grieving the loss of her husband.  She decided a fresh start was needed.  Millie did not count on her Aunt Sylvie and the ladies of the Whoopie Pie Widows Club.  They are a romantic bunch as well as gossips.  I loved the humor in the story.  I laughed frequently while reading Marry Me, Millie. I liked the dialogue and the various storylines.  Marry Me, Millie has a good ending.   I am looking forward to the next novel in the Paradise Valley series.  There are recipes at the end for some of Sylvie’s baked goods.  Marry Me, Millie is a sweet story about faith, loss, family, hope, friendship, and new love.  Marry Me, Millie is an amusing Amish tale with wordy widows, whoopie pie competitiveness, a meddling matchmaker, a determined dawdi, and a gracious God. 

Marry Me, Millie is available from Amazon*.  You can find Amy Lillard's other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today and reading my review.  I am a stop on the Celebrate Lit tour for Buried Cold Case Secrets by Sami A. Abrams tomorrow.  I hope you will stop by to learn more about this suspense novel.  I hope that you have a satisfying day.  I am going to go work on our storage shed.  It needs reorganization desperately.  I need room for the outdoor decorations I have for each holiday.  I hope to have a tote (in the case of Halloween and Christmas it is multiple totes) for each holiday.  I want them all clearly labeled and in order.  I need to clear out the extraneous junk first.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

A Murder Like No Author by Amy Lillard

A Murder Like No Author

Book Summary

Bookstore owner Arlo and her Friday Night Book Club sleuths are going to have to read between the lines to solve this mystery!

It's movie time in Sugar Springs and the whole town is pitching together to get the historical Coliseum Theater ready for the event of the year—the premiere of Missing Girl, local author Wally Harrison's bestselling novel turned film.

Thrilled to bring tourists to Sugar Springs, the town comes together to host the late author's event. But when a stranger arrives, boasting he has definitive proof that Wally didn't write Missing Girl...well, drama leaps from the page into real life. Mishaps start taking place around the theater—and then the stranger is discovered dead in his hotel room right before his press conference.

Can Arlo and her Friday night book club to sleuth out the killer and solve the mystery before the town's Hollywood dreams go up in smoke?

My Thoughts

A Murder Like No Author by Amy Lillard has Arlo and the book club group try to solve the murder of a visitor who was causing a ruckus in town.  The town of Sugar Springs is getting ready to host the movie premiere of Missing Girl.  The film is based on the bestselling book by the late Wally Harrison.  The victim claimed he had proof that the author’s assistant really authored the novel.  He was killed before he could produce his evidence.  Arlo and the Friday Night Book Club (which is now meeting every day and rarely discusses books) set out to solve the crime before the movie premiere.  Arlo has her hands full this time trying to wrangle the ladies to keep them out of mischief and out of the Chief of Police’s hair.  Matters are further complicated by a series of incidents at the theater.  Fern claims it is ghosts, but Arlo has her doubts.  Can Arlo and the book club ladies get to the bottom of the murder? 

A Murder Like No Author is the 3^rd book in A Main Street Book Club Mysteries.  I suggest reading the books in order as each book builds upon the previous one.  It will allow you to understand the characters and their relationships.  The characters are developed and unique.  Arlo is a kind woman who is always there for her friends.  She has the patience of a saint.  She tries so hard to wrangle Helen, Camille, and Fern.  They can be a handful especially when they have an idea.  Mads Keller, the Chief of Police, is a good man who is rapidly losing patience with the senior sleuths.  Sam is going through a tough family situation.  Arlo feels for him and wishes there was more she could do for him.  My heart went out to Sam.  I understand what he is going through very well. The town of Sugar Springs is charming.  It is full of quirky residents and quaint shops.  I love the bookstore, though, I do not how Arlo can listen to Faulkner all day.  The mystery was thought out and there are good clues to help readers solve the crime.  I liked the red herring. The crime can easily be solved long before the reveal if you do not let Helen, Camille, and Fern’s antics distract you.  Everything comes together for a satisfying ending.  The Wally Harrison storyline which has been running through the first three books is finally put to bed.  There is plenty of humor in this cozy mystery that will have you chuckling and shaking your head.  I could do without the repetition.  It is a bit much after a while.  I also am not a fan of the sort-of love triangle between Arlo, Mads, and Sam.  I am hoping that Arlo will get with Mads.  Their relationship makes more sense to me, and they are a cute pair.  A Murder Like No Author is a spirited whodunit with a departed rebel rouser, hilarious hijinks, a cross chief, a lady in scarlet, and an overburdened bookstore owner.

A Murder Like No Author is available from Amazon*.  The first two books in A Main Street Book Club Mysteries are Can't Judge a Book by It's Murder (on Kindle Unlimited) and A Murder Between the Pages.  You can find Amy Lillard's other novels here. Amy Lillard has Marry Me, Millie publishing on December 28.   It is the first book in the Paradise Valley series. Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, and Shelley Shepard Gray have An Amish Quilting Bee releasing December 7.  I hope that you cheerful day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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