The Marriage Pact by Kathleen Fuller

 The Marriage Pact

Book Summary

Perry and Daisy's fake relationship is fooling everyone . . . but they're the ones who might be getting fooled.

When Daisy Hershberger and Perry Bontrager meet, they discover they have one thing in common: both their families are way too eager to see them matched with the person of their dreams. Daisy is convinced that Maynard is the one for her, but her parents have their doubts. And Perry? His family wonders if there's anyone out there for a quirky guy like him. He's also certain that some people--himself included--are destined to be single for life.

After comparing notes, Perry and Daisy agree to a pact. He'll help her make Maynard realize what he's missing, and she'll pretend to be Perry's love interest to keep his matchmaking mother satisfied. For a while, their pact seems to be working.

Maybe their imagined futures aren't exactly what fairy tales are made of, but they're committed to their plan . . . until they realize that a real-life fairy tale is happening where they least expect it. Sometimes, you don't have to pretend to be anything but yourself in order for love to find you.

The final book in the Amish of Marigold series is a heartwarming, cozy inspirational romance featuring a pretend relationship and plenty of small-town charm. A perfect read for fans of Beverly Lewis and Suzanne Woods Fisher.

My Thoughts

The Marriage Pact by Kathleen Fuller is the third and final An Amish of Marigold Novel.  This story can be read as a standalone for those new to the series, but you will want to read all the books in this cute series.  I like Kathleen Fuller’s writing style.  It is friendly and engaging.  I was quickly drawn into the story. The prologue had me chuckling.  I like Daisy Hershberger and Perry Bontrager.  Ferman Eash was a delight.  There was more to the crusty old widower than meets the eye.  Lady, the butterfly, was special (almost like a pet).  Perry has a large, boisterous family.  I could relate to him needing to go off alone in the middle of a family gathering (I would find a quiet corner to read—I always have a book or ereader with me).  Perry’s hobby was special.  He liked to observe butterflies, draw them, and he helped wounded butterflies.  The author’s vivid descriptions allowed me to visualize Perry’s unique guest room. I ended The Marriage Pact with a smile on my face (but sad that this series is over).  

The Marriage Pact is available from Amazon.  The first two books An Amish of Marigold Novels are The Courtship Plan and The Proposal Plot. You can find Kathleen Fuller's other novels here.  Thank you for joining me today!  I will return on Tuesday, May 13 with The Shop Down the Lane by Leslie Gould. It is the first book in the Letters from Lancaster County series. I hope that you have a restful weekend.  I will be working on a rock garden that I am installing in front of our three-season porch (it will feature metal birds when I do not have inflatables up).  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.

The Courtship Plan by Kathleen Fuller

 The Courtship Plan

Book Summary

Finding a husband is serious business. And serious business requires serious planning.

Charity Raber is one of many single women who came to Birch Creek, Ohio, with one goal in mind: secure a husband from among the desperate bachelors a newspaper advertisement claimed inhabited the town. Even though that claim proved to be nothing more than a cruel prank, Charity is still hopeful that her happy ending might be within reach when she’s set up on a date with Jesse Bontrager. That is until Jesse not-so-gently shares that he has no interest in a relationship with anyone—and especially not with her.

One year later, Charity is working as a caretaker for a kind, elderly English woman in the nearby town of Marigold. She’s also working hard on a brand-new courtship plan. A plan that absolutely does not involve Jesse Bontrager. But when he moves next door and is made aware of her scheming, Charity vows to prove that her plan is foolproof. Meanwhile, Jesse is sure she’ll make a fool of herself. And for some reason he’s not willing to let that happen.

This stubborn bachelor and determined bachelorette will soon learn that their plans rarely work out as expected—but God’s plans always will.

My Thoughts

The Courtship Plan by Kathleen Fuller is a cute story.  Charity Raber arrives in Birth Creek, Ohio with one goal in mind—to find a husband.  Charity’s critical stepmother showed her an ad stating that bachelor’s in the town were looking for wives and then she pushed her out the door.  Unfortunately, Charity has no success in finding a suitor.  Her hopes rise when she is set up on a lunch date with Jesse Bontrager.  It turned out to be nothing more than a cruel prank.  A year later, Charity is serving as a companion to a kind English woman near Marigold.  Charity still wishes to marry and has come up with a courtship plan.  Jesse takes a new job and moves in next door to Charity.  Jesse learns of Charity’s plan.  He is afraid that Charity will end up making a fool of herself.   Jesse has gotten to know Charity and he does not want to see her feelings hurt.  

I laughed often while reading The Courtship Plan.  The author created great characters.  I enjoyed getting to know Jesse, Charity, and Shirley Pearson.  Shirley is the older woman who is Charity’s employer.  I loved Monroe, Shirley’s dog.  I believe Monroe was Houdini in a previous life.  Monroe’s antics had me chuckling.  Charity is quirky character.  Her mouth had no filter.  Charity has a big heart.  She is aware of her failings thanks to her disparaging stepmother.  Jesse is a kindhearted man.  He is looking forward to peace and quiet in his new home (he comes from a large, noisy family).  Jesse did not count on the gregarious Charity or an escape artist dog.  The romance moved along at a gentle pace which suited the story and characters.  The faith elements include forgiveness, prayer, God’s plan for our lives, and God’s timing.  There is a good life lesson in this story.  The importance of taking responsibility for our actions and making things right (no matter how much time has passed).  I enjoyed the first An Amish of Marigold Novel, and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.  The Courtship Plan is an entertaining tale with an upsetting prank, a foolproof plan, an escapee pooch, a convivial family, and a gentle God.

The Courtship Plan is available from Amazon*.  Two to Tango is Kathleen Fuller's next release.  It is fourth A Maple Falls Romance and it will publish on July 11.  Readers can follow Kathleen Fuller on Amazon to receive an email when she has a new book coming out.  Thank you for joining me today.  Tomorrow I will share my thoughts on A Study in Chocolate by Amber Royer.  It is the fifth Bean to Bar Mystery.  I am off to battle a bolt and nut.  All I want to do is replace the old toilet seat.  Unfortunately, the nut is rusted in place.  I have tried dish soap and WD40.  I followed several suggestions I found online, but the nut has stayed in place.  The only option left is to cut the bolt off.   I tried to use the cutting wheel on the Dremel, and I ended up with two broken cutting wheels. It is time to bring out the big guns.  Wish me luck!  I hope that you have an uplifting day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

Love in Plain Sight by Kathleen Fuller

Love in Plain Sight

Book Summary

In the town of Birch Creek where the only danger is getting swept off your feet, Katharine Miller hides the secrets of her past . . . until she meets Ezra Bontrager and is forced to face the greatest risk of all—opening her heart to true love

After fleeing her hometown, Katharine finds peace and anonymity while working at Stoll’s Inn and keeping to herself. As long as her guard is up, she can protect herself and others from her past, with the hope that one day her family will forgive her for leaving.

Ezra Bontrager has never shared a love of farming with his brothers and father, and when he takes a job at Stoll’s Inn, he quickly finds even more reason to come to work every day. Although he has no intention of marrying anytime soon, Ezra can’t help but want to learn more about the quiet and mysterious newcomer who doesn’t appear to have come to Birch Creek looking for a husband, as so many have done after the want ad that advertised Birch Creek’s many bachelors.

As Katharine and Ezra continue to cross paths, Katharine feels her defenses lower, and Ezra no longer scoffs at the idea of marriage. Just as they start to hope for the future, the past comes roaring back—not just for Katharine and Ezra but for the entire community of Birch Creek. Confronting that past won’t be easy, but it brings the opportunity for love and grace to abound.

My Thoughts

Love in Plain Sight by Kathleen Fuller is touching story.  I thought Love in Plain Sight was well-written with developed, realistic characters.  I am glad that the author gave us a character like Katharine Miller.  She is overweight (at least in her mind) and suffers from terrible acne.  The situation with her fiancé has made her acne worse.  When her best friend learns what is happening, she encourages Katharine to escape.  Katharine arrives in Birch Creek where she tries to remain invisible.  The inn’s handyman, Ezra Bontrager has taken notice of the shy, quiet newcomer with the beautiful smile.  The local matchmakers have decided that Ezra and Katharine are perfect for each other and decide to do a little nudging.  I like that the author touched on difficult subjects.  I thought she handled them very well.  I was delighted that Katharine was a basket maker.  It is a wonderful art form (combining beauty and function), and I am glad the author had our main character make these pretty baskets.  I am glad that we get to catch up with the characters from the previous two books.  

The storyline involving the disgraced bishop is concluded.  The matchmakers, Cevilla and Delilah provide humor.  They are quite a pair.  I like how they rationalized their meddling.  I hope they never stop their matchmaking (even though Cevilla’s husband wants her to leave it in God’s hands).  I like the faith messages in this story.  The most important is that God does not promise we won’t have continual trials, only that he will be right beside us as we go through them to give us hope, comfort, and mercy.    Love in Plain Sight is an emotional story that deals with trust, forgiveness, faith, matchmaking, family, friends, and romance.  I loved the epilogue.   One of my favorite phrases from Love in Plain Sight is “I’m pointing out that we all have stuff about ourselves we don’t like.  Sometimes we can change those things, sometimes we can’t.  It’s what’s on the inside that counts, though.”  Love in Plain Sight is the third An Amish Mail Order Bride Novel.  While you could read Love in Plain Sight as a standalone, I believe it is best to read this series in order.  It will allow you to get to know the characters and their storylines.  Certain characters carry through all three books (like Delilah, Rhoda, Cevilla, Loren, Robert, Rhoda’s sons).  Love in Plain Sight is a poignant tale with an officious fiancé, meddlesome matchmakers, beautiful baskets, an indomitable investigator, a helpful friend, a surprising visitor, and a lasting love.

Love in Plain Sight will be out on Tuesday, May 3 and it can be preordered from Amazon*.  The other two An Amish Mail Order Bride Novels are A Double Dose of Love and Matched and Married.  If you follow Kathleen Fuller on Amazon, you will receive an email when she has a new book release.  Kathleen Fuller has The Courtship Plan coming out on January 17, 2023.  It is An Amish of Marigold Novel.  Thank you for stopping by today.  Tomorrow I am featuring What Remains True by Nancy Naigle. I hope that you have delightful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

An Amish Quilting Bee by Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, and Shelley Shepard Gray

 An Amish Quilting Bee

Book Summary

Three charming stories of cozy quilting circles and budding romance

 Patchwork Promises by Amy Clipston 

When Colin Zook and his beloved grandmother lose everything in a fire, their greatest loss is a beloved family heirloom quilt that helped keep her dementia at bay. When Joanne Lapp hears about the loss, she decides to re-create the quilt. Colin soon feels himself developing feelings for her, but he’s held back by the knowledge that a future with him would involve care of his grandmother and his farm. Will Joanne look past his list of responsibilities and see him for who he truly is?

A Common Thread by Kathleen Fuller 

Susie Glick returns from a shopping trip laden with beautiful fabric for her quilting group. On the bus ride, Alex Lehman—her crush from three years ago—sits next to her. Alex left Middlefield to explore the country, and now he’s back and ready to join the church. Susie was just a kid when he left, but now she’s a woman—and she definitely has his interest. The women in her quilting circle aren’t as excited about Alex’s return, assuming that he’ll leave again in search of adventure. Susie is convinced they’re wrong, but just as they start dating, Alex tells Susie he has to leave. He says he’ll return, but Susie must decide whether or not she can trust the man she fears has captured her heart.

Stitched Together by Shelley Shepard Gray 

Rosie’s joy is her yearly project for the Pinecraft Mennonite Quilt Sale, and she dreams of being the top earner. But she’s worried that she’s bitten off more than she can chew with her latest entry. To make things even more confusing, after coming to terms with her single state, she’s recently formed a friendship with Tim Christner. He’s only in town for a month, but he has Rosie wondering if she’s found love at last. Now all she has to do is figure out how to get the quilt done so she can concentrate on him. But with her once very organized life in total disarray, everything comes to a head just before the sale. Rosie is forced to reexamine her priorities before she loses not only her place in the quilt show but everything else she’s ever wanted.

My Thoughts

An Amish Quilting Bee by Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, and Shelley Shepard Gray contains three charming Amish tales.  I enjoyed all three tales of these sweet novellas.  Patchwork Promises by Amy Clipston has Colin Zook taking care of his dairy farm and his grandmother on his own.  They have endured a great deal of loss recently including a fire that destroyed their home and belonging.  His grandmother particularly feels the loss of a beloved quilt.  Joanne Lapp learns about the quilt and sets out to recreate it.  Joanne wants to make sure to get it right which results in spending time with Colin. Colin finds himself falling in love with Joanne, but he is sure that she could not care for him because of his responsibilities.  What does God have in store for Joanne and Colin?  A Common Thread by Kathleen Fuller has Susie Glick thrilled to discover that Alex Lehman has returned to town after two years.  Susie was a teenager when Alex left, but now he notices that she is a lovely woman.  They just begin dating when Alex must leave town.  Alex is shocked when he gets a letter from Susie calling off their courtship.  He does not understand Susie’s change of heart.  Will Alex accept her decision or fight for the woman he loves?  Stitched Together by Shelley Shepard Gray has Rosie working on an intricate quilt for the annual Pinecraft Mennonite Quilt Sale.  The proceeds help mission efforts, and the top quilt gets special recognition.  Rosie is worried she will not get the quilt done in time.  Then she meets Tim Christner, her sister’s brother-in-law.  Rosie wants to spend time with Tim while he is in town, but she has other obligations.  Everything is spiraling out of control for Rosie.  Can Rosie get her priorities in order before it is too late?  

I thought the three stories were well-written with realistic, developed characters.  I liked the life lessons we get from these novellas.  The importance of faith and what we are willing to do for those we love, everyone deserves a second chance and people can change, and as love develops, we must grow with it.  We also see the importance of communication in a relationship and to always follow God’s lead.  I like how the quilt theme ties the three stories together.  I enjoy stories that touch my heart and leave me smiling.  An Amish Quilting Bee has three sweet tales that are perfect for reading on a cold afternoon while snuggling under a cozy quilt.  

An Amish Quilting Bee is available from Amazon*.  Amy Clipston has Foundation of Love which is An Amish Legacy Novel publishing February 1, 2022.  I am eager to read it.  Kathleen Fuller has Love in Plain Sight releasing May 3, 2022.  It is the 3rd An Amish Mail Order Bride Novel.  I cannto wait to read the next book in this cute series.  Edgewater Road by Shelley Shepard Gray comes out March 3, 2022.  It is the debut of The Rumors in Ross County series.  It sounds interesting!  Thank you for stopping by today to read my review of this newly published book.  Some of the other books that came out today are:  Renewed for Murder by Victoria Gilbert, How to Book a Murder by Cynthia Kuhn, Pride Prejudice and Peril by Katie Oliver, A Plus One for Murder by Laura Bradford, Absence of Mallets by Kate Carlisle, and An Amish Quilting Bee. I hope that you have an enchanting day.  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.

Matched and Married by Kathleen Fuller

 Matched and Married

Book Summary

Neither Margaret nor Owen has any interest in getting married. But in the small Amish town of Birch Creek, where marriage is on everyone’s mind, their plans don’t stand a chance.

Margaret Yoder can’t seem to catch a break. Even though she’s dedicated to her Amish faith, her wild rumspringa won’t stay in the past, and her mother keeps pressuring her to get married. To placate her mother and get away from former “friends”, she decides to return to Birch Creek to visit family—and pretend to find a husband.

Like Margaret, Owen Bontrager isn’t looking for a spouse, something that’s hard to avoid in Birch Creek, where an ad for brides in the local paper has brought a swarm of single women to the thriving town. When he meets Margaret in an unexpected way, they discover they have more in common than they ever expected. In some ways, they are a perfect match.

Margaret struggles to keep her goal of avoiding romance in order to focus on being a faithful member of the Amish church, and it doesn’t help that she finds Owen intriguing. Knowing they don’t have a future together; she returns home and gives in to her mother’s insistence that she get married.

Can Margaret betray her feelings for Owen and become a dutiful daughter and wife to the man of her mother’s choosing? Or will Owen find a way to free Margaret of her past by giving her the future they both are surprised to find they desire?

My Thoughts

Margaret Yoder has decided to visit her relatives in Birch Creek for a fresh start.  She made a misstep and Margaret feels that the community is continually judging her including her family.  Owen Bontrager loves the family farm.  He works from sunup until he is ready to drop into bed.  His father can see that the work is taking a toll and insists that Owen take a weeks’ vacation.  Margaret and Owen both end up in the woods where they have similar interests in foraging and natural medicine.  Both of them insist that they are not looking for a relationship.  As time goes by, Owen and Margaret develop feelings for each other.  Margaret does not feel this is the right choice for her, but Owen is positive she is the right frau for him.  What does God have planned for Margaret and Owen?

Matched and Married by Kathleen Fuller is the 2^nd An Amish Mail Order Bride Novel.  It can be read as a standalone in case you have not indulged in A Double Dose of Love.  I thought Matched and Married was well-written with steady pacing.  It contains realistic characters who have normal fears, concerns, joys, and hopes.  I enjoyed meeting and getting to know Margaret Yoder and Owen Bontrager.  We get to see their friendship develop over their shared love of foraging and herbal medicine.  I did find Margaret a bit negative during the first half of the book.  I was baffled why Margaret felt it was wrong to use or investigate the abandoned shed in the woods.  It was obvious it had not been used in some time.  Owen has some great ideas for the family farm.  That type of out of the box thinking is what is needed if the farm is to survive.  Margaret and Owen will need to do soul searching and prayer before a resolution is achieved.  There was a side story focusing on Rhoda Troyer that was quite interesting.  She is lonely with her children married and her husband gone.  Emmanuel, Rhoda’s husband, took off years ago after his crimes were uncovered.  She has not seen or heard from him since then.  Should Rhoda continue to live in limbo?  The ending will leave you smiling.  It was great to catch up with the characters from A Double Dose of Love.  Love, hope, forgiveness, and the importance of being yourself (comfortable in your own skin) are featured in Matched and Married.   I am looking forward to reading Love in Plain Sight.    Matched and Married is a sweet Amish tale with a workaholic farmer, a shameful secret, an attentive aunt, a benevolent bishop, a fetching Englisher, adamant mother, and a wondering Amish woman.  

Matched and Married is available from Amazon*.  The first An Amish Mail Order Bride Novel is A Double Dose of Love.  The next An Amish Mail Order Bride Novel is Love in Plain Sight which publishes on May 3, 2022.  It is the story of Katherine Miller who is staying at the inn and Ezra Bontrager.  Kathleen Fuller has Wreathed in Joy coming out on October 12.  The author also has the 2nd A Maple Falls Romance which is Much Ado about a Latte publishing January 4, 2022.  You can follow Kathleen Fuller on Amazon so you can receive emails when she has a new book coming out.  The images I used today have an Amish farmer (representing Owen), burdock (Margaret was looking for burdock root when she encountered Owen in the woods), and fiddlehead ferns (which Owen and Margaret went looking for together).  Thank you for taking time out of your day to read my review.  A Christmas in the Alps by Melody Carlson is planned for tomorrow.  I look forward to reading Melody Carlson's Christmas book each year.  May you have a blessed day.  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.

An Amish Schoolroom by Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, and Shelley Shepard Gray

 An Amish Schoolroom

Book Summary

Three charming stories of new school years and new romance. 

A Class for Laurel  by Amy Clipston 

Adventurous Laurel Weaver leaves Pennsylvania to answer a newspaper ad for a teaching position in Colorado. She stays with handsome Glen Troyer’s family, and they become close. However, she never intended to stay in Colorado, and his family worries Glen may choose to follow her back to Pennsylvania or be left with a broken heart. Now she can’t bear to think of leaving Glen and her beloved students, but she’s beginning to feel like she’s out of options. Will Laurel and Glen push through the obstacles and fight for love? 

A Lesson on Love  by Kathleen Fuller 

Priscilla Helmuth left her Amish community twelve years ago to pursue her dream of being a country singer, but she’s missed her faith and her family. Now, she’s moving to Birch Creek to be a schoolteacher. Micah Wagler recently moved there as well to put the past behind him. As the community comes together to build a new schoolhouse, Priscilla and Micah are thrown together. They bond over their love of music, but soon it appears that Priscilla’s dreams of fame just might be coming true. She has to give up something, and Micah worries that it will be their faith . . . and his heart. 

Wendy’s Twenty Reasons  by Shelley Shepard Gray 

Wendy Schwartz is used to people underestimating her, but she’s sure she can be a great teacher. Unfortunately, it’s a disaster not long after she starts, and soon her job is in jeopardy. To make matters more complicated, she worries that she’s falling for the son of the older couple she’s boarding with. Lewis Weaver knows he shouldn’t have a romantic relationship with a tenant, but he can’t help but be drawn to Wendy. When a dangerous ice storm traps Wendy in the schoolroom with her students, uncomfortable truths will have to be faced by the town that just might change the future for everyone. 

Sweet Amish novellas with happily-ever-afters with discussion questions at the end of each one.

My Thoughts

An Amish Schoolroom contains three heartwarming novellas by Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, and Shelley Shepard Gray.  Each Amish tale is about a woman whose desire to become a teacher is finally fulfilled.  As they embark on their new adventure, each lady meets a handsome, friendly man.  I liked that each story was set in a different Amish community.  We get a glimpse of what it is like to teach school in a one-room schoolhouse with students from six to fourteen.  I thought each of the stories were well-written with realistic characters and beautiful settings. 

 

A Class for Laurel by Amy Clipston takes us to Monte Vista, Colorado where Laurel Weaver meets Glen Troyer.  They become friends, and then begin dating.  Glen’s family, though, worries that he will move away or get his heart broken.  Can love triumph?  This was such a sweet story.  I was drawn in right away.  I liked the characters especially Glen’s grandmother.  I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of Monte Vista, Colorado. It sounds like a beautiful area (the word imagery makes me want to visit).  The romance was sweet and progressed nicely.  I appreciated the epilogue that nicely wrapped up the story.  I hope we get to revisit this community again (hint, hint Amy Clipston).  

A Lesson on Love by Kathleen Fuller has Priscilla Helmuth returning to the Amish after pursuing her dream in Nashville.  Priscilla is hired as the teacher in Marigold, Ohio.  When she goes to purchase a buggy, Priscilla meets buggy maker Micah Wagler.  There is an instant attraction between them, but Priscilla worries about their age difference.  A maedel in the community feels she has dibs on Micah which causes conflict.  Just when Micah and Priscilla become close, Priscilla receives some surprising news.  A Lesson on Love was an easy-to-read story.  I liked that there was an age difference between Micah and Priscilla.  It gives us something different along with Priscilla’s dream of being a country music singer.  This is a charming story.

Wendy’s Twenty Reasons by Shelley Shepard Gray has Wendy Schwartz realizing her dream of becoming a teacher.  Wendy intends to prove she can handle the job despite her young age.  It is proving difficult as her students miss their former teacher and a nosy mother questions her abilities.  Wendy finds her landlord’s son, Lewis to be friendly and helpful.  She enjoys spending time with him and finds herself wanting more than friendship.  Wendy does not want to pick between teaching and love.  If things do not improve at school, though, Wendy could find herself returning home and her teaching dream over.  This was an engaging story that was over far too soon.  It has good characters and a thought-out plot.  I liked the humor sprinkled throughout the story.  I like how it all came together.  I liked that we get to see things from the male and female perspective in each novella.  An Amish Schoolroom is a charming collection of stories.  They are great individually and work wonderfully together.  Each novella has special characters, a beautiful setting, unexpected love, and a pesky problem.  An Amish Schoolroom is an irresistible trio of Amish tales that was the perfect way so spend a rainy Saturday afternoon.  

An Amish Schoolroom is available from Amazon*.  These authors have The Amish Quilting Bee releasing December 7.  You can find Amy Clipston's other delightful Amish novels here, Kathleen Fuller's creations here, and Shelley Shepard Gray's charming publications here.  Kathleen Fuller has Matched and Married publishing September 7.  Shelley Shepard Gray has A Christmas Courtship coming out October 19.  Amy Clipston has Foundation of Love publishing February 1, 2022.  It is the first An Amish Legacy Novel.  I hope you enjoy An Amish Schoolroom as much as I did.  It is always nice to relax with sweet  Amish stories.  Thank you so much for joining me today.  100 Proof Murder by Mary Ellis is scheduled for tomorrow.  It is 2nd A Bourbon Tour Mystery.  I hope you have peaceful day.  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.

Hooked On You by Kathleen Fuller

 Hooked On You

Book Summary

Hooked On You by Kathleen Fuller has Riley McAllister reluctantly returning to Maple Falls, Arkansas to help her grandmother after she breaks a leg sliding into third base.  She needs Riley to run her yarn shop while she recovers.  Riley is hoping she can convince her grandmother to sell the shop and retire.  Riley wants to get out of Maple Falls and return to New York City as quickly as possible.  She is surprised when Hayden Price picks her up at the airport.  Riley had a crush on Hayden in high school, but they moved in different circles.  It only takes a short time in Hayden’s company to learn that Riley has feelings for him.  Riley is determined to not let him get close because she is not about to let her dreams get derailed.  She needs his help, though, in getting her grandmother’s house fixed up as well as the shop.  As they spend time together, their feelings deepen.  Riley also begins making friends.  But then someone from her past returns to town bringing up old disappointments and pain.  Riley wants to flee back to New York.  Will the past keep Riley from having a bright future in Maple Falls?

My Thoughts

Hooked On You by Kathleen Fuller is the first A Maple Falls Romance.   I have mixed feelings about this book.  I enjoyed the descriptions of the mixed media art, Maple Falls, and the grandmother’s yarn shop.  I loved Erma McAllister, Riley’s grandmother.  She is a lively character with a big heart.  I hope I am as spirited as Erma when get to be her age.  I also enjoyed Erma’s group of friends called the Bosom Buddies.    I am not a fan of Riley McAllister with her numerous issues.  I found her to be overly dramatic especially later in the book in a scene with Erma.  Reading about Riley and her various troubles just made me anxious.  I like to become immersed in books (relax and enjoy), but I was unable to with Hooked On You.   There is limited character development.  We learn more about the main characters as the story progresses in a piecemeal fashion.  The story moves at a slower pace until the ending which felt rushed.  I also thought the dialogue was awkward (stilted).  Personally, I feel that Maple Falls with Erma (as an amateur sleuth) and the Bosom Buddies (helping her investigate the crimes) would make the great basis for a cozy mystery series.    Hooked on You was not a good fit for me.  I was not able to get into the story.  I ended up skimming parts of the book until I reached the end.  I suggest you obtain a sample of Hooked On You to see if it is a book that you would enjoy.  Different books appeal to different people (that is their beauty).  Hooked On You is a lighthearted Christian romance about finding love, family, friendships, and forgiveness.  

Hooked On You can be purchased from Amazon*.  Much Ado about a Latte is the second book in A Maple Falls Romance series which publishes January 4, 2022.  Kathleen Fuller has Matched and Married releasing September 7.  You can find Kathleen Fuller's other novels here.   Thank you for visiting today.  I am featuring The Break-Up Book Club by Wendy Wax tomorrow.   I hope you have cheerful day.  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.