D is for Daisy by Shelley Shepard Gray

  D is for Daisy

Book Summary

Newcomers are always welcome in the rural Amish community of Walden, Ohio, but in this heartwarming inspirational romance from beloved New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Shelley Shepard Gray, a 50-something couple planning for early retirement learn even the simple life can sometimes be complicated. For fans of Beverly Lewis, Amy Clipston, and Charlotte Hubbard—and anyone who enjoys wholesome, uplifting stories about faith, family, and love.

Early retirement never sounded so good to Mervin and Ruthie Miller. After a lifetime in Millersburg, where Mervin worked at a furniture and shed factory and Ruthie helped out at a fabric store, they have exciting plans: They’re going to become “Amish Gentlemen Farmers.” That means buying a 30-acre, ramshackle farm, and all that comes with it—no matter what their grown children, friends, and aching muscles think . . .

Aaron Miller is worried about his parents, but there’s little he can do now that he lives in Kentucky and has a baby on the way. Then his childhood best friend, Kyle Burkholder, makes a heaven-sent offer: he’ll move in with Aaron’s parents to teach them about raising cows and chickens, and even give weekly reports to Aaron.

The arrangement is going well—until Kyle stumbles upon Daisy Lapp who’s just been in a bicycle accident. When he visits her in the hospital, he knows there’s something special between them. So does Daisy. But her something special is the fact that Kyle lives on the farm she’d always dreamed of buying one day. She knows it’s wrong, but she’s jealous. She wants nothing to do with Kyle and politely tells him so.

Still, like the Millers, Kyle’s not one to give up easily. Not on himself, not on the farm, and certainly not on Daisy. With dedication and a leap of faith, the lives they envisioned just might come true . . .

My Thoughts

D is for Daisy by Shelley Shepard Gray is a charming and heartwarming Amish story with delightful characters and an uplifting message. Daisy quickly won me over with her lively spirit and unconventional ways. Unlike many Amish women, she feels most at home in the barn rather than in the house, and her deep love for animals makes her especially endearing. Kyle is a wonderful match for her, and I enjoyed watching their story unfold. I also found Kyle’s bosses, Mr. and Mrs. Miller, to be entertaining additions to the story as they enthusiastically buy a farm without having any real idea how to run one. Their situation adds humor and warmth to the book. 

This sweet story blends hope, friendship, family, romance, and faith in a way that feels sincere and encouraging. Although D is for Daisy is the fourth book in the Amish ABC’s series, it can easily be read as a standalone. With its lovable characters, gentle humor, and heartfelt message, D is for Daisy is a sweet Amish romance that blooms with hope from beginning to end.

D is for Daisy comes out June 30 and it can be preordered from Amazon. You can find the first three books in the Amish ABCs series here.  The fifth book in the Amish ABC series will be E is for Englischer which will be out on November 24.  You can follow Shelley Shepard Gray to get notified when she has a new book release and take a moment to check out the rest of her delightful books.  

I will return on Tuesday, June 30 when I am a stop on the Celebrate Lit Blog Tour for Miriam's Little Gentleman by Anne Blackburne. May your day be filled with laughter and love.  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.

Easter Egg Murder by Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis, and Peggy Ehrhart

Easter Egg Murder

Book Summary

Light pink, robin’s egg blue, daffodil yellow, mint green—Easter eggs hiding sweet treats come in every pastel color. But in a few small towns this year, cracking them could be more fatal than fun…

EASTER EGG MURDER by LESLIE MEIER

In Provence to visit her daughter, part-time reporter Lucy Stone is soaking up the atmosphere, even if it includes one Carole Capobianco, the empty-nester she encountered on the flight over. Not exactly two peas in a pod, they’re both amused by the tale of a neighbor’s chickens refusing to lay eggs. The decoy eggs he’s set out to encourage the egg-centric hens are not only gorgeously Faberge-style, they’re being stolen! That’s confusing enough, but what’s happened to the cook is deadly serious.

DEATH BY ANOTHER EASTER EGG by LEE HOLLIS

When an ambitious young reporter dies mid-meal at Hayley Powell’s Bar Harbor restaurant, Hayley is horrified. Determined to save her eatery’s reputation, Hayley scrambles to crack the case wide open like an egg, discovering that the victim was about to break a juicy story—one that a number of people (er, suspects) did not order off the menu. Which makes finding the killer more than devilishly hard . . .

AN EGGY WAY TO DIE by PEGGY EHRHART

Cleaning up after the Easter egg hunt in the Arborville park, friends Pamela and Bettina are startled to find something else hidden—the dead body of a local cookbook author, surrounded by broken shells and slippery yolks. The pair are far from hard-boiled detectives, but as they search for clues, they find that the whole case smells distinctly like rotten eggs . .

My Thoughts

Easter Egg Murder contains three Easter themed novellas by Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis, and Peggy Ehrhart.  I was looking forward to reading Easter Egg Murder by Leslie Meier because I have been following Lucy Stone’s adventures since the beginning.  Unfortunately, the author included Carole Capobianco from her new series The Carole and Poopsie Mysteries.  Carole is brash, rude, and annoying (her family is just as bad). The narrative unfolds through alternating chapters from Lucy’s and Carole’s perspectives. Bill was irritable and not quite himself. While the mystery was fine, it felt somewhat implausible. I wish there had been more time devoted to Elizabeth who is expecting her first child. 

Death By Another Easter Egg by Lee Hollis felt rushed.  The killer was easy to spot, and, for some reason, Hayley had some blonde moments in this story. An Eggy Way to Die by Peggy Ehrhart has a cute title, but the writing is overly descriptive, especially  about food. The mystery was simple and I thought it unusual that it was resolved a couple of chapters before the end of the novella.  Easter Egg Murder was not the crackin’ good time that I was eggspecting.  

Easter Egg Murder will appeal to fans of the series.  Easter Egg Murder will be out on Tuesday, February 24 and it can be preordered on Amazon*.  The next A Lucy Stone Mystery is Countdown to Christmas Murder which comes out September 29.  Death of a Grill Master is the next A Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery and it will be out on September 29.  Lee Hollis has a new cozy mystery series publishing on May 26.  The debut book in A Downeast Maine Mysteries is The Chowder House Murder.  If you follow Peggy Ehrhart on Amazon, they will let you know when she has a new A Knit and Nibble Mystery releasing.  

Thank you for joining me today.  There are a number of new books coming out next week (they have kept me busy).  I will return on Tuesday, February 24 with Deadly Rodeo Threat by Sami A. Abrams.  It is the second book in the Stone Creek Ranch series.  We need to enjoy the warmer weather this weekend before the next cold front arrives.  I am hoping that this will be the last one before spring (a girl can hope).  I wish you an enjoyable and restful weekend.  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.

Death by Irish Coffee by Alex Erickson

Death by Irish Coffee

Book Summary

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

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

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

My Thoughts

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

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

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

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

 

Kris

The Avid Reader

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

*This post contains affiliate links. 

The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unattached Neighbor by Jennifer Beckstrand

 The Amish Quiltmaker's Unattached Neighbor

Book Summary

Irrepressible Colorado Amish quiltmaker Esther Kiem is delighted to help the four Yoder sisters stitch together their beloved great-grandmother’s birthday quilt…especially when it means putting her matchmaking talents to use!

Infused with her signature humor and heart, award-winning, USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Beckstrand blends quilting, mischief, and matchmaking for the sixth Amish Quiltmaker romance – perfect for fans of Amy Clipston, Wanda Brunstetter, and Linda Byler.

At thirty-two, Ada Yoder is resigned to caring for her three sisters, her ever-impractical father, and their prosperous, but demanding, farm. The last kind of trouble she needs is Enos Hoover claiming that six acres of their land actually belongs to him—and taking steps to prove it. But Ada soon finds that battling Enos' clever strategies is delightfully intriguing—and lighting an impossible spark . . .

Enos is determined to make his mater proud by turning difficult acreage into a successful farm. Legally, he is in the right to reclaim the land from the Yoders. But Ada's hard-working stubbornness and refreshing honesty are proving to be more of an irresistible challenge than an obstacle. Now, can Enos and Ada find enough faith and understanding to reconcile family, duty, and love—and stake their claim on a forever happiness together?

Sometimes the greatest blessings come in disguise . . .

My Thoughts

The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unattached Neighbor by Jennifer Beckstrand is an entertaining story.  I like the characters in this series and the new ones introduced in this story.  I enjoyed getting to know Ada Yoder better.  Ada and Enos got off to an inauspicious start. Ada is a determined woman, and the Yoder’s new neighbor, Enos Hoover, is just as stubborn (patient and kind, but stubborn as a mule).  A dispute over six acres of land is going to test their mettle. I like that the story is told from Ada and Enos’s point of view.  We get to see each of their perspectives on the various situations.    I enjoyed the interactions between the pair.  Their conflicts and awkward moments were the beginnings of their relationship.  

Cathy is a hoot.  She has some great dialogue that provides many laugh out loud moments.  Her purse reminds me of Mary Poppins’ bag (you never know what will come out of Cathy’s bag next). I liked seeing the characters develop, especially Ada and Beth.  It was great to catch up with the other Yoder sisters and their families.  While The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unattached Neighbor is the sixth book in The Amish Quiltmaker series, it can be read as a standalone.  I like Jennifer Beckstrand’s writing style.  I find it to be engaging. Her characters are relatable, and I love the humor sprinkled throughout her stories (I laughed often while reading this story as well as the others in the series).  The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unattached Neighbor is a diverting tale with a land dispute, a firm fence, tent troubles, water rights, a messy house, foreshadowing quilt blocks, and a happy harvest.

The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unattached Neighbor is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other novels in The Amish Quiltmaker series here (the first four can be borrowed through Kindle Unlimited). If you follow Jennifer Beckstrand on Amazon, they will notify you when she has a new book release.  Thank you so much for joining me today.  I know it is a busy time of year.  Tomorrow I am featuring Taken at Christmas by Jodie Bailey. It is the first book in the Trinity Investigative Team series.  I am off to finish setting up my yard display.  I am working on the final section today. Then I can start on my neighbor's yard where Santa and his friends are going to be rockin' out.  I hope that you have a beautiful 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.

Murder on the Page by Daryl Wood Gerber

 

Murder on the Page

 

Murder on the Page (A Literary Dining Mystery) by Daryl Wood Gerber

About Murder on the Page

Murder on the Page (A Literary Dining Mystery) 

Cozy Mystery 

1st in Series 

Setting - North Carolina 

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kensington Cozies (October 22, 2024) 

 

Featuring twin hooks that cozy readers can’t get enough of—classic books and delicious food—this new series from the Agatha Award-winning, nationally bestselling author of several much loved series, including the Fairy Garden Mysteries and the French Bistro Mysteries, is a delicious treat for mystery lovers, especially fans of Ellery Adams, Krista Davis, and Lauren Elliott.

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that a genuinely top-notch party must be in want of a theme. Allie Catt, caterer and personal chef in the beautiful mountain community of Asheville, North Carolina, has devised a winning formula by using her clients’ favorite books as inspiration. Her first themed event is based on Pride and Prejudice (Allie’s cat, Darcy, approves), and it’s so popular that soon she has grand ideas for future parties based on Rebecca, The Great Gatsby, Babette’s Feast and more.

Business is booming, and a rival catering company is fuming. But there’s a sting in the tale when the aunt of one of Allie’s clients and best friends, Tegan, is murdered. Tegan is the victim’s sole heir, and quickly becomes the main suspect. Allie has no doubts about her friend’s innocence, but how to prove it?

Once again, her love of literature comes to the rescue, and with some guidance from her favorite fictional detectives, including Hercule Poirot and Sherlock Holmes, Allie sifts through the clues.

With a little luck—and the kind of pluck that would make Elizabeth Bennett proud—she may be able to stop a killer from serving up a second course of murder . . .

About Daryl Wood Gerber

Daryl Wood Gerber is the Agatha Award-winning and nationally bestselling author of the Literary Dining Mysteries, the Fairy Garden Mysteries and the Cookbook Nook Mysteries. As Avery Aames, she penned the popular Cheese Shop Mysteries. In addition, Daryl writes suspense including the well-received The Son’s Secret, Girl on the Run, and the popular Aspen Adams suspense novels. Recently Daryl, who loves a challenge, published a Christmas romance, Hope for the Holidays. Fun Tidbit: as an actress, Daryl appeared in “Murder, She Wrote.” She loves to cook, garden, read, and walk her frisky Goldendoodle. Also she has been known to jump out of a perfectly good airplane. You can learn more on her website: https://darylwoodgerber.com

Cozy Bookstore

Author Links

WEBSITE: https://darylwoodgerber.com 

FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/darylwoodgerber 

BOOKBUB: https://bookbub.com/authors/daryl-wood-gerber

YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/woodgerb1

INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/darylwoodgerber

GOODREADS: https://goodreads.com/darylwoodgerber

TIKTOK: www.tiktok.com/@daryl_wood_gerber

AMAZON: https://bit.ly/Daryl_Wood_Gerber_page

NEWSLETTER: https://darylwoodgerber.com/contact-media/ 

My Thoughts

I sat down eager to read Murder on the Page by Daryl Wood Gerber which is the debut of A Literary Dining Mysteries. There are a number of characters introduced in the beginning and it took me a while to keep them all straight.  Allie Catt is a talented chef and avid reader.  The mystery was interesting, but Allie needs to work on her sleuthing techniques (it is her first murder).   There were plenty of clues to help readers solve the crime.  We get a play-by-play of Allie’s daily activities, how she made each dish, and what each person wore (down to their boots). These details felt like filler since they did not contribute to the story (you may find yourself envying a pair of boots). The food descriptions will have your mouth watering.  Pride and Prejudice fans will enjoy the references to that tale as well as the quotes. The beginnings of a romance between Allie and a certain someone lacked believability.  We will have to wait and see what happens in the next A Literary Dining Mystery.  Murder on the Page is a curious culinary cozy with busy bookstore, gastronomic triumphs, a dead friend, a rival caterer, a cold detective, curious clues, a revealing will, and a plucky chef. 

Murder on the Page is available from  AMAZON, BARNES AND NOBLE, BOOKSHOP.ORG,  KOBO, and MYSTERIOUS GALAXY.  You can find Daryl Wood Gerber's other novels here. Daryl Wood Gerber has Essence of Foul Play coming out March 25, 2025.  It is the debut of An Aroma Wellness Mysteries. Would you like to win a copy of Murder on the Page along with some swag?  Click here to enter.  Good Luck!  Thank you for stopping by today.  I was not sure that I would be able to do this post.  Hurricane Milton was extremely destructive and my home was not spared.  I was certainly grateful when our power was restored.  Our carport, storage shed, and screened in porch suffered damage as well as our roof (it looks like the edge of our roof was pried up). Naturally, that means water has gotten inside and caused damage.  Thankfully, my mother and I are okay as well as our neighbors.  I am lucky to live in such a caring and helpful community.  I will return tomorrow to feature A Christmas Duet by Debbie Macomber.  Do not forget to enter the giveaway!  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

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Tour Participants 

October 15 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW

October 15 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT

October 15 – Deal Sharing Aunt – REVIEW

October 16 – Reading With Mrs Leaf – RECIPE

October 16 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

October 16 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

October 17 – Christy's Cozy Corners – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT

October 17 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – REVIEW

October 18 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW

October 18 – Sarah Can't Stop Reading Books – REVIEW

October 19 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

October 19 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW

October 20 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT

October 20 – Boys' Mom Reads! – REVIEW

October 21 - Jody's Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

October 21 - Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW

October 21 – Melina's Book Blog – REVIEW

October 21 - Ascroft, eh? – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT

*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.

Pumpkin Spice Puppy by Laurien Berenson

 Pumpkin Spice Puppy

Book Summary

It’s autumn in Connecticut and there’s a chill in the air, the fall leaves are a riot of color, and pumpkin spice is the flavor of the season. Melanie Travis is perennially busy, of course—but when the owner of a local pet supply shop is found murdered, sleuthing tops her To Do list . . .

Between taking care of her family and assorted Standard Poodles, Melanie is also working as a special needs tutor for Howard Academy, a private school in Greenwich, where her younger son attends kindergarten. This year, the headmaster has come up with an idea for a school fundraiser. All students will participate in a town-wide treasure hunt, with grades competing against each other.

Tokens shaped like pumpkin spice muffins have been hidden in downtown stores. Students will scramble to collect as many as they can in exchange for prizes. At first all goes smoothly, and the uptick in foot traffic to the stores is a win-win. . . . . Until the pet supply shop owner lodges a complaint. When Melanie stops by to smooth things over, she instead finds the man dead, a knife in his back, and his loyal, ever-vigilant Chow Chow locked in the storeroom.

Over the headmaster's objections, Melanie is once again drawn into an investigation. It doesn't take her long to gather a list of suspects, from neighbors balking about the number of rescue Chows the man was fostering in his home, to the landlord who’d filed an eviction notice against him, to the bitter ex-wife who is happy he's gone. With the fundraiser soon drawing to a close and celebrations imminent, Melanie will have to follow every clue—before the biggest prize is staying alive . . .

My Thoughts

Pumpkin Spice Puppy by Laurien Berenson is a cute cozy mystery.  Melanie Travis and her standard poodle sidekick, Faith discover a shopkeeper dead and, naturally, she finds herself drawn into the investigation. Pumpkin Spice Puppy is easy to read with steady pacing.  The author captured fall in New England (makes me eager for fall to arrive which will be November in Florida).  I was able to identify the killer from the moment of their introduction (I have read a number of mysteries over the years, so it is not often that I am stymied), but I did not know their motive (and I want to know why they did it).  There are clues to help readers solve the whodunit (if you pay attention).  I like Melanie’s straightforward method of questioning.  Melanie and Faith have a great relationship (it’s like they know what each other is thinking).  

Melanie has a very busy life with her job, husband, the two boys, the dogs, and dog shows.  And let us not forget the formidable Aunt Peg.  I do not know how she fits in sleuthing.  It helps that she has Sam who is an understanding and helpful husband. The story has a good ending.  I am looking forward to Melanie’s next sleuthing adventure. Pumpkin Spice Puppy is the thirtieth A Melanie Travis Canine Mystery, but it can be read as a standalone for those new to the series.  Pumpkin Spice Puppy is a fun fall whodunit with treasure hunt troubles, a Chow called Cider, pumpkin spice cookies, falling leaves, dog show season, and a happily hectic home.

Pumpkin Spice Puppy can be purchased from Amazon*.  You can find the other A Melanie Travis Canine Mysteries here (many of the Kindle versions are on sale).  If you follow Laurien Berenson on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for dropping by today.  I will return on Tuesday, September 3 with A Lancaster Amish Christmas by Anne Blackburne, Amy Clipston, Amy Lillard, and Mindy Steele. It is hard to believe that August is almost over.  The month whizzed by so quickly that I almost got whiplash.  I hope that you have a relaxing and happy Labor Day weekend.  It is  a great weekend to cook on the grill and spend time at the pool or the beach (a great way to beat the heat and humidity). Take care, stay safe, 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.