The Rancher's Unlikely Match by Jill Kemerer

 The Rancher's Unlikely Match

Book Summary

Could her fresh start…
…be the answer to his prayers?

Widowed rancher Ben Wright doesn’t need more complications, especially not runaway goats from the pretty new farmer next door, Jessica Howard. With three kids, a farm and a baseball team to coach, he’s earned his gruff reputation. Jessica left a draining social work career in Houston, hoping for a fresh start and to save her inherited farm from debt—the last thing she needs is a grumpy neighbor. But despite their rocky start, Jessica begins to see past his tough exterior as she spends time with his kids. When old hurts arise, Ben and Jessica must decide…is a future together worth fighting for?

Tumbleweed, Texas Series

Book 1: The Coach's Secret Child by Lee Tobin McClain

Book 2: The Pastor's Easter Prayer by Tina Radcliffe

Book 3: The Police Chief's Instant Family by Mindy Obenhaus

Book 4: The Rancher's Unlikely Match by Jill Kemerer

My Thoughts

The Rancher’s Unlikely Match by Jill Kemerer is a cute story.  I like the author’s friendly and engaging writing style.  The main characters are developed and likeable.  I particularly appreciated Ben’s three children, whose presence contributed humor and positivity. The goats and their behavior were also quite entertaining.  I liked the cozy town of Tumbleweed, Texas with its friendly residents.  The romance between Ben and Jessica is sweet and progresses at just the right pace.  While The Rancher’s Unlikely Match is the fourth book in the Tumbleweed, Texas series, it can be read as a standalone.  I enjoyed reading the series, and I am sorry that this is our last visit.  The Rancher’s Unlikely Match is a heartwarming tale with galloping goats, a new neighbor, formulating lotion, baseball troubles, a daddy daughter dance, and, hopefully, a happily ever after. 

The Rancher’s Unlikely Match is available from Amazon.  The first three books in the Tumbleweed, Texas series are The Coach’s Secret Child, The Pastor’s Easter Prayer, and The Police Chief’s Instant Family.  You can follow Jill Kemerer on Amazon and they will send you an email when she has a new book release. Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return on Wednesday, April 29 with Witness Safeguard Mission by Carol J. Post.  It is the fourth book in the Canine Defense Series.  I hope you have a terrific Tuesday.  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 Rancher's Stolen Past by Tabitha Bouldin

 The Rancher's Stolen Past

Book Summary

A man in search of redemption.

A love he will fight to deserve.

Coming home isn’t easy for cowboy Zane Kingsley—but he’s eager to earn back the trust of the woman he never stopped loving. Single mom Molly Jacobs is still grieving the husband she lost six years ago, and the last person she wants to see is the man she blames for his death. When they’re forced to work together at a summer riding program for kids, Molly can’t help but notice the growing bond between Zane and her young son. Can Zane convince her that he’s a changed man and that he’s worthy of her forgiveness…and her love?

My Thoughts

The Rancher’s Stolen Past by Tabitha Bouldin is a sweet story about forgiveness and redemption.  I liked the characters, especially Zane.  Zane is not the same rebellious teen who left town many years ago.  He wishes to apologize for his past misdeeds and seeks forgiveness.  He is hoping Molly Jacobs will be willing to listen to him.  The story shows that forgiveness benefits more than just the one who gives it.  Molly’s son, Luke is adorable.  Kids have a wonderful way at looking  at life.  Zane’s grandfather is a delight, and he adds humor to the story.  I like the thread of faith woven throughout the story.  

There is chemistry between Zane and Molly, but it will take time for romance to bloom.  The narrative concludes with a well-executed and fulfilling resolution.  I do believe I would have benefited from reading the first two books in the series (Forgiving the Cowboy and The Cowgirl’s Last Rodeo).  The Rancher’s Stolen Past is an inspiring story with unresolved rage, a curious child, horse riding, a chaotic office, a blue building for a bakery, and finding forgiveness. 

The Rancher’s Stolen Past is available from Amazon*.  Forgiving the Cowboy and The Cowboy's Last Rodeo are the first two books in the series.  The next book in the series is Healing the Rodeo Cowboy which comes out October 27.  You can find Tabitha Bouldin's other novels here.  

I appreciate you joining me today.  On Wednesday, April 1st, I am featuring Truffle Trouble by Amanada Flower.  It is the tenth entertaining book in An Amish Candy Shop Mysteries.  I am off to take my mother to another appointment.  We made it on time to the one last week (just barely).  We shall see how she does today (fingers crossed).  She started making excuses yesterday as to why she could not go (feels a cold coming on, upset stomach).  My mother reminds me of a child who does not want to go to school.  Enjoy the last day of March!  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.

The Amish Widower's Surprise by Laurel Blount

 The Amish Widower's Surprise

Book Summary

They think they’re done with love…

Will working together change their minds?

All widower Eben Miller wants is someone to help him run his general store, but every Amish woman who applies is more interested in marriage than employment. Falling in love again feels impossible for Eben, who needs a worker, not a wife. Straight-talking Lilah Troyer is different. The spinster gave up on finding a husband a long time ago and is desperate for an income to remain independent. She’s even willing to forget Eben’s humiliating rejection of her back in their youth. It’s the perfect solution, until romance comes knocking on their door…

My Thoughts

The Amish Widower’s Surprise by Laurel Blount is a cute story.  I like Laurel Blount’s writing style.  It is friendly and engaging.  I enjoyed the main characters, Lilah Troyer and Eben Miller as well as Susie, Lilah’s landlady and friend (who is also the local matchmaker). Lilah is plainspoken which tends to land her in trouble (with foot-in-mouth disease).  I liked that Lilah spoke her mind.  You always know where you stand with her, though, it can lead to hurt feelings (or you can find yourself trying to suppress a chuckle).  The children were a charming addition to the story.  The siblings allow us to see Lilah and Eben in a new light.  I liked the character growth, and the sweet ending. I enjoyed the humor sprinkled throughout the story.  The epilogue wrapped up the tale nicely.  I hope we get to catch up with the characters in the next book in the Hickory Springs Amish series.  I would like to see more of their delightful bishop.  The Amish Widower's Surprise is a sweet story with a sorrowful shopkeeper, a candid maedel, amiable matchmaker, cute foster kids, a dusty quilt, and rapid rumors. 

The Amish Widower’s Surprise will be released on Tuesday, December 24.  It can be preordered from Amazon*.  The second book in the Hickory Springs Amish series is Trusting the Amish Farmer which will be out on July 29, 2025. You can find Laurel Blount's other novels here.  If you follow Laurel Blount on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for stopping by today!  This is my last post of the year (Goodbye 2024!).  I will return on January 2, 2025 with The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie's Biscuits by Wanda E. Brunstetter and Martha Bolton. I hope that you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  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.

The Triplets' Summer Adventure by Laurel Blount

 The Triplets' Summer Adventure

Book Summary

His visit is temporary…

but will they give him a reason to stay?

Back home for the summer, adventure-seeking Nick Marshall thinks his park ranger gig will be easy—until the children’s camp he’s overseeing is left without a cook. Desperate to fill the position, he offers his high school nemesis, Cara Andrews, the job. As the two work together, Nick can’t help but fall for the single mom and her triplet sons. But convincing her to take a chance on him might be Nick’s toughest challenge yet…

My Thoughts

The Triplets’ Summer Adventure by Laurel Blount is a story that brought a smile to my face.  I was happy to return to Cedar Ridge, Georgia.  The story has delightful characters.  The author created realistic, relatable characters.  I enjoyed getting to know Nick, Cara, and the triplets.  It was great to catch up with Nick’s foster siblings and their wonderful foster mother, Ruby.  Ruby is a clever matchmaker.  Nick was good with the triplets, and I enjoyed their interactions.  Cara’s critter trouble had me laughing. It is a good thing she had Nick around to help her with the lizard who decided to make the pantry its home (reminded me of the first time I saw a lizard in our home—I live in Florida—my father refused to remove it—I was standing on the coffee table—and told me that the lizards ate the bugs—I did not find that helpful).  

My favorite line came from Ruby, “Loving folks, really loving them, the way He tells us to?  There ain’t no adventure in this world bigger or scarier nor better than that!”  I am sorry that our time in Cedar Ridge has come to an end.  The Triplets’ Summer Adventure is a heartwarming and entertaining story with close siblings, a matchmaking mother, a fishing fiasco, a critter predicament, mouthwatering meals, and camp catastrophes.  

The Triplets’ Summer Adventure is available from Amazon* as well as other major retailers.   Laurel has The Amish Widower's Surprise coming out December 24, 2024.  You can find Laurel Blount's other novels here. You can sign up for Laurel Blount's newsletter and learn more about her books by visiting her website.  Thank you for dropping by today.  Tomorrow I will be sharing my thoughts on A Murder for the Sages by Amy Lillard.  It is the third A Sunflower Cafe Mystery.  Book release day is my favorite day of the week (what can I say, I am a book geek).  Here are a few of the other books that came out today:  Haunting License by Carole J. Perry, Come Shell or High Water by Molly MacRae, An Amish Country Reunion by Patricia Johns, and The Amish Quiltmaker's Uninvited Guest by Jennifer Beckstrand.  I am off to tackle a hall closet that is a mess (it is to the point where you have to toss things in and then shove on the door to get it to close).  It is time to declutter (whether I want to or not).  I hope you have a tranquil 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 Family to Foster by Laurel Blount

 A Family to Foster

Book Summary

Can an unlikely partnership…

Turn into a permanent commitment?

Foster dad Patrick Callahan would do anything to prevent the siblings he fosters from being separated. But that means he’ll have to partner with his ex-fiancée, Torey Bryant, to save the local community center. With Patrick’s old-school ideas and Torey’s high-tech upgrades, the pair can’t agree on anything. Could accepting their differences keep the children together—and give them a forever family?

My Thoughts

A Family to Foster by Laurel Blount takes us back to Cedar Ridge where we get to spend time with one of Ruby Sawyer’s former foster kids, Torey Bryant.  I love Ruby and I am glad we get to visit her again.  I enjoyed getting to know Patrick Callahan (Torey’s ex-fiancé who left her with a broken heart) and Torey Bryant.  The two need to work together to fix and reopen Hope Center.  Patrick will do whatever it takes to keep Josh and Jill, the two children he is fostering and would like to adopt.  Torey, who is taking a leave of absence from her recently acquired dream job, will do what is needed because she loves Ruby.  I laughed often while reading A Family to Foster.  I like Laurel Blount’s writing style.  She creates realistic characters that you want to get to know (you want them to be your neighbors and friends).  The story is easy to read and has a good flow.  It was nice how the romance progressed.  I like how Patrick’s foster kids were included.   

Ruby is a delightful character.  She knows her former foster kids well and knows the right buttons to push.  Ruby is working to get each one matched up.  I like the “Rubisms” as I call them.  Ruby doles out good, practical advice (and it is remembered and followed years later).  I enjoyed catching up with Ruby’s other foster children.  While this is the fourth book in the series, it can be read as a standalone.  I do, though, recommend reading each charming story.  A Family to Foster has love, forgiveness, heartache, loyalty, hurt feelings, distrust, and romance.  This is the type of book you want to read while sitting in a comfy chair with hot tea and cookies warm from the oven.  I am looking forward to my next visit to Cedar Ridge.  A Family to Foster is a heartwarming tale with a loyal family, a timid dog, technology troubles, an irascible Ruby, a cantankerous social worker, and a second chance romance.  

A Family to Foster is available from Amazon*.  The other books in the Cedar Ridge series are Together for the Twins, Her Mountain Refuge, and Lost and Found Faith.  Laurel Blount's next book release is Home in the Storm which is the fourth A Johns Mill Amish Romance.  You can find Laurel Blount's other novels here.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return tomorrow with Mrs. Morris and the Wolfman by Traci Wilton. It is the seventh A Salem B&B Mystery.   After the rain last week, my garden is flourishing.  I sprinkled seeds two weeks ago in the blank spots (I dump all the seeds into one baggie and then scatter them in the raised flowerbeds) and I have seedlings popping up everywhere.  I look forward to seeing the blooms.  I have three types of sunflowers growing:  regular, Teddy Bear, and Mammoth. It will be interesting to how they differ. I hope that you have a happy day.  Take care, stay cool (it is so hot), and Happy Reading! 

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

The Amish Matchmaking Dilemma by Patricia Johns

 The Amish Matchmaking Dilemma

Book Summary

They’re not compatible on paper…

But might be the perfect match.

Amish bachelor Mose Klassen knows what he needs in a wife—someone quiet and traditional, the exact opposite of Naomi Peachy. His lifelong stutter has made him reserved, but when his childhood friend volunteers as his speaking tutor, Mose can’t help but be drawn to the outgoing woman. Naomi’s progressive views mean she’ll never make his matchmaker’s list…but could an unexpected match be his perfect fit?

My Thoughts

The Amish Matchmaking Dilemma by Patricia Johns is a sweet story.  I enjoyed getting to know Mose and Naomi.  They are two people who are opposites, but they enjoy each other’s company.  They were friends as children and are getting a chance to reconnect.  Mose Klassen is in town to fill in for his uncle who takes tourists on tours of Amish businesses in a buggy.  He is also hoping that the matchmaker, Adel can find him a wife.  The only problem is that Mose stutters.  He has had the problem his whole life.  Naomi is the one person he is able to talk to without as much difficulty.  Adel is hoping Naomi can help Mose become more comfortable talking to women.  Naomi is an outspoken individual with a liberal viewpoint while Mose is quiet and conservative.  Despite their differences, they are drawn to each other.  

I thought the story moved along at a gentle pace.  The book takes place over the two weeks that Mose is in town.  The Amish Matchmaking Dilemma is the first book in the Amish Country Matches series.  I like that we get to catch up with Adel and Jake from The Amish Matchmaker’s Choice (you do not need to read this book first).  I enjoyed reading this uplifting story.  We get to see that despite a person’s “flaws” there is a match for them.  Naomi tends to speak before she thinks, has curly red hair that does not like to be tamed, has liberal views, an excellent cook, and is a full-figured woman.  Mose is a smart, quiet man who is conservative.  Mose’s stutter makes his difficult for him to voice his thoughts, but he can express them in written form. I like that the story is not rushed.   If it moved too quickly, we would not understand the couple’s differences and see the challenges that Naomi and Mose face.  There is repetition of details (like Mose’s stutter, Naomi’s red hair).  I thought the ending was sweet.  The faith element was well-done.  We see that Naomi and Mose are people of deep faith.  They believe that God will direct or guide them.  The author shows us Amish values and how their faith is shown in everything they do.  I enjoyed The Amish Matchmaking Dilemma. I am looking forward to reading the next Amish Country Matches novel.  The Amish Matchmaking Dilemma is a satisfying story with a stutter snag, a chatty Kathy, a teen trouble, delectable delights, tourist trips, and a matchmaking conundrum.  

The Amish Matchmaking Dilemma is available from Amazon*.  The Amish Matchmaker's Choice is Adel and Jake's story (Adel is the Amish matchmaker).  Patricia Johns has Her Amish Country Valentine coming out on March 28, 2023.  It is the beginning of The Butternut Amish B&B series.  You can follow Patricia Johns on Amazon and you will receive an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for joining me today.  I mentioned yesterday that I needed to find storage space for all of my Halloween decorations.  I have them hidden (mostly under my bed and my mother's--which she is unaware of).  Then today came a batch of new boxes with more decorations (I could not resist some-well, three-of the cute Halloween inflatables).  I am trying to hide this batch under a living room chair.  At this rate, I will be able to decorate our whole street (I would love to see every house with at least one inflatable).  I hope that you have a glorious day.  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.

A Path to Forgiveness by Vannetta Chapman and Carrie Lighte

 A Path to Forgiveness

Book Summary

Can love and forgiveness set them free?

Hiding Her Amish Secret by Carrie Lighte

Arleta Bontrager’s convinced no Amish man will marry her after she got a tattoo while on Rumspringa, so she needs money to get it removed. But taking a job caring for Noah Lehman’s sick grandmother means risking losing her heart to a man who has his own secrets. Might revealing their truths release them from the past…and open up a future together?

A Widow's Hope by Vannetta Chapman

After tragedy claimed her husband’s life and her son’s ability to walk, Hannah King doesn’t want a new man. She has her family, a home and mounting debts. Scarred Amish bachelor Jacob Schrock offers Hannah the job she desperately needs. But while Hannah helps Jacob resolve his accounting issues, can she and her little boy also heal his wounded heart?

My Thoughts

A Path to Forgiveness contains the re-release of Hiding Her Amish Secret by Carrie Lighte and A Widow’s Hope by Vannetta Chapman.  I enjoyed both books.  I find them well-written with engaging, realistic characters.  Hiding Her Amish Secret by Carrie Lighte (first book in The Amish of New Hope series) has Arleta Bontrager convinced that no man will want to marry her when they learn her shameful secret.  During her rumspringa, Arleta had fallen in love with a man and planned to go Englisch.  She got a small tattoo of a heart on her foot that includes his initials.  The man soon dumped her and now Arleta is left with a permanent reminder.  Arleta takes a job caring for Sovilla, Noah Lehman’s grandmother for the summer.  The money she earns will pay for her to get the tattoo removed.  Noah lost his parents and siblings in a fire.  He feels guilty because he was out with his girlfriend that evening and ended up coming home late.  If Noah had arrived home sooner, he feels he could have saved his loved ones.  He now believes that he does not deserve to marry.  Sovilla wants to see her grandson happily wed and decides to play matchmaker.  It is a sweet story about two people who need to find forgiveness and move forward with their lives.  There is repetition of certain details (the guilt over the tattoo, the fire, guilt over not being there for his family).  I like the characters and the life lessons.  They need to see that honesty is the best policy.  

Amish Built Playhouse

A Widow's Hope by Vannetta Chapman is the first novel in the Indiana Amish Brides series.  Each book in the series can be read on its own.  We get to follow Hannah King and Jacob Schrock in Goshen, Indiana.  Hannah King lost her husband in a farming accident that also confined her four-year-old son to a wheelchair.  Hannah has moved back in with her parents, but she does not like adding to their expenses.  She knows that money is tight for her family and they are at risk of losing their farm.  Hannah wants to find job to help save the family farm.  She feels fortunate when Jacob offers her a position.  Jacob is disfigured after arriving home one day to find the family home on fire.  He struggled to save his parents.  Jacob feels the scars are the cost of his failure to save them.  Jacob is going to be audited by the IRS.  He needs Hannah to make sense of his business paperwork.  Neither Hannah nor Jacob is open to a relationship, but God may have different plans for them.  I enjoyed this heartwarming, emotional story.  I loved the characters and their stories.  I like Vannetta Chapman’s writing style.  I was pulled into the story.  Reading one of the author’s stories is like visiting with friends.  A Widow’s Hope is a story about family, faith, love, and forgiveness.  I like that we get to see how the community pulls together to help those in need.  The path to happiness and love is never easy, but it is worth it in the end.  A Widow's Hope is an emotional story that tugs on your heartstrings.  A Path to Forgiveness was a delightful way to spend a rainy afternoon.  A Path to Forgiveness contains two touching Amish novels with mouthwatering bumbleberry pie, a terrible tattoo, a horrible loss, a matchmaking groossmammi, pleasurable playhouse, a sorrowful widow, and a lasting love.  

A Path to Forgiveness is available from Amazon*.  Vannetta Chapman has An Amish Proposal for Christmas publishing on September 27.   It is the first book in the Indiana Amish Market series.  You can find Vannetta Chapman's other novels here.   Carrie Lighte has  Healing an Amish Family coming out on January 10. You can find Carrie Lighte's books here.  Thank you for stopping by today and reading my review.  Tomorrow I am featuring The Amish Matchmaking Dilemma by Patricia Johns.  I have a small problem.  I need to figure out where to stash my Halloween decorations.  My mother states they are taking over (I only have five skeletons, assorted light sets, and approximately fifteen or so inflatables--this does not count the inflatables that have yet to arrive).  There are just so many cute inflatables for Halloween.  I actually found two with ghosts reading books (ghost stories).  I will spend some time today trying to hide my decorations around the house (I will need to make a map so I can locate them when I need them).  Wish me luck!  I hope that you have a day filled with joy.  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.