Silent Witness by Tracy Fredrychowski

Silent Witness

Book Summary

A deadly fire. A silent witness. And one woman’s mission to expose the truth buried in the ashes.

Rosie Weaver has always relied on logic, discipline, and a strong cup of peppermint tea. But when her neighbor’s barn burns down, and a body is discovered inside, something about the scene feels wrong. The fire is ruled an accident, but the victim had more enemies than friends, and Rosie knows someone is hiding the truth.

The only witness? A kindhearted but non-verbal man whom the entire town has overlooked. And Rosie refuses to let his silence bury what he saw.

Pushed by instinct and the latest book club mystery, Rosie and her book club friends start asking questions no one else will. As resistance builds from her neighbors, outsiders, and even the sheriff, Rose realizes this fire may not be the last.

Can Rosie stop what’s smoldering beneath the silence before it ignites something far worse?

Silent Witness is the third mystery in the An Amish Book Club Mystery series. If you enjoy Amish cozy mystery series with strong women sleuths, buried secrets, and an undercurrent of faith, this book delivers it all.

My Thoughts

A charming Amish mystery with heart and plenty of intrigue, Silent Witness by Tracy Fredrychowski returns readers to Sweet Briar, where Lovina, Rosie, and Irma investigate a string of barn burnings in their community. I enjoyed the author’s engaging writing style, realistic dialogue, and steady pacing, along with the appealing mix of Amish and Englisch characters. It is clear Fredrychowski has done her research on Amish beliefs and the Ordnung, which adds authenticity to the story. 

Lovina, Rosie, and Irma are kind, patient, and perceptive, and they work wonderfully together as they uncover clues others have missed. With past secrets, missing phones, mysterious drawings, and a man in a baseball cap, the mystery kept me interested throughout. Although this is the third book in the An Amish Book Club Mystery series, it can easily be read as a standalone.  A delightful mystery that will leave series fans eager for the next visit to Sweet Briar.

Silent Witness is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookbub.  The first two books in An Amish Book Club Mystery series are Buried Secrets and Hidden Poison.  All three book in An Amish Book Club Mystery series can be read for free if you are a member of Kindle Unlimited. Deadly Bloom is a prequel to An Amish Book Club Mystery series.  You can find Tracy Fredrychowski's other novels here.  If you follow Tracy on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  

Join me on Thursday, June 4 for Sconed to Death by Betty Hechtman.  It is the second A Crochet and Crumpets Mystery.  I will be searching for a new cordless vacuum today.  I went to sweep yesterday and I noticed the vacuum was not picking up.  I discovered a clog at the beginning of the pipe which I cleaned out and then began sweeping once again.  Unfortunately, it clogged again.  I was only sweeping up cat hair and dust (its not like I have months of dust built up on the floor--it has only been a couple of days). The vacuum is over three years old, so I believe it is time for a new one (with better features). May your day be sprinkled with happiness.  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.

Katie's Amish Journey of Hope by Tracy Fredrychowski

Katie's Amish Journey of Hope

Book Summary

Her faith is shaken, her heart burdened with sorrow. Can this grieving mother find her way back to the joy she once knew?

Katie Miller is lost in grief. After the death of her beloved mother, she struggles to find purpose in the daily rhythm of Amish life. Her husband’s patience is wearing thin, her children long for the mother they once knew, and the faith that once anchored her now feels distant. As sorrow deepens, she wonders if she will ever feel whole again.

Desperate to help, Daniel turns to Katie’s father, hoping Levi can guide her back to the light. But Levi, too, is drowning in grief, lost without the woman who was the heart of their family. As they all drift further apart, their family begins to crack under the weight of sorrow, and Katie fears the love they once shared may not survive.

But when a kind stranger arrives in their quiet Amish community, carrying a message that stirs something deep within Katie, a flicker of hope emerges. Soon, small reminders of her mother’s unwavering faith begin appearing. These gentle signs feel like messages from heaven, whispering that Ruth’s love and wisdom have never truly left.

Encouraged by her children’s laughter, the steadfast love of her husband, and the gentle hands of a community that refuses to let her fall, Katie slowly rediscovers joy in the simple blessings around her. As the first signs of spring bring new life to the fields of Lawrence County, she must make a choice… will she continue down a path of sorrow, or will she embrace the promise of renewal, trusting that Gott’splan is greater than her pain?

Can she open her heart to healing before she loses everything she holds dear?

Katie’s Amish Journey of Hope is a heartfelt and inspiring novel in The Amish Women of Lawrence County series of Amish women’s fiction. If you love emotional journeys of faith, stories of marriage and motherhood, and the power of God’s grace to restore even the most broken hearts, then you’ll be moved by Tracy Fredrychowski’s tender tale of love, healing, and renewal.

My Thoughts

Katie’s Amish Journey of Hope by Tracy Fredrychowski is a touching tale.  I thought the author captured the depression a can feel after the birth of a child and the loss of a parent.  I felt for Katie.  I know what it is like to lose a parent, and the grief can become overwhelming.  I liked that we got to see the issue from different family members’ perspectives (Katie’s husband, brother, and sister-in-law).  I sympathized with Katie’s eldest daughter, Mary, who at five was doing tasks meant for much older children.  Betty, a family friend, was a dear and definitely was needed.  Katie’s Amish Journey of Hope is a story of grief, patience, hope, love, family, and faith.  While Katie’s Amish Journey of Hope is the eighth book The Amish Women of Lawrence County series, it can be read as a standalone.   Katie’s Amish Journey of Hope is an expressive story with a departed mother, a distressed daughter, active children, a bustling bakery, a kindhearted neighbor, a teen in need, and having hope.

Katie’s Amish Journey of Hope is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other novels in The Amish Women of Lawrence County series here.  The next book in The Amish Women of Lawrence County series is Sarah’s Amish Season of Change which will be out on January 5, 2027. Tracy Fredrychowski has Buried Secrets coming out April 1.  It is the first book in An Amish Book Club Mystery series. You can find Tracy Fredrychowski's other novels here.  If you follow Tracy on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release. Thank you for dropping by today.

On Thursday, January 5, I am stop on Celebrate Lit Tour for Plain Jane's Secret Admirer by Anne Blackburne.  It is eleventh book in The Heart of the Amish series.   Please stop by tomorrow to learn more.  We enjoyed a mild day today (mid 60s).  It is our last one until the middle of next week.  The United States has not had a winter like this in many, many years.  I hope that you have a cheerful 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.

Miriam's January Promise by Tracy Fredrychowski

 Miriam's January Promise

Book Summary

She can’t stop the darkness from closing in, but one forbidden hike could lead her to love… or cost her everything.

Miriam Troyer has always lived by the rules: serve her family, obey her mother, and surrender her dreams to the life chosen for her. But when her vision begins to fade and her controlling mother arranges a loveless marriage, Miriam refuses to let blindness—or fear—decide her future. Running away is reckless… but staying could mean losing herself forever.

She never expected MJ King to be on the same road. Torn between duty to his family and the freedom he longs for, MJ has spent years carrying expectations that no longer fit the man he’s becoming. When Miriam steps into his path, her quiet courage awakens something he thought he’d lost… a longing for faith that feels personal, not prescribed, and a love that asks him to stay when every instinct tells him to run.

As her vision fades and her independence slips away, Miriam must decide what she’s willing to risk for love, for faith, and for the life she’s only begun to glimpse.

Miriam’s January Promise is the emotional first book in the Amish Romance Birthday Series, a heartfelt journey of love, loss, and learning to trust what you can’t always see.

My Thoughts

Miriam’s January Promise by Tracy Fredrychowski is the first book in An Amish Romance Birthday Series.  I thought Miriam’s January Promise was a touching story.  I felt for Miriam and M.J.  They are both struggling with parental expectations.  I thought Miriam’s mother was particularly harsh (she did one thing that shocked me and I would have done the same thing as Miriam). M.J. and Miriam are searching for their place or path in life.  They want to make their own choices which is understandable.  I liked how faith was woven through the story.  I appreciated the epilogue which provided an upbeat and heartwarming ending.  Miriam’s January Promise  is an emotional tale with deteriorating eyesight, a critical mother, a foregone future, walking trails, a hidey hole, and acquiring clarity. 

Miriam’s January Promise is available from Amazon*. If you are a member of Kindle Unlimited, you can read Miriam's January Promise for free.  The next book in An Amish Romance Birthday Series is Lily's February Love by Kelly Irvin which will be available on February 1, 2026. You can see what books are coming next in the series here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I know it is a busy time of year.  I am working on whittling down my to do list.  I love that I can ship packages without leaving my home (thanks to Click n' Ship on USPS.com).  

On Wednesday, December 18, I am a stop on the Celebrate Lit Tour for Scent of Sabotage by Dana Mentink.   It is the sixth and final book in the Security Hounds Investigations series.  I am off to get a couple of packages ready to ship out tomorrow and put the final touches on our Christmas tree (is it possible to have too many ornaments).  I hope that you have a jolly 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. 

The Case of the Stolen Fireworks by Tracy Fredrychowski and Emily McCullough

 The Case of the Stolen Fireworks

Book Summary

A stolen stash of fireworks. A midnight deadline. One brave group of kid detectives racing the clock.

When the town's fireworks vanish just hours before the big celebration, twelve-year-old Sophia and her friends in the Mystery Hunters Club spring into action. Armed with notebooks, keen observation skills, and their loyal dog, Shadow, they follow a trail of clues through snow-covered streets and secret hideouts.

But as the mystery deepens, tensions rise. Ethan, the newest club member, seems to be hiding something. Sophia can’t shake the feeling that something is off. Is he nervous… or hiding the truth?

Join the Mystery Hunters Club and uncover the truth before the clock strikes midnight!

My Thoughts

The Case of the Stolen Fireworks by Tracy Fredrychowski and Emily McCullough is a cute story that reminds me of the mystery novels that I read as a child.  I thought the story was well written and easy to read.  I liked the characters and the camaraderie between Sophia, Grace, Penelope, and Jackson.  Sophia’s dog, Shadow, was also a valuable member of the team. The whodunit was fun.  I liked the mystery group’s approach to solving the case of the missing fireworks.  They had a list of suspects, searched for clues, and asked questions.  The story had an uplifting ending.  I am looking forward to the next book in The Mystery Hunters Club series.  The Case of the Stolen Fireworks is a delightful tale with pilfered fireworks, kid sleuths, a howling hound, suspicious suspects, footsteps in snow, and a cheerful block party.

The Case of the Stolen Fireworks is available from Amazon*.  You can read it for free if you are a member of Kindle Unlimited. The next book in The Mystery Hunters Club series is The Case of the Double Trouble which will be out October 1, 2026.  Tracy Fredrychowski writes Amish romance and mysteries as well.  You can find her other novels here. Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return on Tuesday, December 16 with Miriam's January Promise by Tracy Fredrychowski. It is the first book in An Amish Romance Birthday series.  

I am off to deal with an inflatable snowman that keeps playing music.  I turn it off at night and two hours later it begins playing again.  Sometimes, it is two days later.  I do not want my neighbor's complaining about the singing snowman keeping them awake at night.  My mother finds it amusing.  I hope that you have a wonderful 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.

Deadly Bloom by Tracy Fredrychowski

 Deadly Bloom

Book Summary

Three elderly book-club friends, one poisoned president, and a town where secrets bloom beneath the roses.

Irma Gingerich finds comfort in her quiet Amish life, tending her garden, sipping peppermint tea, and sharing Thursday mornings with her two closest friends. But peace turns to turmoil when the proud president of the Sweet Briar Gardening Association collapses at the annual flower show.

The death is ruled a tragedy, yet gossip spreads faster than dandelions, and all fingers point toward Irma and her “miracle” roses. When the sheriff confiscates her prized blooms as evidence, Irma’s calm faith wavers beneath the weight of suspicion.

Now, with her reputation on the line, Irma leans on her outspoken friend Rosie Weaver and gentle Lovina Frey. Together, they trade their teacups for detective work, determined to prove Irma’s innocence before the truth withers away.

But the deeper they dig, the darker Sweet Briar’s soil becomes; rivalries, secrets, and one dangerous formula hidden among the flowers.

If they fail to uncover the truth, Irma could lose more than her good name… and the killer might strike again before the garden blooms anew.

Deadly Bloom is a heartwarming Amish cozy mystery and the prequel in An Amish Book Club Mystery Series, where friendship, faith, and a hint of danger make every chapter bloom.  Step into Sweet Briar today, where every secret takes root, and every bloom hides a story.

My Thoughts

Deadly Bloom by Tracy Fredrychowski has Irma, Rosie, and Lavinia investigating a curious mystery.  This was a cute story.  It is a short story that is easy to read with likeable characters. The investigative methods employed by the women are somewhat unconventional, yet they nonetheless prove effective, much to the frustration of Sheriff Carr. The mystery element was engaging; however, I believe that extending the length of the story would have allowed for a more thoroughly developed and intricate plot.  I thought the method of murder was quite clever.  I enjoyed Deadly Bloom and I look forward to Irma, Rosie, and Lavinia’s next adventure.

Deadly Bloom is available from Amazon*.  The first book in An Amish Book Mysteries is Buried Secrets which comes out April 1, 2026.  You can find Tracy Fredrychowski's other novels here.   Thank you for dropping by today.  I will return on Tuesday, November 25 with Trail of Mountain Secrets by Darlene L. Turner.  It is the second book in the National Park Protectors series. I hope that you have a wonderful 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.

A Harvest of Amish Blessings: A Collection

 A Harvest of Amish Blessings

 

Book Summary

Gathering Hearts & Giving Thanks - Four Amish Thanksgiving Romances Where Faith Heals, Love Grows, and Gratitude Changes Everything

In A Harvest of Amish Blessings, beloved authors Mindy Steele, Rachel J. Good, Jennifer Beckstrand, and Tracy Fredrychowski invite you into a world where hearts are healed, faith is renewed, and love grows when we take time to give thanks. From handwritten notes and surprise visits to rekindled friendships and life-changing choices, each story is a reminder that the richest harvest comes from the heart.

Helping Hands by Mindy Steele

One moment Andrew Graber was helping his brother, Robert, on a roofing job. The next he was gone, leaving behind his young wife and children. With a store to run and a family to provide for, Beth Graber struggles to transition between being a wife to becoming a widow. But Beth is not alone. Married into a family larger than any other, she can barely find time to herself to grieve the devastating loss of her husband. But when a string of notes begins to appear, Beth might discover how much she is thankful for.

Letters of Gratitude by Rachel J. Good

An Amish schoolteacher assigns her students to write anonymous letters of gratitude to community members for Thanksgiving. When she receives a deeply moving letter herself, she sets out to discover who wrote it, eventually finding it came from a reclusive woodworker who lost his faith after his wife's death. Their friendship begins as she helps him reconnect with the community and find reasons for giving thanks again.

Thanksgiving on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand

It’s going to be the worst Thanksgiving ever. Anna and Felty Helmuth’s family can’t be bothered to come to dinner, so Anna plans to clean out her closets and eat Cream of Wheat, just to spite her ungrateful relatives. But when surprise visitors arrive, Anna learns that Thanksgiving isn’t so much about the turkey as it is about having a grateful heart for unexpected blessings.

Seasons of the Heart by Tracy Fredrychowski

During the annual Harvest Dinner, Patricia Wengerd finds herself at a crossroads. A chance encounter sparks dreams of adventure, while a lifelong friend's steady presence offers comfort. As she navigates matters of the heart, Patricia embarks on a journey of faith and the call of something more. This heartwarming love story follows Patricia as she learns that sometimes, the path laid out, though unexpected, could lead to the most fulfilling destination. Will she follow her heart or the dreams she thought she left behind?

Whether you’re cozying up for the holidays or savoring stories of faith and family, A Harvest of Amish Blessings is a collection to cherish all season long.

My Thoughts

A Harvest of Amish Blessing:  A Collection of Amish Romances contains four heartwarming novellas by Tracy Fredrychowski, Mindy Steele, Rachel Good, and Jennifer Beckstrand.  Seasons of the Heart by Tracy Fredrychowski is well-written with realistic characters.  I like the life lesson in the story.  We get to see that sometimes our dreams do not align with  God’s plan for us.  The story had a sweet ending.  I liked that faith was at the forefront of this story.  This is definitely a tale that will touch your heart.  Helping Hands by Mindy Steele is a moving novella.  I felt for Beth Graber who is recently widowed.  She is left to raise her children on her own plus she is expecting another child.  Beth must take care of their store as well and she has no clue how to operate it (how to do the books, order supplies, collect overdue accounts).  Beth also must deal with a pushy mother-in-law who oversteps but means well.  I like that we get a look at the day-to-day life of an Amish family.  Beth learns that life does continue after the loss of a loved one and to be thankful for all of life’s blessings (including mother-in-law’s).  

Letters of Gratitude by Rachel Good is a story that will tug on your heartstrings.  Mrs. Vandenburg is such a charming  lady, and she uses her influence to help others.  I enjoyed this sweet story.  Thanksgiving on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand was delightful.  Anna and Felty Helmuth are two of my favorite characters.  I laughed often while reading this entertaining story.  Friends, family, and being thankful are the themes in this story.  Of course, potholders came into play and there was one unwelcome visitor (readers of the series will know who I am talking about).  I was sorry when this diverting tale came to a close.  A Harvest of Amish Blessing was a delight from beginning to end.  

A Harvest of Amish Blessing is available from Amazon* and Barnes & Noble. If you like Amish stories, you should check out the authors other creations:  Tracy Fredrychowski, Mindy Steele, Rachel J. Good, and Jennifer Beckstrand.  If you have not read Jennifer Beckstrand's The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill, I highly recommend it.  Anna Helmuth's antics will have you laughing from beginning to end (I would never be able to eat one of her meals).  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return tomorrow with A Perilous Plot by Lorna Barrett.  It is the ninteeth A Booktown Mystery.  I hope that you have a delightful 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.

The Amish Widow's Last Stitch by Tracy Fredrychowski

 The Amish Widow's Last Stitch

Book Summary

Lizzie Yoder’s quiet Amish life is shattered when a sudden death reveals a web of secrets, and the only person who can help her unravel them is the one man she’s been warned not to trust.

Lizzie Yoder has always lived by the rules. As a devoted Amish woman, she finds solace in her faith, family, and grandmother’s cherished yarn shop, Simply Yarn. But when her grandmother, Widow Yoder, dies under suspicious circumstances, Lizzie’s peaceful life is turned upside down.

Evert Miller is no stranger to breaking the rules. Once a wayward soul who left Willow Springs to uncover the truth about his parents, Evert’s return stirs whispers among the community. His bad-boy reputation is enough to unsettle Lizzie, but the clues he’s following, all pointing to Simply Yarn, leave her no choice but to let him help.

Forced to work together, Lizzie and Evert follow a trail of cryptic clues that tie her grandmother’s death to secrets long buried. As they dig deeper, tensions rise. Evert’s rebellious nature clashes with Lizzie’s steadfast faith, and the feelings sparking between them threaten to unravel everything Lizzie has worked so hard to protect.

But the closer they get to the truth, the greater the danger. Someone is desperate to keep the past buried, and Widow Yoder’s death is just the beginning.

The Amish Widow’s Last Stitch is the third book in the A Willow Springs Amish Mystery Romance series. If you like secrets, disappearances, plot twists, and sometimes murder, then you'll adore Tracy Fredrychowski's small-town whodunnit Amish romance mysteries.

My Thoughts

The Amish Widow’s Last Stitch by Tracy Fredrychowski is an intriguing story.  It was great to return to Willow Springs.  I enjoyed getting to know Lizzie Yoder and Evert Miller.  Lizzie’s grandmother certainly left her with a puzzle to unravel.  I liked that it was multifaceted mystery.  There are twists, turns, and secrets.  It keeps Lizzie and Evert on the hunt and on high alert. There are some nasty characters who do not appreciate Evert and Lizzie’s search for the truth. There is romance (expected with a male and female main character), but I liked that it was subtle.  I enjoyed the descriptions of Simply Yarn (the yarn shop started by Lizzie’s grandmother). It sounds like my type of shop.  The Amish Widow’s Last Stitch is the third A Willow Springs Amish Mystery Romance.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series.  This is my favorite book in the series.  Snuggle into a comfy chair, don your sleuthing cap, have snacks and a cool drink nearby, put the “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door, and then settle in to read The Amish Widow’s Last Stitch.  

The Amish Widow’s Last Stitch is available from Amazon*.  The first two books in A Willow Springs Amish Mystery Romance series are The Amish Book Cellar and The Amish Baker Caper.  Tracy Fredrychowski has Seasons of the Heart (a novella) coming out in A Harvest of Amish Blessings:  A Collection of Amish Romances (Rachel Good, Mindy Steele, and Jennifer Beckstrand also have novellas in the book) on September 22.  Thank you for joining me today.  I hope that you enjoy The Amish Widow's Last Stitch as much as I did.  

I will return on Thursday, September 4 as a stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours for Murder Most Eastern by Nellie H. Steele.  It is the first book in the Great Maine Mysteries.  I am going to go spend some time in my garden today.  I currently have plants that produce seeds each day.  I collect the seeds so I will have them to use next spring and summer.  I have also received some new seeds recently, and I want to sprinkle them in my raised beds.  One of the benefits of living in Florida is that my garden can bloom all year long.  I just need to plant the right flowers for each season.  I hope that you have an uplifting 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.