Shadow Play

Today is Kite Flying Day!  Who knows why it was created in February when it is too cold to fly a kite?  Maybe it was created in an area where it is warmer at this time of year (South America, Australia).  You can actually tell someone to go "fly a kite" today (and get away with it)! Jules Verne was born on this day (February 8) in 1828.  Jules Verne was a French novelist, poet, and playwright.  Other February 8 birthday's are Lana Turner (1921), James Dean (1931), Jack Lemmon (1925), Nick Nolte (1941), and John Grisham (1955).  I am sorry for the delay in the review of Shadow Play (below).  This is one of the books I got behind on during my father's illness.

Shadow Play by Iris Johansen is the nineteenth book in the Eve Duncan series (wow!).  Eve Duncan, a forensic sculptor, receives a call from Sheriff John Nalchek (from Sonderville, California) asking Eve to do a reconstruction for him.  They just found the body of a nine-year-old little girl.  She has been buried for about eight years.  He would like Eve to put the little girl ahead of her other cases.  Eve understands because of the loss of her daughter, Bonnie.  Eve agrees and starts work on the skull when she receives it.  For some reason, Eve feels drawn to this skull and then she starts hearing the little girls voice (Eve calls her Jenny).  The girls spirit is still around (this has not happened with any other reconstruction since Bonnie).  She does not know why (yet).  But someone does not want Eve to complete the reconstruction.  The killer is watching.  When the reconstruction, note, and photos are all stolen, Eve and her significant other, Joe Quinn (a police officer) head to California.  They insist on helping the sheriff with his case.  Eve cannot let this case go.  The killer is keeping a close eye because he does not wish to be caught.  Can Eve catch the killer and help Jenny move on?

Shadow Play can be read as a stand-alone book, but it would help if you read the other books in the series (to understand Eve, the relationships, etc.).  I enjoyed Shadow Play, but I felt it went on a little too long.  I liked the paranormal element, but it was not used enough in the story (found it a little lacking).  The book is well-written and engaging.  You keep reading to find out what happens next.  It just got a little slow in the middle (it was just too long).  I give Shadow Play 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it).  I will definitely be reading more of Iris Johansen’s books.

You can follow Iris Johansen on Amazon to get updates on her latest books.  I received a complimentary copy of Shadow Play in exchange for an honest review.

Have a delightful Monday!  Castle returns tonight after its two month hiatus.  Take care, stay warm and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

Dearly Departed by Hy Conrad

Happy Chinese New Year!  2016 is the year of the monkey and it is a yang (positive) year.  It is also Boy Scout Day!  It is the day that Boy Scouts of America were incorporated by William D. Boyce in 1910.  I thought this historical tidbit would appeal to those of you who watch Reign.  On February 8, 1587 Mary, Queen of Scots, was executed by her cousin Queen Elizabeth I (not personally, of course).  Mary was convicted of a plot to assassinate Queen Elizabeth I.  She died at the age of 44 after spending the majority of her life locked away by Queen Elizabeth.  Mary made many bad choices after the death of her first husband, Kind Frances II of France.  The most interesting item is Mary's son, James becomes the first King to rule England (as James I) and Scotland (as James VI)! In 1922 Warren G. Harding announced that the White House had its first radio set.  Queen Elizabeth II issued an Order-in-Council that states she and her family will now be known as the "House of Windsor".  Her descendants will take the last name Mountbatten-Windsor (direct descendants only like her  children and grandchildren). 

Dearly Departed by Hy Conrad is the second book in Amy’s Travel Mystery series.  Amy Abel runs Amy’s Travel (they do custom travel excursions) with her mother Franny.  If business does not pick up soon, though, they will have to close (the lawsuits do not help).  Peter Borg (also has a travel agency) asks Amy to help him plan a trip for the mourners of Paisley MacGregor.  Paisley was a maid who considered her employers her families.  She collected their travel pictures and kept them on a piano in her apartment (she always wanted to travel).  Unbeknownst to many of them Paisley was rich (thanks to an inheritance from employers).  Her dying wish was for all of her families to go on a trip around the world (first class all the way) depositing her ashes as each destination.  Amy will get to go along on the trip as well.  To Amy’s shock all the families agree to the trip and they set off for their first destination.  At their first stop in Paris, Laila Steinberg suffers a severe allergy attack (allergic to nuts).  When they try her epi pen, it is empty.  Laila is rushed to the hospital.  Amy is highly suspicious.  Did someone sabotage Laila?  Amy goes into high alert when she notices a stranger following them.  Then the stranger ends up dead.  What is going on?  Amy sets out to find some answers with the help of her mother, Franny and boyfriend, Marcus (both in the states).  Do they have a murderer on the tour?  After an incident with a volcano in Hawaii, they all head home.  They need to find out the connection between the murdered man (stranger that was following them), Paisley, and the group.  Will they find the answers they seek in Paisley’s apartment?  Amy will not give up until all her questions are answered.

I found Dearly Departed to be too silly.  Would a travel agent take ashes on an international trip without the proper paperwork (winging it seems very unprofessional and you know something is going to happen to those ashes).  I wanted more substance and mystery (which was so simple to solve).  It is not necessary to read the first book in the series (the author explains most of what happened).  I found it to be a superficial book and a little boring (I started dreaming up my own alternate endings to the book).  I give Dearly Departed 3 out of 5 stars (which means it was okay/decent).  I will not, though, be reading any more books in this series.  This book (and series) is just not my style (and I definitely would not pay $11.99 for it).

The first book in An Amy's Travel Mystery is Toured to Death.  I received a complimentary copy of Dearly Departed in exchange for an honest review.

The novel I am currently reading it The Widow by Fiona Barton (an extremely boring book).  I am off to do housework (I have tried to avoid it).  I have to go to Tampa tomorrow (doctors appointment) so I need to get chores done today.  I will be reviewing Find Her by Lisa Gardner tomorrow.  I hope you will stop by and take a look.  Have a good Monday. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

The Doll's House

Happy Super Bowl Sunday!  I am not a football fan, but my father loved the game.  He was the type to sit and yell at the players (he was quite vocal).  It is also Wave All Your Fingers at Your Neighbor Day!  A simple wave will not do.  You must wave (I call it a waggle) with all your fingers!  This can be your weekly (or monthly) nod to the neighbors (and hope that they do not take it as an invitation to talk)!  In 1964 The Beatles land at Kennedy Airport in New York!  It is the beginning of the invasion by the Fab Four!  Monopoly was introduced on February 7 in 1935!  Monopoly will become one of history's best selling board games!

The Doll’s House by M. J. Arlidge is the third book in the D.I. Helen Grace Thrillers series (and you do not want to miss it).  A woman wakes up in a dank, cold cellar.  The last thing Ruby Sprackling remembers (and it is tough to remember because of the drugs and alcohol) is going to sleep in her own bed.  How did she get in this creepy, cold room with a locked door?  Her captor was clever, and he does not think anyone will come looking for Ruby.  Especially since he keeps their phones and sends out texts/tweets (keeps them alive but away).

D.I. Helen Grace is called out to an isolated stretch of beach where a family found a body buried in the sand.  Whomever disposed of her body did a very good job (the poor girl has been there for quite a while).  The killer made sure not to leave any forensic clues (and the cold, wet sand did not help).  Luckily for the police, the victim did have a pacemaker (which means there is a serial number).  Helen is on the trail for the killer.  Will she be able to find him (or her) in time to save Ruby’s life?  Helen is also adjusting to two new staff members.  Helen misses her old team and is not sure who she can trust.  Are the new people loyal to Helen or to Detective Superintendent Ceri Harwood (her boss)?  Harwood wants to get rid of Helen and she is very determined (but she underestimates Helen).  Helen will have to work to stay ahead of Harwood while catching a killer. 

The Doll’s House is a good suspense/thriller book.  I enjoyed it, but I did not find it as god as the previous books in the series.  It lags it a little in places and there are abrupt transitions (it switches quickly from scene to scene which can be confusing at first).  The novel is well-written (as usual) but it just lacking a little something.  I think part of it is the change in characters (I liked the original team).  The pace of the novel significantly increases in the last 40% of the book (which meant I kept reading until I finished it).  There is quite a bit going on in The Doll’s House (more than what I wrote above), and it can be difficult to keep it all straight (it is worth it though).  I give The Doll’s House 4 out of 5 stars.  I would recommend reading the first two books in the D.I. Helen Grace series before diving into The Doll’sHouse (otherwise you would be very confused).  I look forward to reading the next book in the series. 

The next book in the series is Liar Liar and it will be out in June. The other books in the D.I. Helen Grace series are Eeny Meeny and Pop Goes the Weasel.  I received a complimentary copy of The Doll’s House from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I ran a few errands today.  I went to get propane and was amazed that the store was out.  I thought with the cold weather that people would not be grilling.  How wrong I was!  I was told that they had a very busy day (and sold about an hour or so ago).  I am currently reading Black Rabbit Hall by Eve Chase (it is just awful).  I hope you have had a nice, relaxing weekend (or productive if that is what you wished).  I am off to have dinner and watch Downton Abbey! Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

Practical Sins for Cold Climates

Happy Saturday!  It is Lame Duck Day!  And I am not talking about a duck with an injury (can you see a little duck with crutches)!  I am talking about a politician who did not win their election in November, but he/she does not leave office until January.  They are considered a lame duck (in office but no power). Ready for some historical trivia! Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth II on this day in 1952 upon the death of her father King George VI.  Queen Elizabeth II is England's longest reigning head of state!  In 1819 Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles founded Singapore; The Virginia Minstrels opens in New York in 1843 becoming the first minstrel show in the United States; the first patent for an integrated circuit is filed by Jack Kilby of Texas Instruments in 1959.  

Practical Sins for Cold Climates by Shelley Costa is the first book in the Val Cameron Mystery series.  Val Cameron has been sent to Lake Wendaban, Ontario Canada to get the reclusive Charles Cable to agree to let Schlesinger Publishing publish his latest book.  Val does not like remote wilderness, but she is not given a choice (she had a little bit of trouble with her last client).  Her boss, Peter Hathaway (a very odd duck with a shaved head and pajama like clothing) insists that she go (her job is on the line).  It sounds like an easy job, but if it sounds that easy it will not be!  Val tries to get Charles at a town meeting and ends up in the middle of a brawl.  Val gets knocked out and her contract destroyed.  There is unrest in the town (over development).

Wade Decker’s wife, Leslie was murdered two years previously.  The case has yet to be solved.  There is a hint that Charles might have killed her.  Val wants to make sure to do her “due diligence” with this client (unlike her last one) before she gets him to sign the contract.  Will Val be able to find the killer, clear Charles’ name, and get her contract signed?  You will have to read Practical Sins for Cold Climates to find out (such a long title). 

Practical Sins for Cold Climates is very confusing at beginning (it takes a while to start figuring things out) and the writing does not help.  Stilted (and awkward) is the word that comes to mind regarding this author’s writing style.  The book does not flow well.  The book jumps around (one minute with Val, then another character, then it jumps again).  It is like Practical Sins for Cold Climates tried to be a combination suspense novel and cozy mystery, but it did not succeed.  Practical Sins for Cold Climates was just not an enjoyable book to read.  The main character was just not someone I liked (Val), and we had too much internal dialogue (Val seems to be thinking about her lovely apartment in New York, Peter and their odd love life (yes, she was sleeping with the boss), her work, the secretary who does not like to work and the boss pays for her yoga, Peter’s odd lover (Peter is sleeping with Val and this woman) with her bald head and an oddly placed braid).  Too much was shoved into one book.  I give Practical Sins for Cold Climates 1 out of 5 stars.  I’m sorry, but I just did not like Practical Sins for Cold Climates.

The next book in the Val Cameron series is A Killer's Guide to Good Works.  It will be out in September 2016.  Now while I did not enjoy Practical Sins for Cold Climates, Shelley Costa does write another series that looks good.  Check her out on Amazon.  I received a complimentary copy of Practical Sins for Cold Climates from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

It is another wet, cold rainy day in my area.  I am staying home today (I had to go out yesterday).  I hope the weather in your area is not so nasty (it really messes up weekend plans).  I am reading I'll See You in Paris by Michelle Gable (it is awful).  Have a nice, relaxing Saturday!  Stay warm and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader 

Sage's Eyes by V.C. Andrews

It is National Weatherman's Day!  A day to celebrate those people who try to predict (use science) the weather. Overnight the rain and wind brought cold weather into our area (I love it).  On February 5 in 1919 United Artists was created by Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, and D.W. Griffith (director).  Bakelite, the first synthetic (man-made) plastic, was announced by the creator Leo Baekeland in 1909. Bakelite was used to make many items like jewelry, phones, buttons, and for radio, light bulb, and automobile parts.  In 1953 Britain's sweets rationing (instituted at the beginning of World War II) is discontinued. They could now buy as much candy as they wanted (sugar was in such a short supply during the war)!  The final historical fact for today is astronauts Alan Shepard and Edgar Mitchell land on the moon in 1971 during the Apollo 14 mission.

Sage’s Eyes by V.C. Andrews is set in Dorey, Massachusetts.  Sage Healy has heard voices since she was child (she finds them comforting).  Her adoptive parents (cold and clinical people) told her to ignore them.  Sage also seems to know things about people and situations (and liked to blurt them out as a child).  Her parents keep an eagle eye her like she is a bomb that will go off at any moment (or like she is a scientific experiment and they are taking notes).  There is a new student at school named Summer Dante.  He is intriguing and Sage is drawn to him.  He seems to understand Sage’s gifts and he has a few of his own.  He encourages her to use her gifts.  However, his ideas of right and wrong are a little different than Sage’s.  Sage is extremely tired of her parent’s secrets and wants to find out what they are hiding.  Will Sage like the answers when she gets them?  Will Sage use her gifts for good or will she be drawn to the dark side?

I was so excited when I received the opportunity to read Sage’s Eyes (my daughter loves V.C. Andrews books), and I was looking forward to reading a good paranormal novel.  I was extremely let down by Sage’s Eyes.  There is very little paranormal action in the book.  It is a very blah (boring, dull) book.  The book is confusing (things are not really explained until the very end of the book) and it is so hard to get into it (I never did).  Most of the book is devoted to Sage’s thinking (especially about how cute Summer is).  Her internal dialogue took up the majority of the book (and it was monotonous).  I give Sage’s Eyes 2 out of 5 stars (I did not like it).  The book had so much potential but none of it was realized.  We are also left with a very unsatisfying ending (like there will be another book to pick up where this one left off). 

You can follow V.C. Andrews on Goodreads to get updates on her latest releases.  I received a complimentary copy of Sage’s Eyes from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I hope everyone is staying warm.  It is a good day to snuggle up with a good book.  The book I am currently reading is Second House from the Corner by Sadeqa Johnson (I am not enjoying it). Have a good Friday, take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Murder on Wheels

Happy Thank a Mailman (should be mail carrier) Day!  We have such a great mail carrier in our area (his name is Bill).  He does a wonderful job.  I really feel bad for him on rainy days like today (it has been pouring all afternoon).   Make sure to thank your mail carrier for all his or her hard work! On February 4 in 1938 the Walt Disney's first full length animated feature was released!  It was Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. This is actually the first movie I saw in a movie theater (when it was re-released!  I am not that old!).   George Washington was elected our first president in 1789, the USO (United Service Organization) was created in 1941 to entertain American troops and in 2004 Facebook was born (created by Mark Zuckerberg). 

Murder on Wheels by Lynn Cahoon is the sixth book in the A Tourist Trap Mystery series.  Jill Gardner is the owner of CBM (Coffee, Books, and More) in South Cove, California.  Jill and her boyfriend, Greg King are on their monthly double date with Amy Newman (friend and city planner) and her boyfriend, Justin Cross (history professor).  They decided to go to a geocaching event.  Their they meet Kacey Austin, president of Coastal Geocache Club.  She is also the wife of Dustin Austin, owner of Austin’s Bike Shop (he is also the awful man who dumped Jill’s friend, Sadie Michaels).   

Then Jill finds out that Kacey using the food truck (that Jill wanted to buy) and opening Good For You Desserts (gluten-free desserts).  Kacey has a severe wheat allergy (she has Celiac’s disease). This will certainly not help business at Jill’s coffee shop (especially since they do not offer gluten-free alternatives).  Then a body in found on the beach.  Kacey Austin is dead.  Who would have wanted to kill this sweet young woman?  Greg tells Jill to stay out of it, but you know Jill cannot help herself.  She just has to investigate.  Will Jill be able to find out who killed Kacey (and keep Greg from finding out that she is at it again)?

Murder on Wheels was a disappointment.  It was more like a soap opera than a cozy mystery novel.  There seemed to be a lot of focus on the love lives and friendships of the characters (examples are:  Aunt Jackie dating Harrold Snider from Train Station which put Josh Thomas’ nose out of joint; Toby and Elisa breaking up; Sasha has a crush on Toby; Amy is mad at Jill because she would not report on her neighbor’s water usage; Sadie upset about Austin breaking up with her).  We also got a lot of information about food (they seemed to constantly be eating).  I wanted more mystery (a few clues).  The mystery was extremely simple to solve (it was just so obvious), but readers like to follow the clues to the conclusion (arrest of the killer).  Murder on Wheels cannot be read as a stand-alone book (I have read all the books in the series).  You really do need to read the other books in the series in order to understand everything that is happening in Murder on Wheels (the relationships, characters, etc.).   I give Murder on Wheels 3 out of 5 stars.  I just felt the book was too superficial.  I like reading mysteries for the mystery.  The mystery seemed to take a back seat in Murder on Wheels to romance and food.

The other books in A Tourist Trap Mystery series are:  Guidebook to Murder, Mission to Murder,  If the Shoe Kills, Dressed to Kill and Killer Run.  I received a complimentary copy of Murder on Wheels from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I am off to make dinner (I am running very late today).  I am currently reading The Witches of Cambridge by Menna Van Praag (I am really enjoying it)!  I hope you have a bewitching evening!  Take care, stay dry (if possible), and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

Amish Sweethearts

Today celebrates The Day Music Died (it is not a happy day).  It is the day that Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and the Big Bopper died in a plane crash in 1959 (at the height of their careers).  The outlaw Belle Star was killed in Oklahoma in 1889 ending her career of crime.  Now let us find some happier history tidbits.  Wake Forest University was established in 1834 and Astronaut Eileen Collins becomes the first women to pilot a space shuttle in 1995.  That's it! The other history events were all depressing (involved executions, sinking boats, and war).   If we want depressing events, we can open the paper or turn on the news.

Amish Sweethearts by Leslie Gould is the second book in Neighbors of Lancaster County series.  Lila Lehman and Zane Beck have grown up next door to each other and are close friends.  Lila is Amish and Zane is Englisch (as the Amish call us).   It is May in 2010 and Zane just received a scholarship to college in Michigan.  Zane asks Lila to come with him to Michigan.  Lila could not do that to her family (especially to the man that raised her).  She sends Zane away.  Instead of going to college, Zane joins the Army (mainly because his father told him that he was not soldier material).   Two and half years later Zane is returning home for Christmas.  He has avoided coming home because of Lila.  He still loves her and cannot get her out of his mind.  Lila is being courted by Rueben (the Bishop’s son) but she has yet to join the church (she still thinks of Zane).  Everyone tells Lila that Reuben is perfect her.  Zane is going to be deployed in a month to Afghanistan (he is going to work in a Civil Affairs Unit as a translator).  Two people so much in love but so far apart.  Can these two overcome the many obstacles in their path to happiness?

Amish Sweethearts is a lovely (gratifying, pleasing) book.  It is well-written, engaging, and easy to read.  Amish Sweethearts can be read as a stand-alone novel (in case you did not read the first book in the series).  We get to see life from two different perspectives.   How time and experience change people.  I started this book and just kept reading until I finished it (I was up very late).  I give Amish Sweethearts 5 out of 5 stars.  Amish Sweethearts is not a sappy romance book nor is it overly religious.  Leslie Gould wove together a wonderful, heartwarming tale.

The first book in the Neighbors of Lancaster County series is Amish Promises.  I received a complimentary copy of Amish Sweethearts from Bethany House and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I am currently reading The Midwife's Choice by Delia Parr.  I am not sure how it happened but it was not on my master list.  It is a good thing I double check things every month.  I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday evening!  Make sure to take time out of the day for yourself (everyone needs some nice, quiet relaxing moments).  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

The Grim Steeper

Welcome Back!  It is book release Tuesday!  So many wonderful new books arrived on my Kindle this morning!  A few of them are: For Cheddar or Worse by Avery Aames (the last book in the series), Off the Books by Lucy Arlington, Murder on Wheels by Lynn Cahoon (I was disappointed with this book), A Turn for the Bad by Sheila Connolly, Scene of the Brine by Mary Ellen Hughes,  The Restoration by Wanda E. Brunstetter (it was wonderful), and A Disguise to Die For by Diane Vallere (I am looking forward to this one).  Did you get some new books today?  I hope you love them!

The Grim Steeper by Amanda Cooper is the third book in the Teapot Collector Mystery series.  Sophie Taylor returns to Gracious Grove, New York when she received word her beloved Nana (Rose Freemont) is ill (possible heart attack).  Sophie was not enjoying the job at Bartleby’s in the Hampton’s (obnoxious employer) and when they would not give her time off for her grandmother’s illness she quit (I do not blame her).   Thankfully, Rose is on the mend and just needs to take it easy.  Sophie slips back into her routine at Auntie Rose’s Victorian Tea House.  The town is getting ready for the Fall Fling Townwide Tea Party.  People will be able to stroll through the town for tea tastings (and goodies).  But there is some trouble brewing for Sophie’s boyfriend, Jason Murphy.  Jason is a professor at Cruickshank College (and working on his dissertation).  He is being accused of taking a bribe to alter the grade of the star basketball player, Mac MacAlister.  Jason would never jeopardize his job or the college (he is a straight arrow).  On the day Dean Dale Asquith is going to announce the person responsible for the grade change, he turns up dead on the front lawn of Auntie Rose’s Victorian Tea House.   Whoever killed the Dean is trying to set up Jason.  Sophie (with the help of Nana and friends) will have to sift through the clues and find the culprit to prove Jason’s innocence.

The Grim Steeper was a fun cozy mystery to read.  The book has great characters, lovely setting, and a good mystery (with clues along the way to help solve the mystery).  The Grim Steeper is well-written and can be read without having enjoyed the other two books in the series (though you will want to read them).  There are a lot of characters and it can be hard to keep them all straight at first.  I give The Grim Steeper 5 out of 5 stars.  I cannot wait to read the next book in a Teapot Collector Mystery series.  There is a recipe at the end of the book and a discussion on tea strainers and infusers.  The Grim Steeper does a superb job of combining romance, friendship, tea (and goodies), and mystery into one delightful book.

The first two books in the Teapot Collector Mystery series are Tempest in a Teapot and Shadow of a Spout. I received a complimentary copy of The Grim Steeper from the author (care of Cozy Mystery Review Crew) in exchange for an honest review.

I am off to eat dinner.  Have a delightful and relaxing evening.  I plan on watching The Flash, Agent Carter, Pretty Little Liars, and Shadowhunters.  I am hoping this cold I have goes away soon.  I do not have time to lay around in bed being sick.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

An Amish Market

Happy Groundhog Day!  Do you think the little fellow will see his shadow today?  I would not mind six weeks more winter (What can I say!  I like cold weather).  The film Making  a Living premiered on this day in 1914. It was Charlie Chaplin's first film appearance. Other events that happened on February 2 in history are: James Joyce's Ulysses was published in 1922; Auntie's Anne's (the pretzel place) was founded by Anne F. Beiler in Lancaster, Pennsylvania; and Groundhog's Day is first observed in 1887 in Punxsutawney, Pennslvania!

An Amish Market (Amy Clipston, Kelly Irvin, Vannetta Chapman, and Kathleen Fuller) has four sweet, Amish romance stories by four great authors.  Ellie Lapp is still dealing with the loss of her brother, Seth in Love Birds by Amy Clipston.  Ellie’s mother, Margaret and Ellie no longer have Seth’s income to provide groceries and pay the bills.  Ellie gets a part-time job at Bird-in-Hand Gifts and Treasures.  The shop needs more unique Amish-made items to sell.  Ellie believes she has found the right item when she sees Lloyd Blank’s hand carved birds.  They are beautiful with exquisite details.  Lloyd, though, will not sell them because his father believes it is prideful.  Will this hinder the budding romance between Lloyd and Ellie?  This is a sweet story that is well-written and easy to read.  A good story about forgiveness and helping others.

Hannah Lynne Beiler is twenty-two years old and has a stand at the Middlefield Market in Middlefield, Pennsylvania in A Bid for Love by Kathleen Fuller.  Hannah Lynne sells her butter and her mother’s homemade pies.  Ezra Yutzy comes by every week to pick up butter (that he does not need).  Ezra fancies Hannah Lynne but has not worked up the courage to ask her out.  At the annual benefit for the DDC Clinic Ezra notices Hannah Lynne admiring a quilt that was donated by his family (at least Ezra believes he gave them the right quilt).  Hannah Lynne bids on it and, unfortunately, does not win it.  Ezra convinces the buyer to let him purchase it.  Ezra gives the quilt to Hannah Lynne.   This leads to a problem with both Hannah Lynne and Ezra’s mother.  Hannah Lynne wants to pay Ezra back for the quilt (she does not have enough money to repay him).  Ezra’s mother believes he purchased the quilt to return it to the family (only quilt his grandmother ever made).  Now Ezra has a dilemma.  Everything works out through God’s timing!  This is a cute story, but not my favorite.  It was a little awkward (uncomfortable) especially with the lack of communication between Ezra and Hannah (it was frustrating).

Sweeter Than Honey by Kelly Irvin takes place in Bee County, Texas.  Isabella Shrock and her family have just moved to the area from Tennessee.  Isabella wants to fit in and make friends.  This is a new start for her and her family.  But can she find the right friends?  Will Glick works at the Combination Store (owned by Bishop Leroy).  He has burned too many times (by women). Can Isabella help Will? 

Love in Store by Vannetta Chapman is set in Nappannee, Indiana and is a mystery.  Stella Schwartz never married because she could not have children.  It has made her bitter.  Stella is a tour guide at Old Amish Mill complex.  David Stolzfus is a widower who just moved to the area to assist his daughter, Rebecca (widow with three kids).  David got a job at the Old Amish Mill.  When pranks (dangerous ones) start happening around the complex, David is asked to investigate.  Stella assists David is finding the culprit before gets seriously hurt.  What else will these two find during the investigation?

All four stories were enjoyable to read.  I especially liked Love in Store (fourth story).  It had good characters and a fun mystery. All four stories are all well-written and have good messages in them.  If you enjoy Amish fiction, then you will like reading An Amish Market.  I give An Amish Market 4 out of 5 stars (I liked the stories). 

Each story can be purchased individually if you do not wish to purchase the whole book.  I received a complimentary copy of An Amish Market from NetGally and BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review.

I have to go run some errands today.  I have avoided them as long as I can.  I am currently reading Find Her by Lisa Gardner.  I hope all of you have a good afternoon!  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

Joshua's Mission

Happy February 1!  The beginning of a new month!  It is National Freedom Day!  It is a day to celebrate the freedom from slavery. This day was created in 1948 (by a former slave).  The first volume of the Oxford English Dictionary was published in 1884 on February 1.  President Lincoln signed the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution on this day in 1865 which eliminated slavery in the United States!  The Beatles have their first number one hit in the United States (I Want to Hold Your Hand) in 1964.  I thought this one was funny.  In 2004 the Janet Jackson incident happened during the half-time show for the Superbowl XXXVIII. This resulted in a stronger adherence to censorship practices on behalf of U.S. broadcasters (thanks Janet)!  

Joshua's Mission by Vannetta Chapman is the second book in the Plain and Simple Miracles series. Charlie Everman is sixty-five and a retired English teacher.  He lives in Aransas, Texas.  The area is expecting Hurricane Orion to hit.  Charlie is helping Alice givens and her grandchildren get off the island.  Charlie is unable to get off the island before the storm hits and witnesses the devastation to the area (gets caught in it). 

Joshua Kline lives in Cody’s Creek, Oklahoma.  He is the older, responsible brother.  He is getting a little tired of getting his brother, Alton out of trouble.  Becca Lynn Troyer is twenty years old and lives with her parents.  She has no prospects (for marriage) and is feeling a little restless.  She is thinking about going on a mission trip with Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS).  Becca has decided to pray on it.  Seven months after Hurricane Orion a group is going to Texas to help build homes in Aransas.  Bishop Levi recommends that Becca go on the trip.  Becca’s Aunt Nancy will be her chaperone.  The kindly Bishop also suggests that Joshua and Alton go on the trip.  He believes it is just what they need (especially Alton after his latest escapade). This group will be working with Charlie to help finish Alice Givens home.  They will spend three weeks in the area.   This could be just what each of them needs.  A little distance and perspective (and maybe a little romance). 

Joshua’s Mission is told from three different perspectives (Charlie, Joshua, and Becca's).  The story goes back and forth from Texas where the Hurricane Orion is going to hit (and what happens during and after the hurricane) and with Joshua and Becca in their hometown.  Joshua's Mission is well written (as are all of Ms. Chapman's books), but it is not as engaging as her other books.  I just felt that something was missing.  It did not keep my interest like her other works.   I think some of it had to do with Joshua (he was really getting on my nerves towards the end of the book).  He kept being so insistent that Alton was his responsibility (to keep him out of trouble and on the right path).  I give Joshua’s Mission 4 out of 5 stars.  Do not get me wrong.  Joshua’s Mission is a good book.  I just did not think it was a great book (just my personal feelings).

The first book in the Plain and Simple Miracles series is Anna's Healing.  I received a complimentary copy of Joshua’s Mission from NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.

I am currently reading Grim Steeper by Amanda Cooper (almost done and it is very good).  I want to thank you for stopping by and reading my review.  I hope you have had a good Monday (I think I am coming down with another cold)!  Take care, stay well and Happy Reading.

Kris

The Avid Reader