Pockets of Purpose by Laurie Stroup Smith: Review & Giveaway!

Pockets of Purpose

Surgical complications leave an Amish auctioneer searching for his passions and purpose.

 

Book Summary

Two years after exchanging her first love letters with Gideon Petersheim, Dixie Yoder tucks his notes into her pocket quilt and travels from Pinecraft to Holmes County, hopeful for a future together. Upon her arrival, their relationship blossoms until the auctioneer has surgery to remove a cyst from his vocal cords. Complications from the procedure interfere with his healing, leaving him searching for his passions and purpose. Instead of leaning on Dixie through this tough time, he pushes her away and turns his back on God. Frustrated and heartbroken, she is torn between staying in Ohio with the new friends she has grown to love and packing her bags. Having lost everything, he must fight his way back to her, but his apology is long overdue. Only a grand gesture to show her how much she means to him will cause her to pause and reconsider.

About the Author

While writing Amish fiction and contemporary romance, Laurie Stroup Smith strives to inspire readers to serve others. She was named a Finalist in the 2017 ACFW First Impressions Contest and a Semi-Finalist in the 2018 and 2019 ACFW Genesis Contests. She has been interviewed by Loveland Magazine and has been a guest on the Buggy Talk and Fierce Calling podcasts.

Before writing, Laurie earned a bachelor’s degree in both athletic training and exercise science and later obtained her master’s degree in health promotion and education. She now writes full time and lives with her husband and their two daughters in Cincinnati. Connect with Laurie on her website (lauriestroupsmith.com), Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Author Links

Website:  lauriestroupsmith.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/lauriestroupsmith

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/lauriestroupsmith

Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/LaurieMSmith

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19903556.Laurie_Stroup_Smith

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/LStroupSmith

My Thoughts

Pockets of Purpose by Laurie Stroup Smith is a charming Amish novel. Dixie Yoder has been corresponding with Gideon Petersheim since he visited Pinecraft, Florida two years prior.  Dixie gets a chance to visit Holmes County thanks to an invitation from her friend, Mariah.  When Dixie learns that Gideon will be having surgery on a cyst in his throat, she arranges to leave early so she can care for him.  Unfortunately, Gideon’s surgery is not a success and his career as an auctioneer is in tatters.  Gideon pushes away the caring Dixie which has her pondering her future.  What does God have in store for Dixie and Gideon?  I enjoyed reading this heartwarming Amish tale.  Pockets of Purpose is well-written with engaging characters. I love Dixie’s outlook on life.  The author provided beautiful descriptions of Holmes County and the characters.  That is important to me because it allows me to envision the scenes in my mind.  I found myself quickly turning the pages so I could find out how this story would end.  Pockets of Purpose is the second book in The Pocket Quilt Series, but it can be read as a standalone.  Personally, I feel it is better to have read Pockets of Promise first (it was a delightful story).  I am glad we get to catch up with Mariah and Josiah.  I appreciated the epilogue at the end which wrapped up the story plus a glimpse at a new couple (maybe they will be in the next book).  This is a sweet wholesome Christian story (kissing only).  My favorite phrase from Pockets of Purpose is, “Try not to dwell on what isn’t going to be or what might not happen.  Tomorrow will have enough worries of its own.”  There are good life lessons in Pockets of Purpose including that when one door closes, you need to trust that God will open another one for you.  You just have to be brave enough plus have faith in God to walk through that newly opened door.  Pockets of Purpose is an uplifting Amish tale with an anxious auctioneer, precious pockets, lengthy letters, a caring community, a serious surgery, and a compassionate maedel.  

Pockets of Purpose is available from Amazon*.  If you are a Kindle Unlimited member, you can borrow for free.  The first novel in The Pocket Quilt Series is Pockets of Promise.  You can follow Laurie Stroup Smith on Amazon to get updates on her latest releases.  The author is hosting a giveaway for a signed copy of Pockets of Purpose plus a felt bird ornament (sorry, but U.S. residents only).  Click here to enter or use the Rafflecopter form below.  Good Luck!  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will be back tomorrow with The Moonshine Shack Murder by Diane Kelly.  It is the debut of A Southern Homebrew Mystery series.  I hope that you have a kindhearted day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

A Fatal Footnote by Margaret Loudon

 A Fatal Footnote

Book Summary

Writer-in-residence Penelope Parish will need to use every trick in her quaint British bookshop to unravel a murderous plot that threatens to ruin a ducal wedding.

The wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Upper Chumley-on Stoke has all the makings of a fairy tale, complete with a glowing bride and horse-drawn carriage. But it wouldn't be much of a story without a villain, and as American Gothic novelist Penelope Parish is coming to learn, happy-ever-afters are as fraught in this charming British town as they are in her books.

When the Duke's former girlfriend is found murdered at the reception it's up to Penelope and her newfound family at the Open Book bookshop to catch the killer before they strike again

My Thoughts

A Fatal Footnote by Margaret Loudon has Penelope Parish attending the wedding of American author Charlotte Davenport and Arthur Worthington, the Duke of Upper Chumley-on-Stoke.  It is a lavish weekend that ends with a bang when Cissie Emmoth, the Duke’s former girlfriend, is found dead just as the fireworks are about to begin.  Charlotte asks Penelope to investigate when her new husband becomes the prime suspect.  Penelope asks questions, observes, obtains local gossip, and digs up clues in her quest for the truth.  A Fatal Footnote is the 2^nd book in The Open Book Mystery series.  I recommend reading this series in order.  I have not had the opportunity to indulge in Murder in the Margins, and I felt it when I started A Fatal Footnote.  There are some entertaining, quirky characters in this series.  They go with the quaint town of Upper Chumley-on-Stoke.  The author captured the setting with her vivid descriptions.  The whodunit has a variety of suspects along with misdirection.  I enjoyed solving this fun mystery.  I liked that it was a lively mystery and that Detective Maguire got one up on the stoic Met detective.  I would have preferred a better wrap up because at the end of A Fatal Footnote, I was left with a couple of unanswered questions.   When not writing or investigating, Penelope must deal with her sister who arrived unexpectedly.  Beryl King is going through a rough time and needed to escape.  Penelope is a little surprised (and dismayed) Beryl chose to visit her since they are not close sisters.    A Fatal Footnote is a cute cozy mystery an American romance author, an anxious sister, a desperate duchess, a riot of rumors, and tons of tea.  

A Fatal Footnote is available from Amazon*.  The book in The Open Book Mystery series is Murder in the Margins.  Peril on the Page publishes March 1, 2022.  You can find Margaret Loudon aka Peg Cochran's other novels here.  Thank you for visiting today.  I really appreciate it.  Tomorrow I am featuring Pockets of Purpose by Laurie Smith.  It is the 2nd book in The Pocket Quilt Series.  I hope that you have a killer day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

Nine Lives by Danielle Steel

  Nine Lives

Book Summary

A woman who longs to avoid risk at all cost learns that men who love danger are the most exciting in this moving novel from New York Times bestselling author Danielle Steel.

After a carefree childhood, Mary Margaret Kelly came of age in the shadow of grief. Her father, a dashing daredevil Air Force pilot, died when she was nine. Maggie saw her mother struggle to put their lives back together. As the family moved from one city to the next, her mother warned her to beware of daredevil men and avoid risk at all cost.

Following her mother's advice, and forgoing the magic of first love with a high school boyfriend who was too wild to feel safe, Maggie instead sought out all the things her mother had lost--a predictable partner, a stable home, and a regular paycheck. She chose to marry a dependable, kind man who was a reliable husband and successful accountant. Together they had a son and found happiness in a conventional suburban life. Until tragedy struck again.

Now on her own, feeling a sense of adventure for the first time, Maggie decides to face her fears, setting off on a whirlwind trip from San Francisco to Rome, Paris, and Monaco. But when her travels reconnect her with the very same irresistible, thrill-seeking man she's spent thirty years trying to forget, Maggie becomes terrified that rushing into love and sharing his life may very well end in disaster. But ultimately, while Maggie tries to outrun her fears and painful memories of her past, fate will surprise her in the most astounding of ways, as she walks the tightrope between danger and courage, and between wisdom and love.

My Thoughts

Nine Lives by Danielle Steel shows us how loss affects a woman’s life and those of her loved ones. Maggie Kelly lost her father and her brother to airplane crashes.  While she fell for an adrenaline junkie in high school, she opts to marry a safe accountant.  Unfortunately, tragedy strikes again with Maggie suffering another loss.  When she encounters her old high school crush thirty years later, Maggie must decide if she can be with someone who lives on the wild side (adrenaline junkie).   Will Maggie live a safe life without love- or live-in constant fear that another person she cares about will die?  It contains Danielle Steel’s trademark writing (which means a quick, easy read). I did feel that some details were repeated a little too often (I got it the first time) and some of the pacing is off (things happens quickly with a lack of emotion), and a predictable storyline.  I have been reading Danielle Steel’s books since I was twelve (I have read all but one of her books). Some of her books I just love, and others are just so-so.  Nine Lives is an okay book.  I wish Maggie had been a stronger protagonist.  She came across as weak and lacking depth.  Maggie’s son, Aden was my favorite character.  He was mature for his age, a caring man who had depth.  I believe he has a bright future.  Nine Lives is a light, summertime read.

Nine Lives can be purchased from Amazon*.  Danielle Steel has Complications releasing August 17,  The Butler on October 5, Flying Angels on November 23, and Invisible on January 4, 2022. You can find Danielle Steel's other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  In addition to Nine Lives, the other books out today are Fallen by Linda Castillo, Love's Dwelling by Kelly Irvin, A Fatal Footnote by Margaret Louden, A Pumpkin Spice Killing by Lynn Cahoon, and The Moonshine Shack Murder by Diane Kelly (which I am featuring on July 9).  I hope that you have a stellar day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

Fallen by Linda Castillo

 Fallen

Book Summary

In New York Times bestselling author Linda Castillo’s new thriller Fallen, a rebellious Amish woman leaves the Plain life, but the secrets she takes with her will lead Chief of Police Kate Burkholder down a dark path to danger and death.

When a young woman is found murdered in a Painters Mill motel, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is shocked to discover she once knew the victim. Rachael Schwartz was a charming but troubled Amish girl who left the fold years ago and fled Painters Mill. Why was she back in town? And who would kill her so brutally?

Kate remembers Rachael as the only girl who was as bad at being Amish as Kate was—and those parallels dog her. But the more Kate learns about Rachael's life, the more she's convinced that her dubious reputation was deserved. As a child, Rachael was a rowdy rulebreaker whose decision to leave devastated her parents and best friend. As an adult, she was charismatic and beautiful, a rabble-rouser with a keen eye for opportunity no matter who got in her way. Her no-holds-barred lifestyle earned her a lot of love and enemies aplenty—both English and Amish.

As the case heats to a fever pitch and long-buried secrets resurface, a killer haunts Painters Mill. Someone doesn’t want Rachael’s past—or the mysteries she took with her to the grave—coming to light. As Kate digs deeper, violence strikes again, this time hitting close to home. Will Kate uncover the truth and bring a murderer to justice? Or will a killer bent on protecting a terrible past stop her once and for all—and let the fallen be forgotten?

My Thoughts

Fallen by Linda Castillo starts off with a bang courtesy of a horrific, bloody murder.  Even seasoned Police Chief Kate Burkholder has a hard time with the crime scene at the local motel.  The victim turns out to be Rachael Schwartz whom Kate babysat as a child.  Rachael left the community and became Englisch when she was seventeen.   Rachael is the type of person who did not pull any punches.  She pulled pranks, got into mischief, and managed to annoy most of the people she encountered.  Rachael still did not deserve to die in that manner.  Kate with help from John Tomasetti sets out to find Rachael’s killer.  The characters in this series are complex, developed, and realistic.  I especially enjoy Kate and John’s relationship.  They are cute together and John understands Kate.  I like the mix of Englisch and Amish.  The mystery was well-done.  It was well-plotted and a delight to solve.  I enjoyed following Kate as she followed the clues, questioned suspects, and consulted with Tomasetti.  There are subtle clues that can aid readers in identifying the guilty party.   I did find the amount of violence (this one was a little extreme) and foul language to be a turn off (not enough to stop reading though).  Fallen is the thirteenth A Kate Burkholder Novel.  For those who are new to this series, Fallen can be read as a standalone.  Personally, I have found it beneficial to read the series in order.  Fallen is a complex whodunit with a motel murder, a rowdy rulebreaker, disappointed parents, severe violence, a cruel killer, and a committed chief of police.  

Fallen publishes Tuesday, July 6 and can be obtained from Amazon*.  The other A Kate Burkholder Novels can be found here.  Follow Linda Castillo on Amazon to get updates on her latest releases.  Thank you for stopping by today and reading my review.  Tomorrow I am featuring Danielle Steel's latest release Nine Lives.  I hope that all of you have a carefree day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

Happy Fourth of July!

Happy Fourth of  July!

I hope that all of you have a fun and safe Fourth of July.  It is the perfect day to relax, read, and eat ice cream (chocolate chip for me).  I will be back tomorrow with Fallen by Linda Castillo.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

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

Draw and Order by Cheryl Hollon: Review & Excerpt!

Draw and Order by Cheryl Hollon

  

About Draw and Order

 

Draw and Order (A Paint & Shine Mystery) 

Appalachian artist and local guide Miranda Trent opens a new murder investigation after her Paint & Shine tour group discovers the remains of a missing hiker along an ancient trail . . .

For her latest excursion, Miranda is thrilled to take a close-knit group of rock climbers, the Risky Business Adventurers, up the challenging Battleship Rock Trail to paint and sample moonshine. But the outing is cut short when they discover a skeleton near the trailhead. Even more startling, the bones belong to Howard Cable, Miranda’s cousin…and a former classmate of the Risky Business group.

The sheriff chalks it up to a hiking accident, but Miranda isn’t convinced that Howard, an experienced woodsman, died within sight of a well-marked trail. So, with the help of Ranger Austin Morgan, Miranda sets out on her own investigation and discovers that the Risky Business group is keeping plenty of secrets. But is one of them hiding the truth about Howard’s death?

/

About Cheryl Hollon

Cheryl Hollon now writes full-time after she left an engineering career of designing and building military flight simulators in amazing countries such as England, Wales, Australia, Singapore, Taiwan, and India. Fulfilling the dream of a lifetime, she combines her love of writing with a passion for creating glass art. In the small glass studio behind her house in St. Petersburg, Florida, Cheryl and her husband design, create, and produce fused glass, stained glass, and painted glass artworks. Visit her online at http://cherylhollon.com, on Facebook or on Twitter @CherylHollon.

My Thoughts

Draw and Order by Cheryl Hollon is the 2^nd A Paint and Shine Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone if you have not had a chance to indulge in Still Knife Painting.  I thought Draw and Order was well-written with a developed main character.  The author captured the beauty of the area with her picturesque descriptions.  I love the sound of Miranda’s farmhouse and barn.  Miranda is trying to get her distillery up and running while conducting Paint and Shine Cultural Adventures.  The fates seem against her distillery as she has one set back after another.  I enjoyed the humor sprinkled throughout the story.  Miranda needed the patience of Job to deal with Ron, the handyman.  Miranda’s cousin has been missing for five years.  While on a tour with Risky Business Adventurers, they stumble upon a skeleton at Battleship Rock.  Miranda’s Aunt Ora asks her to investigate and gets justice for her cousin, Howard Cable.  Miranda has the assistance of Park Ranger, Austin Morgan who is her neighbor and potential romantic partner.  There are a handful of suspects some with stronger motive than others.  I like how the mystery tied into local legends and the area where Miranda takes her excursion clients.  The whodunit does get off to a slow start with it picking up steam toward the middle of the book.  The reveal is anticlimactic.    It depends upon your sleuthing prowess on when you solve this mystery.  I liked the why and how it related to our main character as well as the local area.  I enjoyed learning more about Miranda and her family.   I do sometimes find Miranda frustrating, but she is a generally likeable and a relatable character.  We get to see Miranda and Austin’s relationship deepen as they spend more time together.  Draw and Order is an enjoyable read.  I look forward to the next A Paint and Shine Mystery which is Death a Sketch (summer of 2022).  I enjoyed the preview at the end of the book.  There are drink and food recipes at the end as well.  Draw and Order is a joyful journey with a missing man, plein air painting, crispy chicken, an irritating repairman, several suspicious suspects, a curious cave, and smooth moonshine. 

Excerpt

Jennifer screamed so loud and so long, Miranda thought her ears might start to bleed. It was only the one scream, but the terrain spread the sound. An eerie echo played along the cliffs like shrill notes on a violin. Everyone rushed over.

“What’s wrong?” Alfred looked down at the bit of skull with an exposed fragment of jaw. “Is that an animal?” He turned to the rest of the group for what sounded like reassurance. “It’s got to be a bear, right?”

Kevin peered at the exposed fragment. “Not with a jaw like that.”

“That looks human.” Kurt grabbed the long stick from Miranda and flicked even more of the debris away, exposing the full jaw and more of the skull. “It’s human. I’m sure of that, but these bones have been here a long time.”

“How long?” asked Kevin.

“Long enough to be discolored by the soil.” Kurt shrugged. “I don’t remember my forensics-class particulars, but definitely more than a few months—maybe years.”

Jennifer began to shake. “Years?”

Miranda put her arm around Jennifer, who responded by going still and silent. “So, it’s possible that this could be ancient?”

Kurt shrugged again.

“We need to call the authorities.” Ranger Morgan appeared on Miranda’s other side.

“Oh, I’m so glad you’re here,” she whispered.

His face was pale, but his expression firm. “I’ll see if I can reach Sheriff Larson.”

“Thanks.” Still holding on to Jennifer, Miranda said, “Everyone, if you could return to the sketching site, that would be helpful. We need to stay out of the way.” She looked at Kurt. “Take Jennifer with you. She needs some water; or perhaps some lemonade out of my pack. Oh, and maybe a blanket.”

“I know that. Remember, I’m a qualified surgeon.”

“Right, sorry.”

Kurt took Jennifer by the arm. She quietly let herself be led away.

Miranda turned back to Austin, who was putting his cell phone away. “Any luck?”

“Yep. Oddly, cell signal is great up here—one of those freakish signal bounces. We must be within the line of sight with one of the newer towers. Sheriff Larson says he and the coroner are on the way.”

“Good.” Miranda half smiled. “We can drop this in his lap and not think about it.”

After everyone had reassembled at the overlook, Miranda stayed behind. “Austin, this feels surreal.” She looked at her watch. “It will be at least another thirty minutes before the sheriff and coroner get up here. I’m going to continue the lesson. I mean, since the remains are old, it’s better to keep everyone focused on something other than this scary pile of bones.”

Draw and Order can be purchased from Amazon, B&N, Kobo, Google Play, and IndieBound.  The first book in A Paint and Shine Mystery series is Still Knife Painting (if you are a Kindle Unlimited member, you can borrow it).  Cheryl Hollon also writes   A Webb's Glass Shop Mystery series.  You can follow Cheryl Hollon on Amazon and get updates on her latest releases.  Now for the Giveaway!!!!  As part of the tour, Cheryl Hollon is giving away a $25 Barnes & Noble Gift Card.  You can click here to enter or use the Rafflecopter form below.  Leave a comment for an extra entry.  Good Luck!  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return on Monday, July 5 with Fallen by Linda Catillo.  It is the latest A Kate Burkholder Novel.  I hope that everyone has a fun and safe Fourth of July.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

  Rafflecopter giveaway 

Tour Participants

June 28 – I Read What You Write – AUTHOR INTERVIEW 

June 28 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT 

June 29 – Author Elena Taylor's Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW 

June 29 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog – SPOTLIGHT 

June 30 - Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT 

June 30 - Novels Alive – GUEST POST 

June 30 - Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – CHARACTER GUEST POST 

July 1 – Baroness' Book Trove – REVIEW July 1 – Reading Is My SuperPower - REVIEW 

July 2 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW 

  July 2 – Novels Alive – REVIEW 

July 2 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews - SPOTLIGHT 

July 3 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW, EXCERPT 

July 3 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT 

July 4 – OFF July 5 – Christy's Cozy Corners – RECIPE POST 

July 5 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT 

July 6 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 

July 6 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 

July 6 – My Journey Back – RECIPE POST 

July 7 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW 

July 7 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW 

July 8 – BookishKelly2020 – SPOTLIGHT 

July 8 – Mysteries with Character - REVIEW 

July 8 – Cassidy's Bookshelves – REVIEW

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

Mocha, She Wrote by Ellie Alexander

 Mocha, She Wrote

Book Summary

It is June which has tourists flocking to Ashland, Oregon for the Shakespeare Festival.  Additionally, the West Coast Barista Cup which is being held in their town this year.  Torte’s head barista, Andy has been selected to compete.  Unfortunately, Andy gets off to a rough start with his day ending on a bitter note when head judge, Benson Vargas is found dead.  Andy becomes a prime suspect which has Jules quickly donning her investigative cap.  Jules needs to discover who had the biggest motive to kill the antagonistic judge before Andy ends up serving brews at the local penitentiary.  

My Thoughts

Mocha, She Wrote by Ellie Alexander is the 13^th A Bakeshop Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series.  Mocha, She Wrote is a lighthearted culinary cozy mystery.  It contains good writing with appealing characters. It is the characters that make this series.  They are friendly and relatable.  I enjoy the descriptions of Ashland.  The writer paints a visual picture with her words.  There are mouthwatering food and coffee descriptions that will have you heading for your local bakery.  Information about coffee and the brewing process are included.  It is interesting learning about what goes into making a good cup of java.  The whodunit has a loathsome victim that a number of people wished dead.  Jules had to interview victims, wade through the clues, and brew up a killer.  I wish the mystery had been more of a challenge (it is my favorite part of cozy mysteries).  I could easily identify the guilty party early in the story. Jules has become a seasoned investigator so she can handle a more challenging whodunit.   The murder did not occur until a third of the way through the book.  I like that there is no bloodshed or foul language.  This type of cozy is perfect for summer.    Mocha, She Wrote is a merry cozy mystery with a vile victim, a cutthroat coffee competition, a potent potion, chilled ice cream, and a keen killer.

Mocha, She Wrote is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other novels in A Bakeshop Mystery series here.  The next A Bakeshop Mystery is Bake, Borrow, and Steal which publishes December 28.  Ellie Alexander also writes A Sloane Krause Mystery series which has A Cure for What Ales You releasing October 5.  I appreciate you stopping by today and reading my review.  I am a stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour for Draw and Order by Cheryl Hollon.  It is the 2nd A Paint and Shine Mystery.  I hope that you have a day filled with sweet treats (I have a hankering for chocolate).  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

Finding Hope by Janice Kay Johnson

Book Summary

In this heartwarming and affecting Amish romance, a young woman has the chance to begin a new life in the Amish community after old betrayals come to light.

Hannah Prescott was used to the transitory life--her mother had always been a wild child, and throughout her life, Hannah became used to taking care of someone who never settled down. But everything changes when Hannah receives the startling news that her mother stole her away from her biological father and the Amish community at a young age.

Although heartbroken and confused, Hannah decides that in order to find out who she is, she needs to find out who she could have been. This includes not only a relationship with her father, but also the chance to make a connection with a young widower who recently moved to the settlement with his children. While her mother still disdains the Amish, and her new community is wary of outsiders, only Hannah can know if she's brave enough to commit to a fresh start and a real home.

My Thoughts

Finding Hope by Janice Kay Johnson is the 3^rd A Tompkin’s Mill Novel.  It can be read as a standalone, but I do recommend each book in this charming Amish series.  I thought Finding Hope was well-written with developed characters.  I loved the unique concept of this book.  A woman who learns that her mother took her away from her family when she was five years old.  She discovers she has a large extended family, and she spent her early years as Amish.  I was able to put myself into Hannah’s place courtesy of the author’s writing which allowed me to understand what she is experiencing.  My attention was grabbed right away, and it was held until the end.  The story moved along at a good pace.  I liked the alternating point-of-view that allowed us to see things from different perspectives. I was up late finishing Finding Hope (I wanted to find out how everything turned out).  I enjoyed returning to Tompkin’s Mill for this heartwarming Amish tale.  

Finding Hope is available from Amazon*.  I hope you enjoy this sweet Amish tale as much as I did.  The other two A Tompkin's Mill Novels are Turning Home and Mending Hearts.  Janice Kay Johnson has Dead in the Water (Harlequin Intrigue) publishing August 24.  You can find Janice Kay Johnson's other books here.  I appreciate you joining me today.  I am off to get my final COVID shot today.  Wish me luck.  The first one gave me migraines, a sore arm, sleepiness, and a fever.  I am hoping the second shot will not have severe side effects.  It is worth it though.  I do not want to worry about getting COVID and infecting my mother.  We are also having the house pressure washed today.  I wanted to do it myself, but I soon discovered that I am not up to the task.  Tomorrow I am sharing my thoughts on Mocha, She Wrote by Ellie Alexander.  It is the 13th A Bakeshop Mystery.  May you have a glorious day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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