The Mersey Angels by Sheila Riley

  The Mersey Angels

 Book Summary

The thrilling new book from Sheila Riley in her Liverpool Saga series

1916 LIVERPOOL

Following the death of her father, Ruby Swift, and husband Archie finally move back into Ashland Hall.

As the Great War rages, fathers and sons take the King's Shilling and head off to fight the unknown enemy, not knowing what horrors lie ahead.

With Ned Kincaid in the Navy, Archie signs up to the volunteer constabulary and nurses Anna Cassidy and Ellie Harrington enlist to do their bit for King and Country.

Soon the true casualties of war are being brought home in droves, Ruby converts Ashland Hall into an auxiliary hospital for wounded servicemen.

It’s not long before the true cost of war is brought closer to home and Anna and Ellie enlist in the British Military Nursing Corp and soon find themselves in the battlefields of France in search of the truth.

But they soon discover more than they bargained for...

 My Thoughts

The Mersey Angels by Sheila Riley takes readers back to 1916 in England where our characters are dealing with injured soldiers from the war.  Ruby Swift decides to turn Ashland Hall into an auxiliary hospital.  Ruby, Archie, Anna, and Ellie move into the hunting lodge as a drill sergeant of a doctor takes over the hospital.  Each person is worried about a loved one while they work to help the injured soldiers.  The Mersey Angels can be read as a standalone in case you have not had the opportunity to read The Mersey Mistress.  I thought The Mersey Angels was easy to read with developed, realistic characters.  The author did her research for this series.  She captured the time period, so the reader felt like they were back in 1916.  I liked most of the characters with my favorite being the formidable Ruby Swift.  She was a clever, shrewd woman.  Ruby did not let any grass grow under her feet.  If she had an idea, she was off to make it happen.  The Mersey Angels is an emotional novel.  There is heartache, hope, deep sorrow, disgust, joy, love, and hope.  We get to follow Anna, Ruby, Ellie, Lottie, and Izzy as they go about their everyday lives with the additional workload of helping the war effort.  Each person “wants to do their bit.”  They experience losses, but they continue to have hope.  With loved ones away fighting in the war, they worry they could receive a dreaded telegram.  A telegram in 1916 told you if your loved one was missing in action, dead, or injured.  There were, on occasion, telegrams that would bring joyful news. Letters would be exchanged between those at home and those away.  Women at home worried when they did not receive consistent communication.  The war wreaked havoc with mail delivery.  While most of the characters are those that readers will love, there are some that you will love to hate.  Jerky Woods is one of those.  I just wanted to shake Lottie who was naïve and refused to see the man’s true nature.  The Mersey Angels is an appealing novel that will delight fans of historical fiction.  The ending will leave you smiling.  The Mersey Angels is a compelling tale with a dedicated doctor, an awe-inspiring woman, an absent brother, a despicable son, courageous soldiers, and a waging war.  

The Mersey Angels is available from Amazon*.  The first novel in the Liverpool Saga is The Mersey Mistress.  Both books can be borrowed for free if you subscribe to Kindle Unlimited.  You can follow Sheila Riley on Amazon to receive emails on her latest releases.  Thank you so much for joining me today.  One for the Hooks by Betty Hechtman is planned for tomorrow.  It is the 14th A Crochet Mystery.  I hope that you have a fun filled day.  We all need laughter and joy in our lives.  I am working on a border for our side garden.  I learned after I put in the garden that this area floods during heavy rains.  So I am putting in a border of long stones with a moat filled with rocks between the border and the flower bed (it is helping).  I can only do a little at a time so it is taking me longer than expected (between my Fibromyalgia and the heat).  I am trying to get extensions put on our downspouts so the rain can be deposited elsewhere (if I can just get the company to come out--I will keep pestering until they do).  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.

Death and Sensibility by Elizabeth Blake

   Death and Sensibility

   

   Book Summary

Bookstore owner Erin Coleridge seeks the scoundrel who silenced a conference's keynote speaker in Elizabeth Blake's second charming Jane Austen Society mystery.

When the quaint English town of York hosts a Jane Austen Society conference, bookseller Erin Coleridge is glad to get out of Kirkbymoorside for a while--until featured speaker Barry Wolf suddenly perishes from what appears to be a heart attack.

Erin is suspicious, since Barry had no history of heart disease. But who did him in? Was it the decedent's assistant, Stephen, who was observed chatting to Barry's young wife Luca earlier that night? Might it have been Barry's ex-wife Judith, who was seen arguing with her erstwhile betrothed at the bar? Meanwhile, conference co-chairs Hetty and Prudence have been at one another's throat since the conference. Is one of them the culprit?

Matters of the heart are putting Erin off her guard. Both Detective Inspector Peter Hemming and schoolteacher Jonathan Alder have made gestures of romantic interest, but Erin isn't sure who is her Willoughby and who is her Colonel Brandon. DI Hemming tries to persuade Erin that her entanglement in the murder investigation is far from sensible, but his entreaties come to naught. Dauntlessly, Erin joins forces with Kirkbymoorside's cat lady, Farnsworth, to ferret out the guilty party.

   My Thoughts

Death and Sensibility by Elizabeth Blake is the 2^nd A Jane Austen Society Mystery.  Erin Coleridge is in York with a few of her friends from the Jane Austen Society’s Northern Branch for a Jane Austen conference.  The morning following a contentious cocktail party, their keynote speaker, Barry Wolf is found dead from what appears to be a heart attack.  Erin has her doubts about the cause of death and decides to do a little sleuthing against the advice of Detective Hemmings.  When another person connected to the conference ends up dead, Erin knows she is right.  Erin just needs to prove it to her dishy detective.  

Death and Sensibility can be read as a standalone if you did not read Pride, Prejudice, and Poison.  I enjoyed the lovely descriptions of Kirkbymoorside and York.  The author provides detailed depictions that allow readers to visualize the scenes (I am starting with something positive).  I really wanted to like A Jane Austen Society Mystery series, but I just do not like the characters (among other things).  Erin comes across as a know-it-all (on Jane Austen trivia, Cockney rhyming slang, and so much more).  She decides Barry Wolf was murdered despite evidence to the contrary (I agreed with her, but it was the way she went about it).  Erin then goes about proving she is right.  Erin is supposed to be British, but she comes across as American (at least to me).  The mystery is one that I had figured out before Barry Wolf turned up dead (I could tell you who would die, who did it, and I even had an inkling as to why Barry Wolf was murdered).  There are several suspects, misdirection, and pointed clues.  I wish the whodunit had been more of a challenge.  The resolution was disappointing and incomplete.  I wanted a resolution with facts, not supposition.  There are detailed descriptions of food, drinks, and clothing.  I really did not need to know what each person ate at each and every meal.  There are some comments that are borderline offensive.  I believe some of them were supposed to be snarky, but they were still in poor taste.  I thought there was too much romance.  Erin likes Jonathan Adler as well as Detective Hemmings.  She flirts and kisses both men while at the conference.  I am not sure what she sees in the detective who warns her frequently to not investigate and keep your nose to herself.  At times it felt I was reading a romance novel instead of a cozy mystery.  In the book, Hemmings is referred to as Detective Hemmings.  I believe in England, he would be a Detective Inspector.  I am hoping that the details that are incorrect are fixed before the final release (there were other small things).  I also found the pacing to be lethargic in Death and Sensibility.  The first half of the book goes by at a snail’s pace.  I was beginning to wonder if Barry’s death would ever be declared a murder.  Jane Austen fans will enjoy the quotes and trivia (there is a quote about every other page).  If you are in doubt about Death and Sensibility, I suggest reading a sample to see if it is the right book for you.  What might not appeal to me, can be something loved by another person.  We each have different reading tastes.   Death and Sensibility is a cozy for Janeites with mouthwatering meals, a contentious cocktail gathering, a vile victim, a disgruntled detective, a bevy of bodies, exacting extracts, a welcoming waiter, one snoopy sleuth. 

Death and Sensibility is available from Amazon*.  The first novel in A Jane Austen Society Mystery series is Pride, Prejudice, and Poison (kindle version currently $1.99 on Amazon which can change without notice). Please remember that these are my thoughts about the book.  Just because it did not suit me, does not mean it will not suit you.  We all have different reading tastes (which is why there are so many wonderful books in the world). Two of the photos I used today are from a weekend meeting of the Jane Austen Society of North American Southwest chapter. Thank you for reading my review today.  I will be sharing my thoughts on The Mersey Angels by Sheila Riley tomorrow.  It is the second novel in the Liverpool saga set during World War I.  I hope that you have a soothing 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.

The Light of Luna Park by Addison Armstrong

 The Light of Luna Park

Book Summary

In the spirit of The Orphan Train and Before We Were Yours, a historical debut about a nurse who chooses to save a baby's life, and risks her own in the process, exploring the ties of motherhood and the little-known history of Coney Island and America's first incubators.

A nurse's choice. A daughter's search for answers.

New York City, 1926. Nurse Althea Anderson's heart is near breaking when she witnesses another premature baby die at Bellevue Hospital. So when she reads an article detailing the amazing survival rates of babies treated in incubators in an exhibit at Luna Park, Coney Island, it feels like the miracle she has been searching for. But the doctors at Bellevue dismiss Althea and this unconventional medicine, forcing her to make a choice between a baby's life and the doctors' wishes that will change everything.

Twenty-five years later, Stella Wright is falling apart. Her mother has just passed, she quit a job she loves, and her marriage is struggling. Then she discovers a letter that brings into question everything she knew about her mother, and everything she knows about herself.

The Light of Luna Park is a tale of courage and an ode to the sacrificial love of mothers

My Thoughts

The Light of Luna Park by Addison Armstrong is a dual timeline novel.  The story alternates between Althea Anderson and Stella Wright.  Stella has just lost her mother and her grief is highlighting parts of her life that are unsatisfactory.  Stella quits her job and decides to empty out her mother’s apartment on her own.  While going through a special box, Stella finds some curious letters.  She begins to wonder if she really knew her mother.  Stella decides to follow the clues and see where they lead.  Stella is in for a journey where her mother’s deepest secret will be revealed.  I found The Light of Luna Park to be a depressing story.  The beginning is slow with the pacing picking up in the second half of the story.  I thought the author captured both time periods (1926 and 1950) especially the attitudes of doctors in the 1920s, the PTSD that affected World War II soldiers, and the feelings of people towards the education of students with disabilities.  I did not find either character likeable and there was too much repetition of certain details (twice is fine, but more than that is too much).  Althea was preferrable to Stella for me.  Stella’s woe is me attitude got on my nerves.  I understood that Stella was grieving, but she let it overwhelm her whole life (it makes for a depressing story).  It was interesting learning about Dr. Couney, and his infamous incubator babies exhibit at Coney Island.  At the end of the book, I was left with unanswered questions.  The Light of Luna Park had an interesting premise, but it did not appeal to me.  Each of us view books differently.  I suggest that you read a sample to see if this historical novel appeals to you.  The Light of Luna Park is a dual timeline novel with infamous incubators, a committed mother, a repugnant principal, abnormal missives, an unsettled spouse, and an essential mission.

The Light of Luna Park publishes Tuesday, August 10 and it is available from Amazon*.  This is Addison Armstrong's debut novel.  You can follow her here on Amazon to receive news on her next release.  I appreciate you visiting today and reading my thoughts on this new novel.  I will return tomorrow to feature Death and Sensibility by Elizabeth Blake.  It is the 2nd A Jane Austen Society Mystery. I hope that you have sunny 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.

Murder in Connemara by Carlene O'Connor

 Murder in Connemara

Book Summary

Murder in Connemara by Carlene O’Connor has Tara Meehan heading off to check out an old stone cottage for sale after finding a flyer for it on the front door of her shop.  Tara hopes the trip will help keep her mind off the business license that has yet to arrive.  Tara arrives at the old cottage to find a whining puppy named Savage and a dead woman with no identification.  A week or so later, Veronica O’Farrell bursts into Tara’s shop, Renewals to state that she will be holding her “Amends” party there and that Tara is to find a special gift for each guest.  Tara’s objections are overcome when she learns the fee Veronica is willing to pay.  Tara admires a one-of-a-kind brooch Veronica is wearing and even takes a selfie with it posting it online with the hashtag #KillerBrooch. Unfortunately, Veronica is soon found murdered, and the weapon is the antique Tara Brooch.  Tara is a prime suspect which sends her into investigator mode.   Tara intends to uncover the killer and she will not let anyone get in her way.

My Thoughts

Murder in Connemara by Carlene O’Connor is the 2^nd A Home to Ireland Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone, but I believe readers will have a better understanding of Tara if they read Murder in Galway first.  I enjoyed the beautiful descriptions of Ireland, the architecture, and the items in Tara’s shop.  The author really brought the Irish countryside to life for me.  Tara Meehan is a character that I am not sure that I like yet.  Tara’s behavior and attitude bothered me at times.  I really did not like her thoughts about the Garda (she thinks they are stupid).  Tara is one of those people who will do what they want even if it gets in the way of others completing their job.  The mystery has quite a few suspects. The author tried to the whodunit complicated, but the resolution was easy to suss out.    The apparent clues made it a cinch to solve.  The why is also not a challenge to figure out.  I did not like Tara mucking up crime scenes (she is giving amateur sleuths a bad name).  I got fed up with suspects arguing (I ended up skimming through some areas).  Tara tended to go off on tangents at times that took her away from her goal.  There are some quirky characters in this series including Tara’s uncle and the psychic, Rose.  I loved little Savage with this adorable collar.  I wanted to like Murder in Connemara, but I just did not find it that appealing.  Murder in Connemara transports readers to Ireland in this cozy mystery with the sweet Savage, amends gone awry, a prophetic psychic, a forceful woman, business license tribulations, and a problematic photo. 

Murder in Connemara can be purchased from Amazon*.  The first book in A Home to Ireland Mystery series is Murder in Galway (which can be borrowed for free if you belong to Kindle Unlimited).  You can find Carlene O'Connor's other novels here.  Thank you so much for stopping by and reading my review today.  I will return on Monday with The Light of Luna Park by Addison Armstrong.  I hope that you have a relaxing weekend.  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.

To Write a Wrong by Jen Turano

 To Write a Wrong

Book Summary

Miss Daphne Beekman is a mystery writer by day, inquiry agent by night. Known for her ability to puzzle out plots, she happily works behind the scenes for the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency, staying well away from danger. However, when Mr. Herman Henderson arrives on the doorstep of the agency, desperate for someone to investigate numerous attempts on his life, Daphne soon finds herself in the thick of a case she's determined to solve.

Mr. Herman Henderson is also a mystery writer, but unlike the dashing heroes he pens, he prefers living a quiet life, determined to avoid the fate of his adventurous parents, who perished while searching for the Lost City of Gold.

As the list of suspects grows and sinister plots are directed at Daphne, the situation quickly deteriorates, and a revealed secret jeopardizes their newfound affection. Only time will tell if Daphne will be able to regain Herman's trust and save both their lives.

My Thoughts

To Write a Wrong by Jen Turano is the 2^nd tale in The Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency series.  I suggest reading To Steal a Heart before beginning To Write a Wrong (you will not regret it).  Miss Daphne Beekman is an author as well as an agent with the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency.  Daphne is an unusual woman for her time period.  She is spirited, creative, clever, clumsy, and loyal with a tendency to swoon.  Daphne carries a large handbag that holds a multitude of items that tend to come in handy including a pistol.  Mr. Herman Henderson comes to the agency late on a Friday night to engage their services.  Herman is a published author who is actually Daphne’s competitor.  Herman has had four attempts on his life, and he wishes to hire the agency to find out who is behind the attempts.  This is the beginning of a humorous, boisterous adventure.  I always look forward to Jen Turano’s book because I can count of them to make me laugh.  To Write a Wrong did not disappoint.  I did find it a little bit of a slow starter.  The first scene between Herman and Daphne seemed to go on too long (it felt a little off).  I love that Daphne can hold her own.  She might swoon on occasion (she is working on it), but Daphne is not a woman to back down.  There is a scene with Daphne at her publishers in Boston that shows off her strengths.  I could envision the scene and the faces of the men in the room which had me chuckling (the thought of that scene still makes me laugh).  To Write a Wrong is a busy book.  I liked all the activity and quirky characters.  Romance abounds with the ladies as they meet some new gentlemen.  Some things never change.  Issues women faced then are some of the same problems women face now.  The author brought 1887 New York and Boston to life with her vivid writing.  To Write a Wrong is a multifaceted, historical novel that is a delight to read.  To Write a Wrong is droll historical tale with matchmaking grandmama’s, a pilfering parrot, a concerned cousin, protective relatives, writing woes, and a not so secret non de plume.  

To Write a Wrong is available from Amazon*.  The first novel in The Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency series is To Steal a Heart (it you belong to Kindle Unlimited, you can borrow it).  Follow Jen Turano on Amazon so you can receive emails on her latest releases.  Thank you for visiting today.  I hope you have left with a new book to read.  Murder in Connemara by Carlene O'Connor is planned for tomorrow.  It is the second A Home to Ireland Mystery.  I hope you have imaginative 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.

100 Proof Murder by Mary Ellis

100 Proof Murder 

Book Summary 

Travel writer Jill Curtis is in Louisville, Kentucky, on the next stop of her bourbon tour assignment, and is keen to explore the local distilleries with her videographer, Michael Erickson - especially since her new beau, Lieutenant Nick Harris, lives in the city.

But the night before Jill's first tour at Parker's Distillery, she is shocked to learn that the master distiller, William Scott, has died suddenly of a heart attack - and even more shocked when she discovers William's daughter, Alexis, suspects foul play. Is there more to William's death than meets the eye? Jill is soon drawn into a deadly blend of rivalry, jealously, and cold-blooded murder as she attempts to uncover the truth behind William's unexpected demise

My Thoughts 

100 Proof Murder by Mary Ellis has Jill Curtis, a syndicated travel writer, arriving in Louisville, Kentucky to tour local bourbon distilleries.  Jill and her videographer, Michael are enjoying a drink in the bar when they learn that the master distiller of Parker Estate Distillery, William Scott Parker, passed away that afternoon.  Jill has an appointment to meet with the decedent’s daughter and the distilleries operation manager, Alexis Scott Parker the next day as well as tour their facility.  Jill arrives at her appointment to find a distraught Alexis.  She believes her father is the victim of foul play, but Alexis has no idea how to prove it.  Jill, thanks to her recent experience, can aid Alexis in this matter.  Jill soon finds herself entangled in the Scott Parker family drama as she attempts to learn the truth about the master distiller’s sudden demise.  

100 Proof Murder by Mary Ellis is the 2^nd book in A Bourbon Tour Mystery series.  100 Proof Murder can be read as a stand alone for those who have not read One for the Road.  I thought Jill Curtis being a travel writer was a unique premise for a cozy mystery.  With Jill traveling, there is always a new place for a murder or crime to occur (instead of a large spike in crime in a small town).  I enjoyed the descriptions of Louisville, Whiskey Row, and the area distilleries.  The whodunit is not the focus of this cozy mystery.  The distiller’s death is not even declared suspicious until I was a third of a way through the book.  There are a variety of suspects and a red herring.  I had no problem identifying the guilty party before the reveal (a big clue gives it away).  The majority of the book deals with Jill’s job, Lt. Nick Harris having problem with his mother, Jill’s relatives causing havoc (their antics were hilarious), and Jill and Nick’s relationship.  We follow Jill as she goes about her daily life in Louisville.  There are some glaring mistakes in this book.  Michael’s last name changes late in the book from Erickson to Emerson, Michael’s gumbo because jambalaya, and Kentucky is referred to as the Keystone state (that is Pennsylvania).  The pacing is languid in 100 Proof Murder.  A book with a little over two hundred pages seemed three times as long.  I wanted less romance and more mystery.  This could be an entertaining series with some changes.  100 Proof Murder takes readers to the Bluegrass State where there are tasty tipples, a disconcerting death, raucous relatives, a masculine lieutenant, an absentminded mother, and a vexing videographer. 

100 Proof Murder is available from Amazon*.  The first novel in A Bourbon Tour Mystery series is One for the Road.  You can find Mary Ellis' other novels here.  Thank you so much for reading my review today.  I will be back tomorrow with To Write a Wrong by Jen Turano.  It is the latest novel in The Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency series.  I wanted to let you know that I could not put together one of the planters.  I opened up the box and read through the parts list.  The planters legs were not included.  How could they forget four legs?  I have emailed the manufacturer (I am not hopeful) asking for assistance.  If I do not get a response, I will send it all back.  I hope that you have a cheerful 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.

An Amish Schoolroom by Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, and Shelley Shepard Gray

 An Amish Schoolroom

Book Summary

Three charming stories of new school years and new romance. 

A Class for Laurel  by Amy Clipston 

Adventurous Laurel Weaver leaves Pennsylvania to answer a newspaper ad for a teaching position in Colorado. She stays with handsome Glen Troyer’s family, and they become close. However, she never intended to stay in Colorado, and his family worries Glen may choose to follow her back to Pennsylvania or be left with a broken heart. Now she can’t bear to think of leaving Glen and her beloved students, but she’s beginning to feel like she’s out of options. Will Laurel and Glen push through the obstacles and fight for love? 

A Lesson on Love  by Kathleen Fuller 

Priscilla Helmuth left her Amish community twelve years ago to pursue her dream of being a country singer, but she’s missed her faith and her family. Now, she’s moving to Birch Creek to be a schoolteacher. Micah Wagler recently moved there as well to put the past behind him. As the community comes together to build a new schoolhouse, Priscilla and Micah are thrown together. They bond over their love of music, but soon it appears that Priscilla’s dreams of fame just might be coming true. She has to give up something, and Micah worries that it will be their faith . . . and his heart. 

Wendy’s Twenty Reasons  by Shelley Shepard Gray 

Wendy Schwartz is used to people underestimating her, but she’s sure she can be a great teacher. Unfortunately, it’s a disaster not long after she starts, and soon her job is in jeopardy. To make matters more complicated, she worries that she’s falling for the son of the older couple she’s boarding with. Lewis Weaver knows he shouldn’t have a romantic relationship with a tenant, but he can’t help but be drawn to Wendy. When a dangerous ice storm traps Wendy in the schoolroom with her students, uncomfortable truths will have to be faced by the town that just might change the future for everyone. 

Sweet Amish novellas with happily-ever-afters with discussion questions at the end of each one.

My Thoughts

An Amish Schoolroom contains three heartwarming novellas by Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, and Shelley Shepard Gray.  Each Amish tale is about a woman whose desire to become a teacher is finally fulfilled.  As they embark on their new adventure, each lady meets a handsome, friendly man.  I liked that each story was set in a different Amish community.  We get a glimpse of what it is like to teach school in a one-room schoolhouse with students from six to fourteen.  I thought each of the stories were well-written with realistic characters and beautiful settings. 

 

A Class for Laurel by Amy Clipston takes us to Monte Vista, Colorado where Laurel Weaver meets Glen Troyer.  They become friends, and then begin dating.  Glen’s family, though, worries that he will move away or get his heart broken.  Can love triumph?  This was such a sweet story.  I was drawn in right away.  I liked the characters especially Glen’s grandmother.  I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of Monte Vista, Colorado. It sounds like a beautiful area (the word imagery makes me want to visit).  The romance was sweet and progressed nicely.  I appreciated the epilogue that nicely wrapped up the story.  I hope we get to revisit this community again (hint, hint Amy Clipston).  

A Lesson on Love by Kathleen Fuller has Priscilla Helmuth returning to the Amish after pursuing her dream in Nashville.  Priscilla is hired as the teacher in Marigold, Ohio.  When she goes to purchase a buggy, Priscilla meets buggy maker Micah Wagler.  There is an instant attraction between them, but Priscilla worries about their age difference.  A maedel in the community feels she has dibs on Micah which causes conflict.  Just when Micah and Priscilla become close, Priscilla receives some surprising news.  A Lesson on Love was an easy-to-read story.  I liked that there was an age difference between Micah and Priscilla.  It gives us something different along with Priscilla’s dream of being a country music singer.  This is a charming story.

Wendy’s Twenty Reasons by Shelley Shepard Gray has Wendy Schwartz realizing her dream of becoming a teacher.  Wendy intends to prove she can handle the job despite her young age.  It is proving difficult as her students miss their former teacher and a nosy mother questions her abilities.  Wendy finds her landlord’s son, Lewis to be friendly and helpful.  She enjoys spending time with him and finds herself wanting more than friendship.  Wendy does not want to pick between teaching and love.  If things do not improve at school, though, Wendy could find herself returning home and her teaching dream over.  This was an engaging story that was over far too soon.  It has good characters and a thought-out plot.  I liked the humor sprinkled throughout the story.  I like how it all came together.  I liked that we get to see things from the male and female perspective in each novella.  An Amish Schoolroom is a charming collection of stories.  They are great individually and work wonderfully together.  Each novella has special characters, a beautiful setting, unexpected love, and a pesky problem.  An Amish Schoolroom is an irresistible trio of Amish tales that was the perfect way so spend a rainy Saturday afternoon.  

An Amish Schoolroom is available from Amazon*.  These authors have The Amish Quilting Bee releasing December 7.  You can find Amy Clipston's other delightful Amish novels here, Kathleen Fuller's creations here, and Shelley Shepard Gray's charming publications here.  Kathleen Fuller has Matched and Married publishing September 7.  Shelley Shepard Gray has A Christmas Courtship coming out October 19.  Amy Clipston has Foundation of Love publishing February 1, 2022.  It is the first An Amish Legacy Novel.  I hope you enjoy An Amish Schoolroom as much as I did.  It is always nice to relax with sweet  Amish stories.  Thank you so much for joining me today.  100 Proof Murder by Mary Ellis is scheduled for tomorrow.  It is 2nd A Bourbon Tour Mystery.  I hope you have peaceful 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.

Death in Castle Dark by Veronica Bond

Death in Castle Dark 

Book Summary

Actor Nora Blake finds her dream job when she is cast in a murder-mystery troupe that performs in an imposing but captivating old castle. When she stumbles upon a real murder, things take a nightmarish turn in this first book in an exciting new series.

Maybe it was too good to be true, but when Nora Blake accepted the job from Derek Corby, proprietor of Castle Dark, she could not see any downsides. She would sink her acting chops into the troupe’s intricately staged murder-mystery shows, earn free room and board in the fairy tale–like castle, and make friends with her new roommates, which include some seriously adorable kittens.

But something sinister lurks behind the walls of Castle Dark. During Nora’s second performance, one of her castmates plays the part of the victim a little too well. So well, in fact, that no one can revive him. He has been murdered. Not ready to give up her dream gig—or to be the next victim—Nora sets out to see which one of her fellow actors has taken the role of a murderous real-life villain.

Author Bio

Veronica Bond is the pseudonym for Julia Buckley, a beloved author who has taught high school English for twenty-nine years. Her previous series include the Undercover Dish mysteries and the Writer’s Apprentice mysteries.  Julia also writes A Hungarian Tea House Mystery series. She currently resides in Chicago, Illinois.

My Thoughts

Death in Castle Dark by Veronica Bond has Nora Blake joining the murder mystery troupe at Castle Dark in Wood Glen, Illinois.  Nora loves that she gets to live in the beautiful castle with a library right next to her bedroom.  During Nora’s second performance, she loses one of her ruby earrings which are part of the plot.  Nora retraces her steps to the chapel where she is shocked to find one her fellow actors dead on the floor.  Nora wonders which one of the castle residents committed the evil deed. 

Death in Castle Dark is the debut of A Dinner and a Murder Mystery series.  I love the premise for this series of murder mystery dinners held in a gorgeous yet dark castle.  It is unique and fun.  Nora Blake is our protagonist. Nora has been trying to succeed as an actress in Chicago with mixed results.  This job includes room and board which is a blessing.  I wish Nora were a stronger character.  I wanted her to be brave and curious.  I like that we get to know her family and Nora’s background.  We also get to meet her fellow thespians, the cook, co-owners of Castle Dark, and the handsome Detective John Dashiell. I loved Castle Dark.  The vivid descriptions allowed me to visualize what it looked like.  Who can resist a European castle with hidden passages and a large library?  It has a great gothic atmosphere which is perfect for a mystery.  The murder of one of the theater troupe is straightforward.  A spooky hidden passage along with some creepy incidents add to the gothic atmosphere.  I wanted Nora to be curious about the murder (I mean she did find the body) and jump right into investigator mode.  She stumbles upon some clues and is involved in some chilling incidents.  Nora does share information with Detective John “Dash” Dashiell whom she finds attractive.  I like that we get to learn more about the cast (and their possible motives).  The identity of the killer and the reason why can be discerned before the reveal.  I enjoyed the spooky atmosphere and how the mystery was laid out.  I could have done with more action which would have helped the pacing.  Death in Castle Dark has a great atmosphere and some interesting characters.  I loved Hamlet, the castle’s dog, and an important member of the cast.  Another fun addition was the three Bronte kittens with their adorable antics.  I am curious to see what happens next time at Castle Dark.  Death in Castle Dark is a spooky tale with a creepy costume, a displaced dagger, cavorting kittens, a dashing detective, clandestine corridors, and a malicious murderer.  

Death in Castle Dark is available from Amazon*  It is the debut of A Dinner and a Murder Mystery series.  You can follow Veronica Bond here so you receive emails when she releases a new book.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will be back tomorrow with An Amish Schoolroom by Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, and Shelley Shepard Gray.  I am to work on a planter (I have two different ones--I am not still working on the same one).  I was surprised that the planter did not come with an insert (plastic to protect the metal).  I also need to call to get the roofer back out to repair one of our gutters (this is my second attempt).   With all the rain we have been having in Florida, the bottom part flew off the other night.  I do not believe that should happen.  I hope that you have a lovely 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.

The Walnut Creek Wish by Wanda E. Brunstetter

 The Walnut Creek Wish

Book Summary

An Antique Store Becomes a Place of Healing for Broken Hearts
 
Welcome to Walnut Creek, Ohio, where Orley and Lois Troyer own an antique store they call “Memory Keepers.” Though knowledgeable in antiques and their repair, their real talent is in mentoring folks who are hurting and don’t even know it. Enter Jeff, a restaurateur, and Rhonda, a hotel manager, who recently moved to Amish country for the slow pace, but the change of scenery puts even more stress on their already strained marriage. Will an antique sled be the last straw, or will it lead to unexpected revelations and the fulfillment of dreams?

My Thoughts

The Walnut Creek Wish by Wanda E. Brunstetter is the first book in Creektown Discoveries series.  I enjoyed this special Amish tale from beginning to end.  I thought it was well-written with developed characters.  Orley and Lois Troyer own Memory Keepers Antique Store in Walnut Creek, Ohio where Rhonda and Jeff Davis relocate after finding their dream home.  Orley bonds with Jeff and has a way of getting Jeff to talk about what is troubling him.  Rhonda and Jeff’s marriage has been on a downward spiral for several years.  Rhonda yearns for a child, but she has been unable to get pregnant.  Both of them spend too much time working and little time with each other.  They hoped the move to Walnut Creek would give them a chance to slow down and have less stress in their lives.  Unfortunately, a series of events have made their lives more stressful.  Orley and Lois provide guidance and love plus pray for the couple.  The Walnut Creek Wish is an uplifting story.  Orley and Lois Troyer are great characters.  Orley is a hoot.  I love his zest for life and his upbeat attitude.  I thought the characters were realistic.  I also thought Jeff and Rhonda’s marital problems were representative of what couple’s experience today.  Rhonda is unable to become pregnant and the doctors cannot find a physical reason, stress from work, working long hours, and financial troubles (going into debt to purchase a home).  I like the blend of English and Amish.  I appreciated that there was an epilogue that nicely wrapped up Rhonda and Jeff’s tale.   My favorite phrase is, “. . . when I have a problem too difficult for me, I’ll remember that God is a just a simple prayer away.”  I was sorry for this sweet story to end, but I am looking forward to seeing who Orley and Lois help in the next Creektown Discoveries novel.  The Walnut Creek Wish is a heartening story with singular treasures, financial failures, a stressful profession, a car commute, and sociable shop owners. 

The Walnut Creek Wish is out today.  You can find it on Amazon* as well as other major retailers.  You can find Wanda E. Brunstetter's other novels here.  The pictures I used today feature an antiques from a shop in Walnut Creek, Ohio.  The other shows a man cave.  I can imagine Jeff watching his television while thinking about new items to add to his collection.  I am looking forward to the next book in the Creektown Discoveries series.  Thank you for stopping by today.   I hope that you have an upbeat day.  I am going to relax and read today.  Tonight I am cooking  dinner on the grill (keep the house cool).  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.