A Promise of Forgiveness by Jo Ann Brown: Review, Excerpt, and Giveaway!

 The Promise of Forgiveness

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Promise of Forgiveness by Jo Ann Brown, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: A Promise of Forgiveness 

Series: Secrets of Bliss Valley #2 

Author: Jo Ann Brown 

Publisher: Love Inspired 

Release Date: November 30, 2021 

Genre: Christian, Amish, Contemporary Romance 

“Jo Ann Brown’s writing is both powerful and charming. She provides a respite from the cares of the day and gives the invitation to join her for a journey of peace that lingers in the heart.” —Kelly Long, national bestselling author 

Every little secret is a chain to the past… 

For Amish widow Naomi Ropp, moving back to her parents’ Bliss Valley home—with her boisterous twin toddler boys—is a chance to start over and bury the painful secrets of her marriage forever. But her life is turned upside down once again when she learns she’s not the only one hiding things. The parents she believed were always open and honest have been keeping a secret her whole life. And now her only confidant is her father’s new employee—a handsome Amish man who was once her childhood tormentor. 

Samuel King knows more than anyone should about mistakes—and the way he treated Naomi is at the top of his list. But the shock of seeing her pretty face again is quickly overshadowed when they find a slumbering boppli abandoned on his porch. Caring for the sweet newborn together is finally bringing some peace to their troubled pasts. But when a spark leads to growing feelings as they start to look toward the future, Samuel must find a way to convince Naomi to trust the man he's become…and the promise of new love. 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Walmart Exclusive | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound | BookBub 

The trade paperback version of A Promise of Forgiveness is available now exclusively at your local Walmart or Walmart.com. Preorder available everywhere.

MORE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

A Wish for Home

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jo Ann Brown has published over 100 titles under a variety of pen names. A former military officer, she enjoys taking pictures and traveling. She has taught creative writing for more than 20 years and is always excited when one of her students sells a project. She has been married for more than 40 years and has three children and two rambunctious cats. She lives in Amish Country in southeastern Pennsylvania. She enjoys hearing from her readers. Visit her at www.joannbrownbooks.com.

CONNECT WITH JO ANN: Website | Facebook

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My Thoughts

Naomi Ropp is a recent widow with twin two-year-old mischievous boys.  After a recent change in circumstances, Naomi is returning to her father’s home in Bliss Valley.  She is shocked to learn that her father has Samuel King working for him and living in the dawdi haus.  Samuel and two of his friends were her tormentors when she was a teenager.  Samuel started a rumor that sent her straight into the arms of her deceased husband.  Still reeling from the fact that Samuel will be living and working nearby, Naomi is confronted by a woman who tells an extraordinary tale.  She does not know what to make of the information she has been told and decides to put it on the back burner for now.  Then a newborn is found on the porch of the dawdi haus. Thankfully, Naomi is certified as a foster parent and takes in the boppli.  Another tragedy forces Samuel and Naomi to work together to care for the members of the family.  Feelings begin to develop between them, but Naomi does not trust Samuel.  Samuel must find a way to show Naomi that he has changed and is sorry for what happened in the past.  Can Naomi forgive Samuel in order to have a bright future?

A Promise of Forgiveness by Jo Ann Brown is the second novel in the Secrets of Bliss Valley series.  It can be read as a standalone if you have not read A Wish for Home.  I thought this touching story was well-written with developed, realistic characters.  A Promise of Forgiveness is a multiplot novel.  I liked how everything worked together into one complex tale.  The story moves along at a good pace and the book held my attention.  Bullying and verbal abuse are addressed in the book. Verbal abuse as well as bullying can be devastating to an individual and It can have long term effects. I like how the author addressed this topic.  We get to see how Naomi, who remembers everything, deals with both of these topics.  The smallest thing can bring it all to the forefront.  It can be hard to forgive a person who has caused such lasting damage.  I appreciated the epilogue that nicely wrapped up the story and left me smiling.  A Promise of Forgiveness is an uplifting tale with an abandoned baby, busy buggy business, a poorly papa, a memorable memory, a lost sister, bad bullies, and finding forgiveness.  

Excerpt

Who was the man? The last time she’d been home, almost two months ago, Daed had been talking about getting an as­sistant. Had he hired one?

“Naomi, what’s this?” called Daed.

Instead of replying, she threw her arms around him. She didn’t sob, though she wanted to. She wanted to be held as she hadn’t been in too long, knowing she was loved. When he murmured how happy he was to see her, she closed her eyes and drew in the special scent of him. It was a mixture of wood shavings and the lubricating oils he used in his shop, and it was her favorite aroma.

Eager shrieks coming from where the boys were playing on the tire swing brought up Naomi’s head. A quick check told her they were safe. When Daed asked again what was going on, she said she hoped he’d take her and his kins-kinder into his home.

“We can live in the dawdi haus, so we won’t be in your way,” she ended without telling him they’d been evicted. She didn’t want to air her dirty laundry in front of the stranger.

“In the dawdi haus?” Daed shook his head. “No, you’ll live in the main house. My assistant is living in the dawdi haus until the chicken barn is rebuilt.” Motioning toward the other man, he said, “Komm and say hello to Samuel.”

“Samuel?” Her voice sounded distant in her own ears as if the single word had been caught by a storm wind.

She took another look at the man who was limping toward them. No wonder he’d looked familiar. Samuel King had shared her first kiss and then told everyone about it, making her the laughingstock of Bliss Valley and ruining her reputa­tion. How could she even attempt to forget the worst parts of her past when Samuel King stood right in front of her now?

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight December 6, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on December 13, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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A Promise of Forgiveness publishes February 22, 2022 and it can be pre-ordered from Amazon*.  The first book in Secrets of Bliss Valley is A Wish for Home.  The third book Secrets of Bliss Valley is A Search for Redemption which releases August 23, 2022.  You can find Jo Ann Brown's other novels here.  Do not forget to enter the giveaway and visit the other stops for more chances to win (link to schedule is below).  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return tomorrow to share my thoughts on How to Book A Murder by Cynthia Kuhn.  It is the debut of A Starlit Bookshop Mysteries.  I hope that you have a merry day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Absence of Mallets by Kate Carlisle

Absence of Mallets

 Book Summary

Shannon could not be happier that her hunky thriller-writing boyfriend, Mac, has moved in, and it is a good thing they are living together because they are both busier than ever. Mac is hosting writing retreats at his now vacant lighthouse mansion, while Shannon and her crew build Homefront, a quaint Victorian village of tiny homes for veterans in need. Mac’s latest guests are proving to be a handful though, and Shannon has heard some grumbling from the luminaries of Lighthouse Cove about her latest passion project. But nothing can throw a wrench in their plans except a malicious murder.

When one of Shannon’s new friends is found brutally bludgeoned with a mallet near the lighthouse on Mac’s property, the couple hammers out a suspect list and searches for a motive. As they drill deeper for clues, more violence strikes and a new victim winds up in a coma. The pressure is on, and Shannon and Mac will have to move fast to find an unhinged killer dead set on demolishing anyone who gets in their way. . . . 

 My Thoughts

Shannon Hammer is back.  Shannon and her crew are busy working on the veteran’s village project.  They are near completion and then they will be moving on to renovate Mac’s lighthouse.  Mac Sullivan has a writing retreat coming into town that day.  The group will be staying for two weeks.  At the end of the first day, it is obvious that this writing group is going to be a handful.  Shannon and Mac are both busy with their various projects.  It is a good thing they live together, or they might never see each other.  Life takes a dark turn when a new acquaintance of Shannon’s is murdered near Mac’s lighthouse.  Shannon and Mac dive into investigative mode to discover who committed this heinous act.  Unfortunately, this is only the beginning.  Shannon and Mac need to work quickly if they are to stop this unhinged killer.  

Absence of Mallets by Kate Carlisle is the 9^th A Fixer-Upper Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series, but I recommend reading all the books in this entertaining cozy mystery series.  I always enjoy visiting Lighthouse Cove to spend time with Shannon Hammer, Mac, and the rest of the great characters in A Fixer-Upper Mystery.  The characters are developed and relatable.  I love Shannon and Mac together.  They are a cute couple.  They really get each other.  Shannon’s sister, Chloe is back in town.  I am glad the sister’s relationship is going well.  The members of the writing retreat are unique.  I can understand why Mac is rethinking having writer’s retreats after this bunch.  The whodunit is well-plotted with several suspects, good clues, and misdirection.  Shannon and Mac actively work the case.  There is plenty of action which had me quickly turning the pages to get to the enjoyable reveal.  I do wish, though, that the mystery had been more complex.  I did not feel it was at the same level as the past A Fixer-Upper Mysteries.  Absence of Mallets is a feel-good story that will leave you smiling.  I liked the epilogue that gives us a hint of what will take place in the next book.  Absence of Mallets takes us back to Lighthouse Cove where there are cute couples, a veteran’s village, a newcomer is nailed, a murderous mallet, a soothing staple gun, a lethal lighthouse, a wonky writer’s retreat, and killer clues.  

Absence of Mallets is available from Amazon*. You can find the other eight A Fixer-Upper Mysteries here. Check out Kate Carlisle's A Bibliophile Mystery series.  The Paper Caper (the sixteenth book in the series) will be released on July 26, 2022.  You can follow Kate Carlisle on Amazon and you will receive emails on her latest novels.  Two of the pictures I included today show homes built for veteran's in two different cities.  Thank you for stopping by today.  Tomorrow I am featuring A Promise of Forgiveness by Jo Ann Brown.  I hope that you have a contented 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 Quilting Bee by Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, and Shelley Shepard Gray

 An Amish Quilting Bee

Book Summary

Three charming stories of cozy quilting circles and budding romance

 Patchwork Promises by Amy Clipston 

When Colin Zook and his beloved grandmother lose everything in a fire, their greatest loss is a beloved family heirloom quilt that helped keep her dementia at bay. When Joanne Lapp hears about the loss, she decides to re-create the quilt. Colin soon feels himself developing feelings for her, but he’s held back by the knowledge that a future with him would involve care of his grandmother and his farm. Will Joanne look past his list of responsibilities and see him for who he truly is?

A Common Thread by Kathleen Fuller 

Susie Glick returns from a shopping trip laden with beautiful fabric for her quilting group. On the bus ride, Alex Lehman—her crush from three years ago—sits next to her. Alex left Middlefield to explore the country, and now he’s back and ready to join the church. Susie was just a kid when he left, but now she’s a woman—and she definitely has his interest. The women in her quilting circle aren’t as excited about Alex’s return, assuming that he’ll leave again in search of adventure. Susie is convinced they’re wrong, but just as they start dating, Alex tells Susie he has to leave. He says he’ll return, but Susie must decide whether or not she can trust the man she fears has captured her heart.

Stitched Together by Shelley Shepard Gray 

Rosie’s joy is her yearly project for the Pinecraft Mennonite Quilt Sale, and she dreams of being the top earner. But she’s worried that she’s bitten off more than she can chew with her latest entry. To make things even more confusing, after coming to terms with her single state, she’s recently formed a friendship with Tim Christner. He’s only in town for a month, but he has Rosie wondering if she’s found love at last. Now all she has to do is figure out how to get the quilt done so she can concentrate on him. But with her once very organized life in total disarray, everything comes to a head just before the sale. Rosie is forced to reexamine her priorities before she loses not only her place in the quilt show but everything else she’s ever wanted.

My Thoughts

An Amish Quilting Bee by Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, and Shelley Shepard Gray contains three charming Amish tales.  I enjoyed all three tales of these sweet novellas.  Patchwork Promises by Amy Clipston has Colin Zook taking care of his dairy farm and his grandmother on his own.  They have endured a great deal of loss recently including a fire that destroyed their home and belonging.  His grandmother particularly feels the loss of a beloved quilt.  Joanne Lapp learns about the quilt and sets out to recreate it.  Joanne wants to make sure to get it right which results in spending time with Colin. Colin finds himself falling in love with Joanne, but he is sure that she could not care for him because of his responsibilities.  What does God have in store for Joanne and Colin?  A Common Thread by Kathleen Fuller has Susie Glick thrilled to discover that Alex Lehman has returned to town after two years.  Susie was a teenager when Alex left, but now he notices that she is a lovely woman.  They just begin dating when Alex must leave town.  Alex is shocked when he gets a letter from Susie calling off their courtship.  He does not understand Susie’s change of heart.  Will Alex accept her decision or fight for the woman he loves?  Stitched Together by Shelley Shepard Gray has Rosie working on an intricate quilt for the annual Pinecraft Mennonite Quilt Sale.  The proceeds help mission efforts, and the top quilt gets special recognition.  Rosie is worried she will not get the quilt done in time.  Then she meets Tim Christner, her sister’s brother-in-law.  Rosie wants to spend time with Tim while he is in town, but she has other obligations.  Everything is spiraling out of control for Rosie.  Can Rosie get her priorities in order before it is too late?  

I thought the three stories were well-written with realistic, developed characters.  I liked the life lessons we get from these novellas.  The importance of faith and what we are willing to do for those we love, everyone deserves a second chance and people can change, and as love develops, we must grow with it.  We also see the importance of communication in a relationship and to always follow God’s lead.  I like how the quilt theme ties the three stories together.  I enjoy stories that touch my heart and leave me smiling.  An Amish Quilting Bee has three sweet tales that are perfect for reading on a cold afternoon while snuggling under a cozy quilt.  

An Amish Quilting Bee is available from Amazon*.  Amy Clipston has Foundation of Love which is An Amish Legacy Novel publishing February 1, 2022.  I am eager to read it.  Kathleen Fuller has Love in Plain Sight releasing May 3, 2022.  It is the 3rd An Amish Mail Order Bride Novel.  I cannto wait to read the next book in this cute series.  Edgewater Road by Shelley Shepard Gray comes out March 3, 2022.  It is the debut of The Rumors in Ross County series.  It sounds interesting!  Thank you for stopping by today to read my review of this newly published book.  Some of the other books that came out today are:  Renewed for Murder by Victoria Gilbert, How to Book a Murder by Cynthia Kuhn, Pride Prejudice and Peril by Katie Oliver, A Plus One for Murder by Laura Bradford, Absence of Mallets by Kate Carlisle, and An Amish Quilting Bee. I hope that you have an enchanting 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.

A Plus One for Murder by Laura Bradford

 A Plus One for Murder

Book Summary

Emma Westlake has always wanted to be in business for herself. As a kid, she had her own successful lemonade stand and dog-walking business. And when she entered adulthood, Emma sunk all her cash into her dream job of travel planning. But as her customers became more and more internet savvy, the need for her services declined. At a loss for what to do next, she turns to an elderly friend who suggests she try to get paid for doing something she's really good at--being a paid companion. Emma thinks it's a crazy idea until requests start pouring in. Big Max from down the block wants her to act as his wingman at the local senior center's upcoming dance, nurse practitioner Stephanie needs a workout partner, and writer Brian Hill asks Emma to be his cheering section at an open mic night.

Brian will be reading from his latest work and wants to know someone will clap for him when he's done. When Emma balks at the notion that people wouldn't, he tells her the room will be filled with people he's invited--most of whom will likely want him dead by the time he's done reading. Assuming he's joking, she laughs. But when Brian steps up to the mic and clears his throat to speak, he promptly drops dead. Emma is one of the last people to see him alive, and so she becomes an immediate suspect. Now she'll have to cozy up to a killer to save her skin and her new business.

My Thoughts

A Plus One for Murder by Laura Bradford has Emma Westlake starting A Friend for Hire after her travel agency dies a slow death.  She is hired by Brian Hill to be in the audience when he reads a poem at open mic night and clap when he is done.  Emma learns that Brian is not well-liked in the community, and he invited four of his nemeses to the event.  Brian tells Emma that each one of them would like him dead.  Brian is in the middle of reading his poem when he collapses on the stage.  Brian will not be able to finish reading his poem because he is dead.  Emma is shocked and quickly heads home.  When Brian’s death is ruled a homicide, Emma is convinced to look into his death by two of her clients.  Can Emma along with Dottie and Stephanie find Brian’s killer?  

A Plus One for Murder by Laura Bradford is the debut of A Friend for Hire Mystery series.  I thought the premise of being a friend for hire was unique for cozy mysteries.  Emma Westlake is an okay character.  I thought that Dottie and Stephanie overshadowed her along with her dog, Scout.  I also thought she was underdeveloped.  Details on Emma’s life were lacking.  Personally, I thought Dottie would have been better as the protagonist.  She is a hoot.  Dottie is an intelligent woman who has clever ideas.  She loves to read cozy mysteries which is why she encourages Emma to do a little sleuthing (with her guidance, of course).  Scout is a cutie.  He is a sweet and smart dog.  The mystery was straightforward.  It was very obvious what killed the victim.  I was surprised at Emma for leaving the scene without speaking to police and for withholding pertinent information.  There are four suspects in the murder.  Emma reluctantly investigates at the urging of Stephanie and Dottie.  Emma’s two sidekicks end up being the predominant sleuths.  Emma eventually jumps on the sleuthing bandwagon and becomes involved in searching for Brian’s killer.  There is misdirection to keep readers distracted and good clues to help with solving the crime.  I did not find it challenging to identify the guilty party.  There are two potential love interests for Emma.  I am hoping that Emma will pick one, so we do not end up with a lingering love triangle.   With a little fine tuning to Emma’s characters, A Friend for Hire Mystery series will delight cozy mystery readers.  There is a preview of A Perilous Pal at the end of the book.  A Plus One for Murder is a cute cozy mystery with a cuddly canine, a departed poet, a dashing detective, creative clients, shady suspects, a greenhouse overflowing with flowers, and an unenthusiastic sleuth.

A Plus One for Murder publishes Tuesday, December 7 and it can be pre-ordered from Amazon*.  I love waking up to find new books on my kindle (I am a book geek!).   The next A Friend for Hire Mystery is A Perilous Pal which releases on July 5, 2022.  You can find Laura Bradford's other novels here.  Thank you for reading my review today.  I will be back tomorrow to share my thoughts on An Amish Quilting Bee by Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, and Shelley Shepard Gray.  I am finishing up my outside decorations.  It has taken me longer than expected.  I have all the blow-ups in place and I am now finishing up the lights.  I will then add the finishing touches.  I am having so much fun.  I hope that you have a day filled with happiness (good for the soul).  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.

Petals and Poison by Jess Dylan

 Petals and Poison

Book Summary

Petals and Poison is the second in a colorful cozy mystery series from Jess Dylan, set in a flower shop with a knack for attracting trouble as well as customers.

Sierra Ravenswood has embraced her role as owner of Flower House floral shop and companion to her former boss's pet, Gus the Corgi. Sierra’s team are enjoying their new jobs too. At least until everyone realizes their lack of experience might be contributing to their lack of customers . . .

Sierra decides they need a change in luck, so she creates a special window display featuring lucky bamboo and auspicious flowers. It seems the new arrangement has worked when the shop is flooded with customers the next day, including a van full of college students on a horticulture club field trip. Unfortunately, Sierra doesn't notice that the students’ distracted professor has gone missing until Gus's urgent barking leads her to the storeroom – and the body of the unfortunate professor.

With folks now referring to Flower House as “Poison House” and suspects galore, Sierra fears her new business is doomed before it has a chance to get off the ground. Determined to reverse course and see justice served, she sets out to solve the crime and change her luck once more.

The Flower House is no place for shrinking violets.

My Thoughts

Sierra Ravenswood is busy running the Flower House, a floral shop and preparing for the opening of the new café.  The café will serve food with edible flowers and plants.  Raven is surprised when a van pulls up outside the shop.  Professor Lowry and a few of his students invade the shop for a tour of the orchid greenhouse which had been arranged with Felix before his departure (and he failed to tell Sierra).  The group is quite rowdy and wreaks havoc in the shop.  When things calm down, Sierra finds Professor Lowry dead in the storeroom.  There is no shortage of suspects including Calvin, Sierra’s employee and potential romantic partner.  With the police focused on Calvin, Sierra dons her sleuthing cap once again.  She works on questioning suspects and digging up clues.  Someone, though, is not happy with her sleuthing and attempts to stop her.  Can Sierra expose the killer before Calvin gets arrested or she becomes the next victim? 

Petals and Poison by Jess Dylan is the 2^nd A Flower House Mystery.  Petals and Poison can be read as a standalone if you have not indulged in Death in Bloom.  Petals and Poison contains good writing and developed characters.  Sierra, Denna, Calvin, Granny, Rocky, and Sierra’s parents are some of the residents in this southern town.  I like Sierra’s upbeat attitude and her plans for the business.  Granny is a fun character with her superstitions and folklore.  There are a couple of quirky characters included which is natural in any small southern town.  I like the setting of Aerieville, Tennessee.  It is the type of town where you can relax on your front porch with a glass of sweet tea and chat with your neighbors as they go by.  The mystery was well-plotted with a variety of suspects and good clues.  I like that Sierra actively investigated with help from her friends.  I was able to identify the guilty party early in the story, but I did not know why.  I thought the why was unique for a cozy mystery and it tied in nicely with the theme of the series.  The café with edible flowers and plants was a clever idea.  It was interesting learning more about edible plants.  I could have done with less romance in the book.  Sierra is interested in Calvin, and I thought it took up too much of the book.  Denna and Rocky have a budding relationship as well.  I do not mind some romance as long as the focus is on the mystery.  Petals and Poison is a lighthearted Southern cozy mystery with edible eats, a perished professor, sweet tea, cavorting college students, puzzling poppies, and romantic endeavors.

Petals and Poison is available from Amazon*.  The first A Flower House Mystery is Death in Bloom.  The third A Flower House Mystery is Fatal Flowers which publishes May 24, 2022.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return on Monday to share my thoughts on A Plus One for Murder by Laura Bradford.  It is the debut of A Friend for Hire Mystery series.  I hope that you have a relaxing weekend.  I will be working on the inside Christmas decorations.  Our home is small so we have to shift things around to put up the trees (two of them).  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading. 

The Avid Reader 

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

The Memory Quilt by Lenora Worth

 The Memory Quilt

Book Summary

Running a historic Inn on beautiful Shadow Lake is a satisfying life for the Amish King sisters. Until love stirs a longing for more . . .

 

When Abigail King stumbles upon a man lying on the beach near her family inn, her every instinct says to help the stranger. With his memory gone, “Jonah” is reluctant to contact the authorities, so Abigail offers him shelter, despite her sisters’ reservations.  As she nurses him back to health, Abigail helps him recover his lost past, creating a quilt from images of the shattered fragments he recalls. But with every square Abigail adds, she wonders if she is falling for a man who can never truly be hers . . .

 

Jonah feels at home at The Shadow Lake Inn with the lovely Abigail, at peace with the Amish lifestyle she lives.  But as the pieces of his past are sewn together, the mystery only deepens—until he knows the only way forward is to turn himself in to the police, to finally discover the truth of who he really is.  For the one thing worse than not knowing his past, is not knowing what the future holds for him and Abigail . . .

My Thoughts

The Memory Quilt by Lenora Worth takes us to the Shadow Lake Inn on the shore of Lake Erie in Pennsylvania.  Abigail King is taking a walk along the shore when she spots a man laying motionless on the beach.  Abigail notices that he is bleeding.  She enlists her sisters’ help to get the man back to the guesthouse at the inn where she hides him from her parents.  The man awakens, but he cannot remember anything about himself.  As Jonah, as Abigail dubbed him, recovers, he remembers fragments.  Abigail sketches his disjointed memories which she begins making into a quilt.  The more time Jonah and Abigail spend together, the more the come to care for each other.  They both know it is not possible since they are from two different worlds plus Jonah does not know how he ended up injured in the lake.  The last thing Jonah wishes to do is bring harm to the King family.  How can Jonah discover the truth about himself?

The Memory Quilt by Lenora Worth is a sweet story.  I thought the story contained good writing with developed characters.  We get to know the King family who run the Shadow Lake Inn.  Abigail’s parents have given Abigail the running of the inn because they have health issues.  I did find it curious how Abigail was able to spend so much time caring for Jonah when she was responsible for a busy inn.  There is a mystery regarding Jonah’s identity and how he ended up injured.  No one seems to be looking for him either.  There is some suspense near the end.  I wish there had been more clues for the reader so they could try to solve the mystery before the reveal (I love solving mysteries).  I would have liked a little more action as that would have increased the stories pacing.  There was also repetition of information.  I enjoyed reading about Abigail’s unique quilt. The King family were a close-knit unit with caring parents who wanted to make sure their daughters stayed on the straight and narrow.  They did not want to risk gossip about their girls or that one of them would jump the fence.  The descriptions of the area around the inn sounded beautiful.  It would be a wonderful place to go on vacation.  The Memory Quilt is a unique Amish novel with fragmented memories, considerate sisters, apprehensive parents, a compassionate maedel, an upsetting situation, and a sticky situation. 

The Memory Quilt is available from Amazon*.  You can find Lenora Worth's other novels here. Lenora has Christmas K-9 Protectors (a Love Inspired Suspense) out now.  Thank you for reading my review today.  Tomorrow I am sharing my thoughts on Petals and Poison.  It is the debut of A Flower House Mystery series.  I hope that you have a merry 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.

A Murder Like No Author by Amy Lillard

A Murder Like No Author

Book Summary

Bookstore owner Arlo and her Friday Night Book Club sleuths are going to have to read between the lines to solve this mystery!

It's movie time in Sugar Springs and the whole town is pitching together to get the historical Coliseum Theater ready for the event of the year—the premiere of Missing Girl, local author Wally Harrison's bestselling novel turned film.

Thrilled to bring tourists to Sugar Springs, the town comes together to host the late author's event. But when a stranger arrives, boasting he has definitive proof that Wally didn't write Missing Girl...well, drama leaps from the page into real life. Mishaps start taking place around the theater—and then the stranger is discovered dead in his hotel room right before his press conference.

Can Arlo and her Friday night book club to sleuth out the killer and solve the mystery before the town's Hollywood dreams go up in smoke?

My Thoughts

A Murder Like No Author by Amy Lillard has Arlo and the book club group try to solve the murder of a visitor who was causing a ruckus in town.  The town of Sugar Springs is getting ready to host the movie premiere of Missing Girl.  The film is based on the bestselling book by the late Wally Harrison.  The victim claimed he had proof that the author’s assistant really authored the novel.  He was killed before he could produce his evidence.  Arlo and the Friday Night Book Club (which is now meeting every day and rarely discusses books) set out to solve the crime before the movie premiere.  Arlo has her hands full this time trying to wrangle the ladies to keep them out of mischief and out of the Chief of Police’s hair.  Matters are further complicated by a series of incidents at the theater.  Fern claims it is ghosts, but Arlo has her doubts.  Can Arlo and the book club ladies get to the bottom of the murder? 

A Murder Like No Author is the 3^rd book in A Main Street Book Club Mysteries.  I suggest reading the books in order as each book builds upon the previous one.  It will allow you to understand the characters and their relationships.  The characters are developed and unique.  Arlo is a kind woman who is always there for her friends.  She has the patience of a saint.  She tries so hard to wrangle Helen, Camille, and Fern.  They can be a handful especially when they have an idea.  Mads Keller, the Chief of Police, is a good man who is rapidly losing patience with the senior sleuths.  Sam is going through a tough family situation.  Arlo feels for him and wishes there was more she could do for him.  My heart went out to Sam.  I understand what he is going through very well. The town of Sugar Springs is charming.  It is full of quirky residents and quaint shops.  I love the bookstore, though, I do not how Arlo can listen to Faulkner all day.  The mystery was thought out and there are good clues to help readers solve the crime.  I liked the red herring. The crime can easily be solved long before the reveal if you do not let Helen, Camille, and Fern’s antics distract you.  Everything comes together for a satisfying ending.  The Wally Harrison storyline which has been running through the first three books is finally put to bed.  There is plenty of humor in this cozy mystery that will have you chuckling and shaking your head.  I could do without the repetition.  It is a bit much after a while.  I also am not a fan of the sort-of love triangle between Arlo, Mads, and Sam.  I am hoping that Arlo will get with Mads.  Their relationship makes more sense to me, and they are a cute pair.  A Murder Like No Author is a spirited whodunit with a departed rebel rouser, hilarious hijinks, a cross chief, a lady in scarlet, and an overburdened bookstore owner.

A Murder Like No Author is available from Amazon*.  The first two books in A Main Street Book Club Mysteries are Can't Judge a Book by It's Murder (on Kindle Unlimited) and A Murder Between the Pages.  You can find Amy Lillard's other novels here. Amy Lillard has Marry Me, Millie publishing on December 28.   It is the first book in the Paradise Valley series. Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, and Shelley Shepard Gray have An Amish Quilting Bee releasing December 7.  I hope that you 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.

Marriage Can Be Mischief by Amanda Flower

 Marriage Can Be Mischief

Book Summary

Millie Fisher may be widowed, but she leads a full life in her Amish hometown of Harvest, Ohio. There’s her quilting circle, her Boer goats, her gift for matchmaking—and the occasional murder . . 
 
Millie is happy that her childhood friend, Uriah Schrock, has returned to Harvest after decades away. He was sweet on Millie in their school days, but she only had eyes for her future husband. Now, there’s a new spark between them, so Millie is concerned when Uriah doesn’t show up at the Harvest concert series—or for his job as the Village square’s groundskeeper. Perhaps Millie has been involved in too many murder investigations, but she has a sinking feeling. And when she and her best friend, Lois, find Uriah with the police, it seems she’s right  . . .
 
A film crew is in Harvest to make a movie about a forty-year-old unsolved murder. A skeleton has been found at the bottom of a ravine—and Uriah is certain it’s his sister, Galilee. Right before Uriah left Ohio, she disappeared, and her harsh husband, Samuel, was found fatally stabbed with a knitting needle. The sheriff declared that Galilee killed him and ran away. Uriah never believed the theory, and he’s come back to Harvest hoping, Gott willing, Millie will help him stitch together the truth . . .

My Thoughts

Marriage Can Be Mischief by Amanda Flower is an entertaining cozy mystery.  While it is the third book in An Amish Matchmaker Mysteries, it can be read as a standalone.  You will be missing out two amusing stories though.    I love that we get an older protagonist in this series along with her over-the-top sidekick.  Millie Fisher is a delight and so is her best friend, Lois.  These two are complete opposites in appearance.  Millie and Lois are a hoot.  That Lois is something else.  I love that Lois calls Millie “Amish Marple.”  Millie’s goats are amusing.  I love that Millie takes Peter and Phillip for walks.  I can just see Millie on her red bike with her two mischievous goats following along.  Those two rotten darlings are Millie’s furbabies.  It is always a pleasure to visit Harvest, Ohio.  It is a charming town with a mix of Amish and Englisch.  I like that the characters from An Amish Candy Shop Mysteries make an appearance like Margot and Deputy Little.  I keep hoping the sheriff of their town will get ousted. I wish Aidan had run against him in the last election.  The mystery has a documentary crew finding a skull in a ravine.  It relates to a cold case that is forty years old.  Millie’s friend, Uriah Schrock has been searching for his sister, Galilee Zook for forty years.  She disappeared the same night her husband, Samuel Zook was found dead.  Uriah never believed the rumor that Galilee killed her husband or that she went Englisch.  Millie and Lois begin asking questions in the hopes of discovering what happened to Uriah’s sister.  Someone is not happy with Millie’s meddling and decides to stop her.  I had a good time following along on Millie and Lois’ investigation.  You never know what Lois is going to do or say next.  While I had no problem identifying the guilty party, it did not diminish my reading pleasure.  I like how the case wrapped up.  I appreciated the epilogue at the end of the book.  I hope we get many more An Amish Matchmaker Mysteries.  Marriage Can Be Mischief is an amusing whodunit with gamboling goats, a troubled brother, a broken buggy, a missing sister, a friendly filmmaker, an unsupportive sheriff, a colorful coiffure, and an Amish sleuth. 

Marriage Can Be Mischief is available from Amazon*.  The other two books in An Amish Matchmaker Mystery series are Matchmaking Can Be Murder (on Kindle Unlimited) and Courting Can Be Killer.  An Amish Matchmaker Mysteries ties into An Amish Candy Shop Mysteries.  Amanda Flower has Because I Could Not Stop for Death publishing  on July 12, 2022. On February 22, 2022 we can obtain Put Out to Pasture which is the 2nd book in Farm to Table Mysteries.  The latest A Piper & Porter Mystery is Frozen Detective which releases March 22, 2022.  Thank you for visiting today.  I will return tomorrow to share my thoughts on A Murder Like No Author by Amy Lillard.  It is the 3rd book in A Main Street Book Club Mysteries.  I hope that the first day of December is a cozy one for you.  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.