An Unexpected Amish Courtship by Rachel J. Good

 An Unexpected Amish Courtship

Book Summary

Sometimes love, guided by the Grace of God, is found in the most unexpected places or in unexpected ways. And in USA Today bestselling author Rachel J. Good's second Surprised by Love romance, the bustling Green Valley Farmer's Market and Auction is the perfect setting for a shy man who trains assistance dogs and a young woman with fledgling a homemade pet food business to find love when they least expect it...

The luscious scent of fresh-picked peaches and summer apples...the warming promise of grilled corn, sweet and savory baked goods...and love. In Rachel J. Good's uplifting Amish romance series, blessed hearts come together in a bustling Pennsylvania community and farmer's market...

Jilted by her first love, Sovilla Mast fled her hometown to live in Pennsylvania with an aunt she's never met. Only after she arrives does she realize that the cantankerous woman has left the faith and alienated everyone around her. To take her mind off her sadness, Sovilla turns to baking homemade pet food and treats to sell at the Valley Green Farmer's Market. It's there she meets dog breeder Isaac Lantz...

Shy and kind-hearted, Isaac breeds Labrador retrievers and works as a puppy raiser for assistance dogs. When he and Sovilla bond at the market, he is immediately drawn to her. And when he tells her he needs a new puppy raiser, Sovilla jumps at the chance. But as their friendship deepens, Isaac can't help but notice that Sovilla keeps herself at a safe distance. Gaining a puppy's trust and affection has been easy for Isaac, yet he has no idea how to win the heart of the woman he's fallen in love with--until Sovilla needs advice in dealing with her aunt. Soon, Isaac is putting his lessons from man's best friend, and his faith, to work for the good of all involved... 

My Thoughts

An Unexpected Amish Courtship by Rachel J. Good has Sovilla Mast’s life changing rapidly after her Uncle Lloyd decides he can no longer afford to run two households.  He sells Sovilla’s family home along with their furniture.  Sovilla’s mother has a different plan for her.  She sends Sovilla to stay with her sister, Wilma Mast in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania who left the community as a teen to keep her away from her uncle’s caustic tongue and her cousin’s bullying.  Unbeknownst to Sovilla’s mother, Wilma has a sharp tongue of her own.  Isaac Lantz, a dog breeder, finds himself drawn to Sovilla, but his speech impediment prevents him from talking to her.  With a little help from some friends, Sovilla and Isaac soon find themselves spending time together where friendship blooms.  Isaac finds himself falling in love with the Ohio beauty.  Isaac wants to win Sovilla’s heart, but he first must overcome his stutter.  Can God help out a lovelorn fellow?  

An Unexpected Amish Courtship is a delightful Amish novel.  It can be read as a standalone for those who have not indulged in An Unexpected Amish Proposal. The story is told from Sovilla and Isaac’s point-of-view.  I like that we get both of their perspectives (men and women can look at the same issue so differently).  Sovilla and Isaac are likeable as well as realistic characters.  There is a small cast of secondary characters with my favorite being Mrs. Liesl Vandenberg.   She is a charming, Christian woman who loves to play matchmaker as well as help others.  She provides good advice to Isaac and Sovilla.  I thought An Unexpected Amish Courtship was well-written with good pacing.  There is a bit of a mystery in the story as well.  Wilma is an unhappy woman who turns her anger and bitterness on others especially Sovilla.  We get clues along the way as to what caused the problem.  I like how all the storylines are resolved at the end.  There are good life lessons in the story with my favorite being that God is in charge of our lives.  Christianity is beautifully woven into the story.  It is present without being preachy.  There are two lines that I wanted to share from An Unexpected Amish Courtship.  The first is, “Positive thinking works wonders.”  The other is, “When you’re ready to let it go, trust it to God.  He’ll forgive anything.  And He’s the only one who can heal old hurts.”  An Unexpected Amish Courtship we get to see how God can help us overcome our fears and life’s challenges if we let him.  I am eager for the next tale in the Surprised by Love series.  An Unexpected Amish Courtship is a heartwarming Amish tale with a plethora of pickles, a crabby aunt, an irascible uncle, a lack of letters, a precious puppy, a tongue-tied twin, and a beauty from the buckeye state. 

An Unexpected Amish Courtship publishes Tuesday, July 27 and is available from Amazon*.  It is the second novel in Surprised by Love series.  The first book in Surprised by Love series is An Unexpected Amish Proposal (if you belong to Kindle Unlimited, you can borrow it).  An Unexpected Amish Christmas comes out October 26 and it is the 3rd book in the series.  You can find Rachel J. Good's other novels here.  Rachel also has a novel in More Amish Christmas Miracles which publishes November 9.  Thank you for visiting today.  I am reviewing The Mothers of Victory Street by Pam Howes tomorrow.  It is the third book in The Bryant Sisters series.  I hope that you have a jovial day.  Laughter is 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.

When We Meet Again by Caroline Beecham

When We Meet Again

Book Summary

An emotionally compelling tale of love and mystery set in the publishing world of World War II London, When We Meet Again tells the story of a mother searching for her stolen child, and illustrates the unbreakable bonds among families, lovers, and readers under the shadow of war.

London, 1943: War and dwindling resources have taken their toll on the book publishing industry, but Alice Cotton, a young editor at Partridge Press, has seen her star begin to rise. She has a knack for creating new books to distract readers from the grim realities of the war. And the demand for books is greater than ever, both on the battlefield and on the home front. But just as her hard work seems poised to pay off, Alice unexpectedly falls pregnant.

Facing the stigma of being an unwed mother, Alice flees to a small town to give birth to her child, Eadie, whom her family has promised to help raise. Instead, her mother sells the newborn to "baby farmers" who plan to give the child up for a private adoption. Alice begins her desperate hunt to find the daughter she never planned for but suddenly deeply loves.

Alice's story intertwines with that of Theo Bloom, an American editor tasked with helping Partridge Press overcome the publishing obstacles of the war. Theo and Alice are quickly drawn to each other during their darkest hours, bound by hope, love, secrets, and the belief that books have the power to change lives.

My Thoughts

When We Meet Again by Caroline Beecham transports readers back to 1943 in London where Alice Cotton is on the hunt for her missing child.  When not working on a special project at Partridge Press, Alice is busy trying to find those who can help her locate her daughter.  Theo Bloom is ordered to London by his boss and his fiancee’s father to help the flagging Partridge Press.  Alice’s project intrigues him any so does the woman who came up with the idea.  Alice has been betrayed by one man and does not wish to trust another.  Theo can tell something is bothering Alice.  Can he find a way to help her as well as save Partridge Press?  When We Meet Again contains good writing, but I find the pacing to be on the slow side.  The writing is descriptive which is good and bad. It allows a reader to visualize exactly what the author is describing, but it also slows down the pacing of the story.  I wished the author could have found a balance.  The character of Alice Cotton is well-developed and realistic.  I could understand her being frantic at the loss of her daughter.  I did feel she was a tad overly dramatic at times.  I thought Theo was another developed character.  I liked getting to know him.  Ursula, Alice’s co-worker and mentor, is a good woman who tells it like it is.  Penny, Alice’s friend, is a good soul.  I did not feel we really got to know her well.  I thought the author captured World War II in London with the bombings, the feelings, and the shortages.  I enjoyed learning more about publishing in London and the paper shortages.  I was shocked to learn about baby farming.  I cannot imagine learning that your child has been turned over to one of these duplicitous people.  When We Meet Again has some interesting parts, but I found the story to be depressing and dull.  It needed action, joy, and humor to provide balance.  For those who enjoy melodramatic tales, then you should check out When We Meet Again.  When We Meet Again is a poignant historical story with a gone girl, baby farm bullies, paper paucities, firm friends, Machiavellian men, and one worried woman.  

When We Meet Again can be purchased from Amazon.  You can find Caroline Beecham's other novels here.  Thank you for reading my review today.  I really do appreciate it.  I will be back tomorrow with my thoughts on a book that I have recently read.  I am off to put together a new cat tree.  The cats need a taller one that will allow them to see out the window (the one they had was too short).  It has a ladder, two hammocks, and a hidey hole.  I think they will love it, but I do not know how long it will last (my cats are lethal with cat trees).  I hope that you have a joyful 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 Lights of Sugarberry Cove by Heather Webber

 The Lights of Sugarberry Cove

Book Summary

The Lights of Sugarberry Cove is a charming, delightful story of family, healing, love, and small town Southern charm by USA Today bestselling author Heather Webber.

Sadie Way Scott has been avoiding her family and hometown of Sugarberry Cove, Alabama, since she nearly drowned in the lake just outside her mother’s B&B. Eight years later, Sadie is the host of a much-loved show about southern cooking and family, but despite her success, she wonders why she was saved. What is she supposed to do?

Sadie’s sister, Leala Clare, is still haunted by the guilt she feels over the night her sister almost died. Now, at a crossroads in her marriage, Leala has everything she ever thought she wanted—so why is she so unhappy?

When their mother suffers a minor heart attack just before Sugarberry Cove’s famous water lantern festival, the two sisters come home to run the inn while she recovers. It’s the last place either of them wants to be, but with a little help from the inn’s quirky guests, the sisters may come to terms with their strained relationships, accept the past, and rediscover a little lake magic.

My Thoughts

The Lights of Sugarberry Cove by Heather Webber is a story about family, hope, choices, expectations, disappointments, and magic.  I thought The Lights of Sugarberry Cove was well-written with vivid descriptions.  The authors word depictions transport you to Sugarberry Cove.  The characters are realistic and developed.  They will remind you of your family members and friends.  The story is told from Sadie and Leala’s point-of-view.  They are sisters who used to be close but grew apart after Sadie’s fall into the lake.  Eight years prior when Sadie was eighteen, she tripped, hit her head, and ended up falling into Lake Laurel.  It was ten minutes before Sadie resurfaced forever changed.  I like that we see events from each sister’s perspective.  Their mother has a heart attack which has both sisters returning to Sugarberry Cove to help her.  The weekend turns out to be a revelation for Sadie, Leala, their mother, and their guests.  You can feel the emotions coming through the pages.  Readers can relate to what the characters are experiencing because who of us has not dealt with heartbreak, concerns about a marriage, the loss of a dream, or feeling hopeless.  It is the magic that sets this book apart.  Imagine that you live near a lake where a lady will grant wishes on a certain day in August.  Her magic weaves into the lives of those who live near the lake.  But she does not grant just any wish.  It really gets your imagination working.  There are good life lessons included with my favorite being that our lives do not always turn out the way we thought they would.  Events happen beyond our control.  We need to find a way to move forward and find joy.  My favorite phrase from the book is, “Everyone bears scars, inside and out.  And behind every single one of those healed wounds is a story of strength and resilience and recovery.  My scar is simply part of me, part of my story.”   The Lights of Sugarberry Cove is a novel that is not be rushed.  You will want to sit and cherish this story until the very last page (make sure that you will have uninterrupted reading time with a cool beverage and plenty of chocolate nearby).  The Lights of Sugarberry Cove is my favorite book by Heather Webber.  I am looking forward to her next spellbinding tale.  The Lights of Sugarberry Cove is an enchanting story with a lady in the lake, haunting hair, rampant renovations, a mulish mother, a lost love, a cute canine, and lighted lanterns.  

The Lights of Sugarberry Cove is available from Amazon*.  You can find Heather Webber's other novels here.  Thank you so much for stopping by today and reading my review.  When We Meet Again by Caroline Beecham is planned for next time.  I am off to put together a storage unit for my mother's closet.  She has more pajamas than dresser drawers.  I can relate since I have the same problem with t-shirts.  I hope the instructions are better on this item than the last product I put together (it just had pictures).  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.

The Words We Whisper by Mary Ellen Taylor

 The Words We Whisper

Book Summary

As a hospice nurse, Zara Mitchell has already seen more death than most people will experience in a lifetime. So when her older sister asks her to help care for their ailing grandmother, Zara agrees—despite strained family relationships.

Though pale and tired, Nonna has lost none of her sharp mind. She’s fixated on finding something long forgotten, and she immediately puts Zara to work cleaning out the attic. Unexpectedly, amid the tedium of sifting through knickknacks and heirlooms, Zara also reconnects with a man she’s attracted to but whose complicated past makes romance seem impossible.

But then Zara finds what Nonna was looking for: a wooden chest, an emerald broach, a leather-bound journal. As she immerses herself in stories of heroism and loss set against the backdrop of war-torn Italy in 1943, Zara finds answers to questions she didn’t know she had. And they change everything she thinks she knows about love, regret, and seizing the day.

My Thoughts

The Words We Whisper by Mary Ellen Taylor is a dual timeline novel that takes us between the 1940s in Rome and the present day in Richmond, Virginia.  The story is told from multiple points-of-view which includes Zara Mitchell, Gina Mitchell, Nicolas Bernard, and Isabella Mancuso.  The main narrators are Zara, a traveling hospice nurse, and Isabella Mancuso, a dressmaker at a high-end shop in Rome in the 1940s.  I thought The Words We Whisper contained good writing, but it is a slow starter.  I had a hard time getting into the book.  I thought the beginning was a bit of a put off and it is depressing.  I wish the story had begun differently (in a way that would have hooked me).  The Words We Whisper is an interesting story with things I liked and some things I found less appealing.  I enjoyed the historical sections more than the present day.  Isabella lives in Rome and wants to help her country against the invading Germans.    I can tell the author did her research.  With regard to the modern section, I could have done without the romance. I would have preferred to see more growth from Zara.  To have her coming into her own instead of falling in love. I like how the author tied the past and present together.  Nonna’s secrets are slowly revealed with the big unveiling at the end.  While The Words We Whisper is a good story, I felt something was missing.  The Words We Whisper is a story about war, loss, love, sacrifice, forgiveness, and new beginnings.  The Words We Whisper is a good book to read while relaxing on a lounger by the pool.  

The Words We Whisper publishes Tuesday, July 20 and it can be pre-ordered from Amazon*.  It can be borrowed for free if you belong to Kindle Unlimited.  You can find Mary Ellen Taylor's other novels here.  The second image I included today is an actual traveling nurses van.  They take assignments that last three to six months.  This allows them to have their own home and save on expenses. I appreciate you dropping in and reading my review today.  I wanted to let you know that my mother's birthday celebration was a success.  She had a special day and she loved her gifts.  The special gift I had ordered ended up showing up in time (thank heavens). She received a gift each day for a week with her getting the big gift for her birthday.  She also had a cute cake to enjoy after her birthday dinner.  Tomorrow I am featuring The Lights of Sugarberry Cove by Heather Webber.  I hope that everyone has a harmonious 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.

Book

https://amzn.to/3hIoLjm

A Hex for Danger by Esme Addison

 A Hex for Danger

Book Summary

The annual Mermaid Festival is the setting for Esme Addison's sunny-yet-sinister second Enchanted Bay mystery, perfect for fans of Heather Blake and Bailey Cates.

The small town of Bellamy Bay has its share of skeletons in its closet, but it isn't used to bodies turning up in the local history museum. After all, this coastal North Carolina town is much like any other...except, of course, for the mermaids.

Helping to run the family business, an herbal apothecary while keeping her supernatural secret hidden is no easy feat for water witch Aleksandra Daniels. But somehow she's still found time to help her friend Celeste, who has her own Caribbean mermaid heritage plan the annual Mermaid Festival. As fun-seekers throng the beaches, Alex gets to know and is intrigued by renowned artist Neve Ryland, who's in town to decorate the local park with a mermaid-themed mural. Celeste, however, is less enamored with the artist, as Neve has been spending entirely too much one-on-one time with her boyfriend Jasper, director of Bellamy Bay's history museum. Then, a reception for Neve ends abruptly when the artist is found dead in his office.

The police investigation nets Celeste who asks Alex to find the true culprit. With the help of her magically-inclined aunt and cousins, Alex dives in to clear her friends name. But there was more to Neve Ryland than met the eye...and Alex fears she may be in way too deep. Will she catch the crook or be next on the hook? 

My Thoughts

Summer has arrived in Bellamy Bay, North Carolina which means it is time for the annual Mermaid Festival.  Alex Daniels has settled into town and at her job at Botanika.  She is learning to use her gifts and loves spending time with her family.  Alex is a member of the festival committee and is creating a special candle for the festival.  They are having Neve Ryland create a mermaid mural which will be unveiled at the beginning of the festival.  Neve has been spending time with Celeste’s beau, Jasper working on the museum exhibits.  It has Celeste feeling insecure and shooting daggers at the beautiful artist.  When Neve ends up dead, Celeste is at the top of the suspect list.  Alex has no intention of letting her friend take the fall for the crime.  Alex sets out find the guilty party with help from her aunt and cousins.  

A Hex for Danger by Esme Addison is the 2^nd book in An Enchanted Bay Mystery series.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series, but you will be missing out if you do not read A Spell for Trouble.  A Hex for Danger is complex and beguiling paranormal cozy mystery.  There are some great characters in this story that include Alex, Lidia, Minka, Kamila, Celeste, and Athena.  Alex is settling into her new life and feels like she belongs in the charming small town.  She enjoys spending time with her family and her boyfriend, Jack Frazier (the local police detective).  The mystery is multifaceted, well-plotted, and intriguing.  There are several good suspects in this whodunit.  I had a good time solving the crime before the tension filled reveal.  I like how the mystery ties back to ancient mythology and the Mermaid of Warsaw.  I can tell the author did her research for this story.  I did feel that A Hex for Danger is a slow starter as we are reintroduced to Alex, her family, the town, and their magical abilities.  The pacing increases as you get further into the story.  I thought the story was well-written with developed characters.  I enjoy visiting Bellamy Bay with its unique residents.  I like how the paranormal aspects are woven into the story.  It is hard to resist a cozy mystery with magical mermaid descendants.  I love the authors vivid descriptions which brings the story to life.  We get to learn more about Alex’s maternal history which is fascinating.  I am looking forward to the next tale in An Enchanted Bay Mystery series.  A Hex for Danger is a spirited tale with mermaids, magic, mayhem, and murder.  

A Hex for Danger is available on Amazon* as well as other major retailers.  The first novel in An Enchanted Bay Mystery series is A Spell for Trouble.  You can follow Esme Addison on Amazon to get email updates on her latest releases.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return on Monday, July 19 with The Words We Whisper by Mary Ellen Taylor.  I hope that everyone has a safe and 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.

A Spell for Trouble by Esme Addison

A Spell For Trouble

Book Summary

A Spell for Trouble by Esme Addison has Alex Daniels returning to Bellamy Bay, North Carolina for the first time since her mother passed away about twenty years ago.  Alex is happy to be reacquainted with her Aunt Lidia and her cousins.  She begins working in Botanika, the family apothecary, learning to make candles, teas, salves, and soaps.  When Randy Bennett ends up dead after an altercation with Aunt Lidia, Detective Jack Frazier arrests Lidia for murder.  Alex is determined to find who framed her aunt.  While Alex digs for helpful intel, the local reporter begins printing salacious tales stating Alex’s family is descended from mermaids and have special abilities.  Alex’s digging uncovers long buried secrets that people do not want exposed.  Could one of them have gotten Randy Bennett killed?

My Thoughts

A Spell For Trouble by Esme Addison is the debut of An Enchanted Bay Mystery series.  I enjoyed reading this paranormal cozy mystery.  I thought A Spell For Trouble was well-written with developed characters.  The author took the time to set the stage as I call it.  We are introduced to the characters and the town.  I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of Bellamy Bay.  Alex Daniels is a complex woman.  She is a little lost when she arrives in town, but Alex soon becomes a strong protagonist.  She is a woman that readers will like and will cheer her on.  I like that she is proactive in investigating.  I enjoyed getting to know Alex and her smart, intuitive canine, Athena.  Alex has a kind aunt and friendly cousins.  I thought the secondary characters were developed and they round out the cast nicely.  They definitely enhanced the story.  The mystery was entertaining. I love a complex whodunit that is full of twists and surprises.  This was a fun one to solve.  There are several themes woven into A Spell For Trouble that include a magical ancestry, family rivalries, a murder, secrets, innuendo, and the importance of family.  The magical components are compelling and nicely incorporated into the story.  A Spell For Trouble is a great start to this enchanting series.   I am eager to read A Hex for Danger.  A Spell for Trouble is a magical tale with an instinctive canine, kind cousins, a messy murder, a fervent reporter, a bitter brew, and helpful healers.  

A Spell for Trouble is available from Amazon*.  The ebook is currently $1.99 on Amazon (price can change at any moment).  The second book in An Enchanted Bay Mystery series is A Hex for Danger which I am featuring tomorrow.  I appreciate you joining me today and reading my review.  I am off to finish preparation for my mother's birthday celebration.  She is seventy-seven today.  I am hoping the special gift I got her arrives in time (if not, I printed off a picture and put it in a pretty envelope).  I ordered early, but it is a custom item.  It is a good thing that I made it a birthday week (a gift each day).  I even have a birthday cake inflatable for the yard.  I want her to have a special day.  I hope that you have a tranquil 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.

Dogged by Death by Laura Scott

 Dogged by Death

Book Summary

In Laura Scott's Furry Friends series debut, veterinarian Ally Winter must collar the killer of a shifty lawyer. Does the dead man's dog know who committed the arf-ul crime?

Ally Winter is going through a ruff patch. The thirty-something veterinarian lost her fiancé, her clinic, and her savings in rapid succession. So when Ally's grandfather undergoes hip replacement surgery, she moves back to Willow Bluff, Wisconsin, to care for him. She arrives home, tail between her legs, only to find sleazy lawyer Marty Shawlin murdered in his home office. And the only witness was Marty's faithful boxer, Roxy.

Quick as a greyhound, Noah Jorgensen is on the case. The good news is, he's the best detective around. The bad news, at least the way Ally sees it, is that Noah is still just as fetching as he was back in high school. He also just happens to have witnessed every embarrassing incident that befell accident-prone Ally--including the fire-ant attack that set tongues wagging and won her the unshakable nickname Hot Pants.

Meanwhile, true-crime aficionado Gramps fancies himself a sleuth, and he is doggedly determined to sniff out the culprit himself...with Ally's reluctant help, of course. Ally has no choice but to team up with Noah--and the irrepressible Roxy--to solve the case while keeping Gramps on a short leash.

Ally had better learn some new tricks, lickety-split. Because if she can't bring the killer to heel, she won't just be playing dead.

My Thoughts

Dogged by Death by Laura Scott has Ally Winter moving to Willow Bluff, Wisconsin to be near her grandfather, Oscar after some big upheavals in her life.  Ally buys out a local veterinary practice and settles into her new life.  Ally is hired by Marty Shawlin to walk his dog, Roxy.  She arrives the first day to find Roxy barking frantically and Marty dead on the floor.  Detective Noah Jorgensen, Ally’s old high school crush, is on the case.  Gramps, a true crime junkie, is eager to do some investigating of his own with help from Ally, of course (he has trouble getting around since his hip replacement surgery).  The killer is not playing games and tries to deter Ally.   Gramps is even more determined to find the guilty party.  

Dogged by Death is the debut of A Furry Friends Mystery series.  I enjoyed this entertaining new cozy mystery.  I laughed often while reading it.  Ally Winter is a solid protagonist and I just love Gramps.  He is a hoot.  Roxy, Marty Shawlin’s dog, is smart and such a sweetie.  The secondary characters are a great addition.  The Willow Bluff Widows who live with Gramps at Willow Bluff Legacy House, an assisted living facility, nicely round out the cast along with Noah Jorgensen.  I am glad the author took the time to establish the characters (characters can make or break a series). The mystery was fun to follow thanks to Gramps and Ally.  I did feel that we really do not get to know the suspects.  I understand why they are suspects, but the emotions were lacking.  Readers should have no problem solving the whodunit before the reveal.  There is repetition of case details and I wish the whodunit had been more of a challenge.  I love how Ally and Gramps would “share” their information with Noah.  Noah was always finding them in compromising situations.  He has a facial twitch that was getting out of control by the end of the investigation (he found Gramps to be a challenge).  Dogged by Death moved along at a quick pace with good dialogue and plenty of humor.  I am looking forward to Tailing Trouble when it comes out next year.  Dogged by Death is a tail wager with a septuagenarian sleuth, a benevolent veterinarian, willing widows, a bright boxer, an enduring detective, and a cruel killer.

Dogged by Death is available from Amazon*.  The next A Furry Friends Mystery is Tailing Trouble which publishes January 11, 2022.  You can find Laura Scott's other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  Tomorrow I am sharing my thoughts on A Spell for Trouble by Esme Addison.  It is the first An Enchanted Bay Mystery.  I hope that you have a gleeful 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 at the Lakeside Library by Holly Danvers: Book Review & Giveaway!

Murder at the Lakeside Library by Holly Danvers

  

About Murder at the Lakeside Library

 

Murder at the Lakeside Library: A Lakeside Library Mystery 

Cozy Mystery 

1st in Series Publisher: Crooked Lane Books (July 13, 2021) 

Hardcover: 336 pages ISBN-10: 1643856324 ISBN-13: 978-1643856322 

Digital ASIN: B08L5VF4X5

In this series debut perfect for fans of Jenn McKinlay and Miranda James, Rain Wilmot must discover the killer, before the book closes on her life.

Rain Wilmot has just returned to her family's waterfront log cabin in Lofty Pines, Wisconsin after the untimely death of her husband. The cabin is peaceful compared to Rain's corporate job and comes with an informal library that Rain's mother, Willow, used to run. But as Rain prepares for the re-opening of the library, all hopes for a peaceful life are shattered when she discovers the body of Thornton Hughes, a real estate buyer, on the premises.

The community of Lofty Pines starts pointing fingers at Willow, since she has been unusually absent from the library this summer. A fishy rumor surfaces when Rain learns that Willow had been spending a lot of time with Thornton. The town even thought they were having an affair.

While theories swirl about Thornton's death, Rain takes it upon herself to solve the case to exonerate her mother. As more clues surface, Rain will have to piece together the mystery. But if she isn't careful, she may be the next to end up dead in the water in Murder at the Lakeside Library, the first in Holly Danvers' new Lakeside Library mysteries.

About Holly Danvers

Holly Danvers grew up devouring every mystery novel on the shelf of her local library. She lives in the Midwest with her husband and 3 chickens, where she's already plotting her next novel.

Author Links

Author Links Website - www.authorhollydanvers.com 

GoodReads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20823355.Holly_Danvers 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HollyDanversBooks/ 

Amazon:  https://amzn.to/3r4yELl

My Thoughts

Murder at the Lakeside Library by Holly Danvers has Rain Wilmot, a recent widow, arriving at her family’s lakeside cabin in Lofty Pines, Wisconsin looking for time alone to relax and read.  She discovers that her mother forgot to mention that she has been operating a library during the summer for the residents and Rain is expected to fill her place.  Before Rain can absorb the news, a body is found by the outhouse.  It belongs to Thornton Hughes who was rumored to have been having an affair with Rain’s mother, Willow the previous summer.  When Rain learns her father may be in town, she is worried that he will be a suspect.  Rain with help from her childhood friend, Julia begins digging into Thornton’s life looking for suspects.  Murder at the Lakeside Library is the debut of A Lakeside Library Mystery series.  There are beautiful descriptions of the Wisconsin’s Northwoods.  I especially enjoy reading about Rain’s family cabin and library (what booklover would not love a library attached to their home).  I would have liked to learn more about Rain Wilmot.  We are given a brief history along with what has her returning the Lofty Pines after a long absence.  The “Lakers” are a friendly bunch.  They are quick to lend a helping hand such as cutting a neighbor’s lawn, bringing over treats, picking up tab for meal, and holding impromptu barbecues.  I liked Julie, Rain’s childhood friend and neighbor.  She is a friendly woman and something of a free spirit.  The mystery plays out slowly over the course of the book.  I wish it had been little peppier with less repetition.  The investigation is a little scattered like Rain’s thoughts.  I did feel the ending was rushed as we are finally given all the details.  I am curious to see what happen next in Lofty Pines. I have a feeling that Rain is not going to get the quiet time she desired. Murder at the Lakeside Library is a blithe cozy mystery with a lakeside library, a curious corpse, a firm friend, uncertain rumors, and a boatload of books.

Murder at the Lakeside Library can be purchased from Amazon, B&N, Kobo, and IndieBound.  The next A Lakeside Library Mystery is Long Overdue at the Lakeside Library which will be out on February 8, 2022.  You can find Holly's A Handcrafted Mystery series here.  As part of the tour, Holly Danvers is hosting a giveaway for one signed copy (sorry, but open to U.S. residents only) of Murder at the Lakeside Library.  You can click here to enter or use the Rafflecopter form below.  Good Luck!  Thank you so much for joining me today.  I will be back tomorrow with Dogged by Death by Laura Scott.  It is the debut of A Furry Friends Mystery series.  I hope that you have a relaxing day.  Do not forget to leave a comment for an extra entry in the contest.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Participants

July 13 – Novels Alive – GUEST POST 

July 13 – Book Club Librarian – REVIEW 

July 13 – Ruff Drafts - SPOTLIGHT 

July 14 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW 

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July 15 – Here's How It Happened – SPOTLIGHT 

July 15 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT 

July 16 – Books to the Ceiling – REVIEW 

July 16 – Moonlight Rendezvous – REVIEW 

uly 17 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 

July 18 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW 

July 19 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 

July 19 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 

July 20 – Ascroft, eh? – GUEST POST 

July 20 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT 

July 21 – Novels Alive – REVIEW 

July 21 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW 

July 22 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – SPOTLIGHT 

July 22 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 

July 23 – Baroness' Book Trove – REVIEW 

July 23 – Christy's Cozy Corners - REVIEW, RECIPE 

July 24 – Brooke Blogs – REVIEW 

July 24 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW 

July 25 – Cozy Up With Kathy – AUTHOR INTERVIEW 

July 25 – Melina's Book Blog – REVIEW 

July 26 – BookishKelly2020 – SPOTLIGHT 

uly 26 – eBook Addicts – REVIEW

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