A beautiful modern interpretation of A Christmas Carol, which is a favorite of mine every Christmas season, with a Hanukkah twist.
I always connect With Jean Meltzer’s writing. I read her books and feel like here is an author who gets what it is like to be a woman who is struggling but continues to face the world. She also reminds us it is ok to lean on others and let them carry the load some days.
I heartily suggest reading the Author’s note for an insight on how the story came to be.
Welcome to Yoder, Kansas were just about everyone is a Yoder. Sissy leaves Tulsa to start over and help her aunt in the Sunflower Cafe when her cousin goes on bed rest. Unfortunately a few days in she finds the milkman dead in the cafe. The Deputy Sheriff has his eyes on her since she was heard yelling at the milkman previously. Sissy must clear her name before she ends up souring in a prison cell.
I really wanted to like this more than I did. Especially since I love Lillard’s Kappy King cozy mystery series. The writing seemed forced in spots and not well thought out. A few times I had to backtrack as I thought I missed something but no the story just jumped ahead.
This series is what I think of as Amish adjacent. The Amish are part of it but not the main plot or character.
I did enjoy learning a little Kansas fact here and there. I didn’t know it was the sunflower state.
I will read book two to complete the two book series. Hopefully it improves my thoughts. I hate writing a not so positive review.
Another enjoyable quick read in this series.
We follow Sue and Curt as they have a slight stumble in their perfect marriage. A good reminder to not take each other for granted.
We also have two exciting surprises with two of Lisa’s children.
I feel let down after finishing The Amish Ballerina. 🩰
I love Wanda Brunstetter’s older books but the last few have felt so different. Almost like her audience direction moved from adult to very young adult. I did notice that her granddaughter was a co-author and maybe writing for a younger audience is their intention to draw new readers to the subgenre of Amish fiction.
Overall it was an enjoyable read but not memorable.
In October I joined a new book club offered through the Bullitt County Extension Homemakers. We meet once a month and Tuesday was our first book of the year.
Chosen Book: The Book Club Hotel by @sarahmorganwrites
This was a reread for me and I enjoyed it as much as the first time. We all agreed it reminded us of a Hallmark movie but in a good way. A comforting read with a happily ever after.
This book is perfect for book lovers with its theme of a book club. It will pull at your heart over and over.
A powerful story that presses to the heart that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.
Beth has taken on the responsibility of caring for her grandmother who has dementia. The plan is to pack up the house and move her grandmother home with her mother and siblings. Beth is also taking the time to figure out what her future holds.
Danny and Beth used to be close friends and as he sees her as a grown woman those feelings have turned more than friendship. Danny struggles with Beth’s decision to learn more about her dad’s past. A past he never disclosed before his sudden passing. Danny is also struggling with his older brother’s decision to become English and the effects it has on his family.
Love takes flight as a past lie starts to come light. Should the past stay in the past?
This is part of a three book series but can be read as a standalone with no issues. You have the continuation of Tabitha’s story from, Green Pastures, which I haven’t read (yet).
A clean romance that can be read by the entire family. Perfect for books clubs. Discussion questions are included.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and author with no requirement to write a positive review. The words and thoughts above are entirely my own.
This is such an enjoyable series no matter the time of year. You can read of summer adventures on the coast or cozy up next to a roaring fire on a snowy winter’s night. Beware of evil lurking in the corners.
Mac is enjoying a summer’s morning on her way to work when The Rusty Anchor’s chef comes flying out begging for Mac to follow her inside. Mac is confronted with her high school English teacher deader than a door nail. Who else besides Mac has had run ins with the grouchy teacher? Why was he left in dead in the bar? Join Mac and the Cozy Capers as they look for clues.
No matter the series, Maddie Day writes all her characters as if they are real people. They exhibit real feelings and emotions. They have the same worries and fears as we do but at the same time the stories give us escape from the harsh reality. We can lose ourselves for hours and believe in the end that the good guys win and the bad guys always lose.
If you love to read a clean grumpy/sunshine romance then Second Chance at the Sunshine Inn is the book for you.
Everleigh has recently lost her godmother and must return home for the reading of the will and the memorial service. What she doesn’t expect is to meet Mr. Grumpy as soon as she steps out of the Uber.
Cade has no idea why he has to be present at the reading of the will. One thing he does know is that his life is changing once again.
You will laugh and sniffle as Everleigh and Cade find their footing with each other, their future, and running an inn together.
A story that will tug at your heartstrings and make you laugh as well.
Rosemary has witnessed things a child should never see. As an adult those images and fear still reside inside her daily. So much so she never wants to leave the comfort of her home. Things are going smoothly with helping her sister Catherine with her wedding and watching over her impish little brothers until an unruly mutt causes bedlam. Who is responsible for this mischief?
Paul has lived Rosemary since he first laid eyes on her when they were children. He has slowly been trying to get into her inner circle. Who knew the rescue dog he adopted would be the opening he needed. As Rosemary works with Chance/Mischief he starts showing Rosemary what love can bring to one’s life.
A terrifying storm rolls through and Paul is the only saving grace for Rosemary. Will they survive?
I love the setting is in my home state of Kentucky. I can picture the landscape and beauty of a Kentucky day. Mindy writes her characters as if we know them and can just walk down the road to visit.
Curl up under your favorite blanket with a cup of hot chocolate and read the hours away as you follow the love story of Rosemary and Paul.
I received a complimentary copy from the author with no requirement to write a positive review. All words and thoughts above are entirely my own.
New release out now!
October Wrap Up 🍂🍁🎃👻
22 books total, 0 DNF, 13 new (new to me) books bought, 7 book donated, 0 non-fiction book read
L Library
KO Kindle Owned
O Physical Owned
EL E-library (Libby/Overdrive/Hoopla)
AB Audiobook
KU Kindle Unlimited
NG NetGalley
ARC Advanced Reader Copy
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