Pages: 223

Publisher: Kensington Books

Published: October 27, 2020

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

My Review: Overall I enjoyed book eight in the Candy-Coated series even though I had a small issue.

My biggest issue was we are still in the first year of Allie being on Mackinac Island but we are on our third Christmas story and this full-length Christmas story takes place before the two novellas that have been previously published. I might not have even thought about it if I did not read the two novellas right before reading this story. It does nothing to take away from the story it was a personal peeve of mine.

I did like getting to know more about Frances’ past and more about her in general.

I admit I have not read this series in order. I have been able to follow along quite nicely.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Kensington Books, through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

NetGalley: In Nancy Coco’s eighth Candy-Coated Mystery, Christmas on Mackinac Island brings a flurry of festive activity for fudge shop owner Allie McMurphy–but also a body in a snowbank. With fun recipes, cute pets, quirky characters, and an endearing young protagonist, the Candy-Coated Mysteries have the perfect ingredients for cozy mystery fans!

All Allie wants for Christmas is for renovations to be finished on the Historic McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop so she can move back home for the holidays. But for now she’s staying in her friend Frances’ apartment, busily baking batches of holiday fudge. After someone leaves a mysterious note on the door to meet up, the curious fudge maker goes to the rendezvous with her Bichonpoo, Mal–only to discover a woman facedown in a snowdrift. With her dying breath, the woman gasps, “Frances.” The police suspect she named her killer, but Allie knows that’s impossible. She needs to wrap up this case before the trail runs cold–and give her friend the gift of freedom this Christmas season…

Pages: 245

Publisher: Kensington Books

Published: October 27, 2020

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

My Review: I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. My favorite was book two but all are good reads. All can be read as standalone. All are good clean reads for teenagers on up.

The twins, Rachel and Ella Mae have been my least favorite characters as they are so immature but so are the boys Jonas and Jeremiah. It was nice to see the four of them grow up.

I love the idea of a cookie club with close friendships, a weekly day to gather and connect all the while fulfilling a need in the community. It would be something I would love to do with some friends when it is safe to gather again.

I alternated between reading and listening to the audiobook and suggest either one for readers. The narrator is engaged with the characters in the audiobook.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Kensington Books, through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

NetGalley: Baking cookies every other Friday for their respective church districts gives Edna Esh and three of her closest friends a chance to give to the Plain community and strengthen their bond with each other. In this third Amish Cookie Club novel by ELPA bestselling author Sarah Price, tourist season is approaching, and the Edna is busier than ever, between baking with her Amish Cookie Club friends and running her business serving meals to Englische tourists. You wouldn’t think she’d have time for matchmaking…

Edna couldn’t be happier that her new daughter-in-law, Bethany, is pregnant. But Bethany is also her best helper, and morning sickness has her out of commission. Desperate for more hands, Edna accepts a friend’s offer for her twin daughters, Rachel and Ella Mae, to step in. Trouble is, the young women are constantly bickering–except when Edna’s sons Jeremiah and Jonas are around…

It’s soon clear that Rachel has taken a shine to Jeremiah, while Jonas is smitten with Ella Mae. It’s also clear the feelings aren’t reciprocated. But after confiding in the Cookie Club, Edna devises a plan for the pairs to spend more time together. The only problem is it seems to be failing. Yet it appears there’s a grander plan at work–and as nature takes its course, and the MayFest arrives, there’s reason to look forward to the bountiful sweetness of a double wedding come autumn…

Pages: 304

Publisher: Kensington Books

Published: December 1, 2020

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

My Review: Is it proper to say that a murder mystery was a joy to read? I can’t help but be happy when I finish an Amanda Flower cozy mystery. Especially when it weaves two of her series together. Characters from her Amish Candy Shop series make plenty of appearances and yes, for those that have read that series, Jethro makes himself known!

The combination of Amish Millie and Englisch Lois is a hoot. I would love to follow them for one day just to see their thinking in action. Wherever they are you can guarantee that trouble will not be far behind.

I cannot wait to read more of their antics.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Kensington, through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

NetGalley: Between minding a pair of rambunctious goats, meetings with her quilting circle, and matchmaking, Millie Fisher has plenty to keep her busy through her golden years. But the witty widow always makes time to solve the odd murder . . .
 
Some Amish men don’t know what’s good for them. That’s what Millie Fisher told herself when young Ben Baughman set his heart on marrying Tess Lieb. With Tess’s father refusing to give his blessing and Tess’s ex-boyfriend being a wet blanket, the hapless couple was bound to butt heads more than Millie’s Boer goats. But when Ben tragically dies in a mysterious fire, Millie wonders if someone in her hometown of Harvest, Ohio, wanted Ben out of the wedding picture altogether . . .
 
With the help of her quilting buddies, and her outspoken Englischer friend Lois, Millie is determined to patch together all the clues without even dropping a stitch. She only hopes it won’t be the death of her . . .opes it won’t be the death of her . . .

Pages: 348

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Published: September 8, 2020

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

My Review: An enjoyable series with a little romance and suspense.

In book two we continue to learn more about the background of Jane, Reid, and Will. As Jane is coming to terms with her new family she has to stop a possible terrorist attack to an oil rig in the bay.

This is a fast-paced read that has you on the edge of your seat at times. I suggest reading book one first so you understand the relationship between Jane, Reid, and Will.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Thomas Nelson, through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

NetGalley: A lie changed her world.

Police Chief Jane Hardy is still reeling from the scandal that rocked her small-town department just as she took over for her retired father—the man who wrecked her life with one little lie. Now she’s finally been reunited with her presumed-dead fifteen-year-old son, Will, and his father, documentarian Reid Bechtol. 

A crisis looms.

When a murder aboard the oil platform Zeus exposes an environmental terrorist’s plot to flood Mobile Bay with crude oil, Jane and Reid must put their feelings for each other behind them and work together to prevent the rig from being sabotaged.

A killer targets her son.

Then the terrorist puts her son Will’s life on the line. Protecting him could be the common ground they need . . . but then ghosts from the past threaten to ruin Jane and Reid for good.

She’s got plenty of reasons to run. But what if she stays? 

Pages: 304

Publisher: Kensington Books

Published: October 27, 2020

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

My Review: A visit to Greybourne Harbor is like a visit home. When I open a book in this series I feel as if I am falling into comfort and am guaranteed for the next few hours I can escape. Elliott does the most wonderful job of describing the atmosphere in the town. My favorite time visiting is in the winter. The beauty of the snow…aah.

This is the fifth book in the series and we get to know more about Paige and her mother Martha. If you have followed the series you know Martha is pretty grouchy. In this installment, you will come to understand her more and by the end I really liked Martha. We learn how strong family bonds are and what happens when those bonds are threatened.

Even though the author does an excellent job of giving background on who is who I heavily suggest reading this series in order. If this is your thought of delving into the series what other perfect time than now to treat yourself to the entire series. The covers alone are beautiful. I would love to make wall art out of them for my library.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Kensington Books, through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

NetGalley: In Lauren Elliott’s fifth Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery, a murder and a missing first edition of The Secret Garden have rare bookstore owner Addie Greyborne running around her Massachusetts town trying to read the clues…

January isn’t the season for the seaside, but the big Fire and Ice festival is keeping bookstore owner Addie busy. Amid the plans for a fireworks display and an ice-carving competition, she’s also dog sitting for a friend in the hospital. When Addie goes to her friend’s house to gather supplies, she notices an interesting item on the nightstand which belongs to her shop assistant, Paige: a very valuable copy of the beloved children’s book The Secret Garden.

But Addie’s blood runs cold when she finds something else: a dead body behind the bakery next door to her shop. Martha, the bakery owner, has no alibi–and has been seen in a heated argument with the victim. And the next thing Addie knows, that first edition has gone missing. Is there a connection between the body and the treasured tome? If there is, it’s up to Addie to find a killer with a motive as hidden as Frances Hodgson Burnett’s famous garden . . .

Pages: 242

Publisher: Hallmark Publishing

Published: August 11, 2020

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

My Review: You know you have a good writer when a reader can start a series without reading the first book and feel like you know what is going on and who everyone is to each other. I bought the first book but have not read it. I saw this on NetGalley and was instantly drawn in. I am now going to go back and read the first one while waiting for the next one to be released.

A good clean read for cozy mystery and mystery in general enthusiasts. You of course have your murder scene but nothing too grisly. No foul language and no steamy romance scenes.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Hallmark Publishing, through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

NetGalley: When art in the parkleads to murder in the dark,the Shepherd sistershave another crime to solve.

Savanna Shepherd, an art expert turned elementary art teacher, is planning the Art in the Park festival for her hometown of Carson. But apparently, someone isn’t happy that Carson got to host the event: the beloved statue in the park is destroyed. Not long after, Savanna finds the dead body of one of the people on the planning committee.

Savanna and her sisters are convinced that the arrested murder suspect didn’t do it, despite strong evidence to the contrary. With the help of Dr. Aidan Gallager, Savanna’s new romantic interest, they uncover hidden resentments and intrigue. Several people in Carson had a motive for the murder. Can they find out which one of them is behind the framing of an innocent person?

This intriguing mystery includes a free Hallmark original recipe for Mini Rhubarb Pies.

Pages: 332

Publisher: Zondervan Fiction

Published: December 1, 2020

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

My Review: First, let me say I really wish the Coffee Corner was a real place I could visit every day it is open, and sit with my book and try all the flavors of coffee Bethany invents. Of course, I would come home with things I really do not need like jams and jellies.

Each book in the Amish Marketplace series has been true gems to read. I think this is my favorite so far. I loved reading about Bethany and Micah’s path to love. They proved that bad things happen, detours are taken that are not the best choices but love in each other and God will bring you back to where you need to be. It also stresses forgiveness which I believe is hard for everyone. Forgiveness in yourself and others takes love in yourself and others to occur.

Each book can be read as a standalone so hurry grab your copy and then brew a cuppa and lose yourself in a beautiful story.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Zondervan Fiction, through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

NetGalley: In this third installment of Amy Clipston’s Amish Marketplace series, an acquaintance grows into love over a few well-timed cups of coffee.

Alongside her cousins who have booths of their own, Bethany Gingerich runs a busy and successful coffee and donut stand at the Amish market. Since she has café-style tables and chairs, her regular customers enjoy purchasing a morning treat so they can sit and talk to their friends.

Micah Zook and his grandfather, Enos, visit Bethany every Saturday morning to purchase coffee and donuts before going to work at Enos’s custom outdoor furniture shop. Bethany enjoys talking to Micah and Enos, and she’s always thought Micah was handsome—but she doesn’t think her crush will ever result in anything more.

When Micah and his grandfather don’t come to see her one Saturday morning, Bethany begins to worry. And when she learns that tragedy has struck, she wonders how to help Micah in his time of need. Turns out he needs a friend now more than ever, and Bethany may be just the kind of friend that God has provided for him.

Pages: 211

Publisher: Beyond the Page Publishing

Published: November 17, 2020

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

My Review: I found this series on a whim and started in the middle and went back and got caught up. I really enjoy it. I usually gravitate towards cozy mysteries centered around books and cooking and although this series does have baking and recipes it is really about a farm. I have learned so much regarding cranberries. I have started thinking about different ways to incorporate them into savory dishes outside of Thanksgiving time.

I am excited for the next book as I can’t wait to see how Monica runs with her new path in life. I love the addition of Hercules, the dog. He is a joy and adds the right amount of fun.

You can start this series with any book and be just fine. The author does a great job of giving enough background on each character.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Beyond the Page Publishing, through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

NetGalley: An ambitious TV personality takes a star turn in murder in the new Cranberry Cove Mystery from USA Today bestselling author Peg Cochran!

With the cranberry farm in full harvest mode, Monica is thrilled to learn that they’ll be the featured guests on a local TV news show. Certain the exposure will give her bakery products and the farm’s store a welcome boost, she’s also nervous about how she’ll come across on-screen. But her real worries begin when the show’s ruthless star is found bludgeoned to death on a side road of the farm—and Monica’s own brother heads up the list of suspects.

Launching an investigation to find the real killer and clear her brother, Monica discovers there was no love lost between the victim and those closest to her. From the dead woman’s husband, a calculating politician with his sights set on more lucrative pastures, to the timid cameraperson she repeatedly bullied, there’s no shortage of suspects or motives. And when Monica unearths a compromising secret that turns the spotlight on one of them, she suddenly realizes the solution has been staring her in the face. As she closes in on the killer, she’ll need sharp wits and steely nerves to avoid taking her final bow . . .

Includes tasty recipes!

Pages: 196

Publisher: Beyond the Page Publishing

Published: November 10, 2020

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

My Review: I am so happy this series has been continued. There is something comforting every time I read the series.

Cooper is such a sweet character. She makes me think that there are still good people out there not ready to make one over on someone. I am so happy about the direction her life has taken. I think she is on the right path with her love life.

This is a clean read (except for murder but no grisly scenes) that you will not want to put down. I found myself devouring it in less than 24 hours because I couldn’t wait to get back to my friends in the Sunrise Bible Study Group.

Yummy recipes are included and just in time for the holidays!

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. Beyond the Page Publishing, through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

NetGalley: It’s June in Virginia, and the scent of flowers and the sound of wedding bells are in the air, an unwelcome reminder to Cooper Lee of the long-distance relationship she recently ended. When Cooper and her Bible study group are invited to spend a weekend at a newly renovated historic inn, it’s the perfect chance to get away with friends and put her bittersweet memories behind her—until the inn’s pompous co-owner is murdered and one of the suspects is Cooper’s own mother.

Certain that someone on the inn’s staff must have done the cruel deed, the Bible study group begins piecing together the clues, only to learn that everyone there has a motive for murder. When they discover that a valuable painting has also been stolen from the inn, they know they’re up against a particularly shrewd evildoer. Determined to bring the culprit to justice and save her mother, Cooper and her friends devise a risky scheme to trap the killer, because sometimes even the Bible study group must work in mysterious ways . . .  

Includes heavenly recipes from Magnolia Lee’s kitchen!

Pages: 336

Publisher: Zondervan Fiction

Published: November 3, 2020

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

My Review: What a delightful read! I am still laughing at the antics the two sisters pulled during this novel.

The book focuses on the trials and tribulations of love Naomi has experienced but the true winners are the sweet elderly sisters, Esther and Lizzie, that Naomi works for at the sisters’ inn. They are a hoot. I absolutely adore how Wiseman made them so real. Yes, they are Amish and believe in turning the other cheek and being mild but we all know that sometimes you just have to express yourself. Lizzie will have you rolling on the floor laughing when she spars with Grumpy Gus who in turn thinks she is the grumpy one. Plus, her teeth debacles!

Gus, a tenant on the sisters’ property, shows his tender side with Esther during her medical scare. I really hope we get to learn more about him in future books. I don’t think he wants to be as grumpy as he appears.

This is a must-read for Amish fiction/romance fans. You will want to gobble it up as quick as the Thanksgiving turkey. A clean read that will leave you smiling and holding your tummy from the laughing.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Zondervan, through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

NetGalley: Sweet Naomi Byler cooks meals for the guests at The Peony Inn, where Amish sisters and owners of the inn Esther and Lizzie love her like a granddaughter. She’s as happy there as a young woman can be, considering that her fiancé, Thomas, has left her to court someone else. She knows she’ll get over the love of her life in due time, but she assumes marriage will never be a part of her future.

Amos Lantz and his mother are guests at the inn, visiting town for a cousin’s wedding. Attending a wedding is the last thing Amos wants to do since his own fiancée, Sarah, died tragically just a year ago.

Naomi and Amos understand each other’s grief and become quick friends when they discover their mutual love of painting. As the two begin to paint through their sadness together, Esther and Lizzie play matchmaker—a risky move with the potential to backfire. And when Thomas makes an unexpected return intending to win back Naomi, she realizes she no longer knows her own heart.

In this new Amish series from bestselling and award-winning novelist Beth Wiseman, true love takes root in the deepest of wounds.