Killer Characters (A Books by the Bay Mystery by Ellery Adams

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killer characters
Pages: 282 (Kindle Edition)
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime
Published: May 2, 2017
As we join Olivia, Chief Rawlings and the rest of the Bayside Book Writers for their final murder to solve it turns personal. Laurel has been arrested for the murder of her husband’s lover. Did she do it? Can Laurel’s marriage be fixed? Will it destroy the Bayside Book Writers? For these answers you need to stop what you are doing and read this book immediately.
Tissue warning: my emotions were everywhere during this book and I found myself reaching for the tissues several times but none more so than the ending. Ellery Adams did a perfect job in making you feel the character’s emotions deep in your soul. I am still reeling from the ending but it was the perfect way to end the series.
If you have not read the series I suggest getting them all for vacation and spending the entire vacation in Oyster Bay, you will not be disappointed. The growth of Olivia as a caring individual who learns to open her own heart up to the impossible is hope for all mankind. Tragedy and grief affects us, some when we are little, some not until we are old, and some more times than it should but we can pull ourselves up by our bootstraps and learn to live a good life.

The Farmers Market Mishap by Wanda and Jean Brunstetter

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the farmers market

Pages: 208

Publisher: Barbour Publishing

Published: June 1, 2017

You always know you will enjoy what you are reading if the book is written by Wanda E. Brunstetter. One reason is she uses real places as the settings for her books. I’ve been lucky enough to have visited Topeka, Shipshewana and surrounding Amish communities in Northern Indiana and it draws me into the story more. It is a very friendly group of Amish communities. Brunstetter does a great job in conveying their friendliness.
This is the second book to feature the twins Thelma and Elma. The focus is more on Elma and her journey to finding last love. The first book had me in stitches at times and this book had some funny dialogue but I found it a bit more serious.
The Brunstetters are pros when it comes to using descriptive words without being overwhelming. I can picture Elma as if she was a real person. When an author succeeds in doing so I am a devoted fan.
Personally I don’t think you have to read The Lopsided Christmas Cake before reading The Farmers Market Mishap but you might appreciate Elma and Delbert’s friendship more if you do. I hope to see another book in the future featuring the twins Elma and Thelma.
Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for an ARC to read and review with my honest opinion.

You always know you will enjoy what you are reading if the book is written by Wanda E. Brunstetter. One reason is she uses real places as the settings for her books. I’ve been lucky enough to have visited Topeka, Shipshewana and surrounding Amish communities in Northern Indiana and it draws me into the story more. It is a very friendly group of Amish communities. Brunstetter does a great job in conveying their friendliness.
This is the second book to feature the twins Thelma and Elma. The focus is more on Elma and her journey to finding last love. The first book had me in stitches at times and this book had some funny dialogue but I found it a bit more serious.
The Brunstetters are pros when it comes to using descriptive words without being overwhelming. I can picture Elma as if she was a real person. When an author succeeds in doing so I am a devoted fan.
Personally I don’t think you have to read The Lopsided Christmas Cake before reading The Farmers Market Mishap but you might appreciate Elma and Delbert’s friendship more if you do. I hope to see another book in the future featuring the twins Elma and Thelma.
Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for an ARC to read and review with my honest opinion.

The Beloved Hope Chest by Amy Clipston

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the beloved hope chest

Pages: 320

Publisher: Zondervan

Published: May 9, 2017

Join Mattie, the mom of the three Fisher sisters from The Forgotten Recipe, The Courtship Basket and The Cherished Quilt as she tells her story of losing a husband and son.

You will not have a dry eye while reading this book. Amy Clipston has outdone herself with this series and especially the last book. I took my time reading, The Beloved Hope Chest, as I knew it would be my last first time visit with the Fishers. Yes, I plan on re-reading this series again as it was that good.

Faith abounds in the love story of Leroy and Mattie Fisher. Christian Faith, faith in each other and faith in true love. Through this book we learn we have to trust that God knows our path before we do as he is the one who set us for it. As the wall hanging in the book states: “Happiness is like a butterfly. Don’t go chasing it.” God will make sure everything happens in the time it is to happen. Some of the happiest times are after the worst times.

You can read any of the four books as stand alones but I recommend reading in order so you can get the build up and excitement for The Beloved Hope Chest. Grab some tissues and plenty of free time. You will fight yourself to put this wonderful book down.

Thank you to NetGalley and Zondervan for providing an ARC for my own, honest opinion.

Brew or Die by Caroline Fardig

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brew or die
Pages: 352
Publisher: Alibi (Random House)
Published: April 25, 2017
We join Juliet as she works on her first case after she has earned her PI license. Maya, her PI boss, has asked her to investigate a company called Wonder-Gen after one of the owners hired them to figure out if his partner is swindling money from the company. At the same time, her boss at the coffee shop Java Jive has asked her to look into the death of one of the employees fiancé. Did she really die of an apparent drug overdose or was she murder by a jealous co-worker. Both cases take Juliet on a wild ride. Will she survive both emotionally and physically?
Even though I started this series in the middle it did not affect being able to follow along. Sometimes when you start in the middle of the series you are lost in trying to figure out who is who and the connections. Caroline Fardig did a great job in introducing everyone and their connections very early on and without overdoing so.
I like the spunkiness of Juliet as she is a sleuth that is not afraid to get out there and get in the middle of a case to solve it. My biggest let down was her waffling on who she was in love with. Is it Stafford, Hamilton or Pete? Do all female sleuths have to have a love triangle or quadrangle to make them successful? I think not. Maybe in the future we will see Juliet take a break from trying to fall in love.
This was my first introduction to the Java Jive series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It will definitely be a series I add to my reading list.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for providing a free copy for my honest review.

What the Bishop Saw by Vannetta Chapman

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what the bishop saw
Pages: 352
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
Published: May 1, 2017
I enjoy knowing I will learn something new when I read a Vannetta Chapman book.
We join Henry and his community while they are trying to figure out who killed one of their own in a suspicious fire. Henry has a special talent in being able to draw a scene and see things he does not consciously remember.
You will come to love Katie Ann who holds a special place in so many hearts.
It was pleasing to read about an Amish community in a not so familiar setting. I didn’t know there was an Amish community in Colorado.
This is a great novel for Amish and mystery fans alike.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harvest House Publishers for a free copy to read and review with my honest opinion.

The Idea of You by Amanda Prowse

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the idea of you
Pages: 332
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Published: March 21, 2017
When I first started reading this book I wasn’t sure it was my cup of tea. It was a bit slow and the main character Lucy was very unlikeable. Lucy seemed petty and childish especially when it came to her stepdaughter. Being a stepmom myself, I would get so mad at Lucy’s behavior. As the story started making connections and things were falling into place I noticed Lucy was maturing before my very eyes.
I’m happy I stuck with it as it was a great read. You may even find yourself learning a few things in your own life.
If you are a fan of Maeve Binchy, Barbara Delinsky or Diane Chamberlain this is the book for you.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for a copy. All reviews are my own honest opinion.