Grave Amish Secrets + Giveaway

Solving a cold case means facing down a murderer…

When her Amish grandfather’s body is found, State Police Detective Penny Moore learns he didn’t abandon his family fifty years ago—he was murdered. But the whole truth is still unknown, and after several vicious attacks on Penny and her partner, Detective Stewart Jones, it’s clear someone will kill to keep their secrets buried. Unearthing community scandals and delving into Penny’s traumatized family past bring them closer to each other—and a dangerous truth. But can they outwit a killer before they become the newest victims in this cold case?

My Review:

Phenomonal! A Love Inspired Suspense Stand Out as far as I’m concerned as it is quite different from their usual concentrated action novels. Don’t get me wrong, I love those high octane, flying bullets, exploding cars kind of stories too but I also enjoy variety in my romantic suspense and Patricia Johns delivers that here. Such a rich, compelling read!

Love the police procedural vibes from the very start. And the deep, abiding friendship between Penny and Stewart. They’ve been working together for three years and in that time have developed such a tender connection. Totally platonic. Neither has ever considered anything romantic…until midway into this story. (happy sigh!) If you enjoy the friends to more romantic trope this one is stunning!

As is everything else about ‘Grave Amish Secrets.‘ Solid inspirational threads; interesting insights into the Amish community; stupendous personal growth in the main characters; an intriguing cold case. And Johns delivers it all with thoughtful consideration and impeccable pacing. A thoroughly captivating romantic suspense.

I enjoyed listening the audio edition of this book narrated by Liz Fodor who did an amazing job with these characters – especially Penny’s Amish mammi! Such a pleasure to spend my ‘reading’ time listening to this wonderful story.

My thanks to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

Irish Soda Bread Murder

It’s almost time for the delicious warmth of Irish soda bread, but be careful where you bite–some of these recipes call for murder in this delicious collection of cozy mystery novellas featuring the popular St. Paddy’s Day treat.

IRISH SODA BREAD MURDER by CARLENE O’CONNOR
There’s very little time left before her wedding, but nonetheless Tara Meehan is helping out at her Uncle Johnny’s salvage yard for the day. Aunt Rose set up a convention for local psychics, including a bake sale to raise money for charity, but now she’s sick and available only via an iPad Johnny is carrying. The event promises to deliver a real pot of gold until Rose’s biggest rival shows up. Before Tara can utter a simple “top o’ the morning” to the man, he drops dead—with Johnny’s soda bread in his hands. It’s up to Tara to identify the deadly baker before another victim ends up chasing the rainbow straight into a grave . . .

AN IRISH RECIPE FOR MURDER by PEGGY EHRHART
To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year, the Arborville, New Jersey, Advocate is sponsoring a soda bread–baking competition. Bettina Fraser is excited—her bake-off idea was the one to get the green light! But when a town councilman acting as a judge keels over after sampling an entry, the party atmosphere dies just as quickly. Now it’s up to Bettina and her Knit and Nibble knitting club bestie, Pamela Paterson, to find the killer responsible for the murderous morsel.

MRS. CLAUS AND THE SINISTER SODA BREAD MAN by LIZ IRELAND
When April Claus arrives in Cloudberry Bay, Oregon, to check on her flooded inn, her biggest worry is to keep everyone from realizing her three companions—Jingles, Juniper, and Butterbean—are elves. But soon enough she has more serious worries—it looks like her hapless caretaker Ernie has been storing stolen goods at the inn! Then one of Ernie’s shady pals is found dead, and the murder weapon turns up in a decorative loaf of soda bread at April’s craft fair booth. It’s up to April to uncover the killer before she spends St. Patrick’s Day in the county jail!

My Review:

What fun to find a book that features St. Patrick’s Day as a theme! I’m only current with one of the series featured in this collection but I still found the other two novellas easy to jump in at mid series.

Irish Soda Bread Murder by Carlene O’Connor – Super excited about this addition to the ‘Home to Ireland’ series. I was so disappointed when it stopped after two books so I was eager to meet up with Tara and the gang in Galway. A fun mystery with a Christie-esque gather all the suspects together to reveal the killer grand finale. This is the only story actually set in Ireland and I was a bit let down since the narration didn’t include Irish accents (there’s only one American character in the mix.) It was kind of strange to hear some of the Irish phrasing without the lilt.

An Irish Recipe for Murder by Peggy Ehrhart – I’ve only read the first book in the ‘Knit & Nibble Mystery‘ series but it was fun to get reacquainted with these characters and I loved the Bake Off theme featuring Irish Soda Bread. Two amateur sleuths, a knitting group made up of an eclectic mix of personalities and a murder! Definitely more cozy than mystery in this novella. Lots of descriptive details on food and fibre crafts.

Mrs. Claus and the Sinister Soda Bread Man by Liz Ireland – My introduction to the Mrs. Claus series and this novella has charmed me into adding the rest of the books to my Serious About Series Challenge for the New Year. So. Much. Fun. The elves cracked me up all the way through (it’s their first time away from Christmastown.) So, quirky humour, great characters and a multi-layered mystery to solve. Not to mention a Soda Bread Man to bake. I’m still grinning.

I enjoyed listening to the audio edition of this collection, narrated by Carlotta Brentan. She did a great job giving distinctive voices to all the characters (with the exception of Irish accents in the first novella.) A pleasant listening experience.

My thanks to RB Media and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

Crystal Clear

Would Rosalind escape the grip of gossip while hidden away in a French château?

As Rosalind’s muddied past and foggy future crystalize in Château Chenonceau, she hopes to find refuge from gossip. Even though the sequestering is not fair, Rosalind finds a friend in the owner of the château. A magical garden, Christmas ball, and crystal ornaments center her determination to rise above her marred reputation.

Luc Bélanger, retiring from battle with scars manifested in a constant drumming in his ears, plans to hide at his aunt’s château. A pretty English guest and a Christmas ball interfere with his need for rest and time to plan his next step.

Watch as the fairy tale château and the Christmas of 1879 work their magic and break the bonds of propriety, perhaps leading to healing and purpose.

My Review:

A beguiling Christmas romance with some historical significance. The Château Chenonceau is a real place – a French fairy tale castle that captured the author’s imagination when she was a young girl. Love how she found a way to tie it into one of her stories. And two secondary characters are real people out of the pages of history. One of them is quite famous so that was a fun surprise.

There is a fairy tale quality to this story but it also has a significant inspirational influence which I so appreciated.

“My God is bigger than we are. I’m not deterred. But He doesn’t promise the answer I want, only an answer and a plan.”

A touching redemption story for a beleaguered soldier searching for peace and the young English woman who is instrumental in helping him find hope in unexpected places.

The Christmas Catch + Giveaway

When two high school sweethearts reunite, will they take another chance at love or let life sideline them at Christmas?

Benched with a career-ending injury, NFL wide receiver Jahleel Walker is forced to return to his hometown of Peachwood Bay, Georgia, during the holidays to heal, despite his rocky relationship with his father. Nothing shocks him more than running into Lucille “Bebe” Gordon.

Bebe Gordon came home to Peachwood Bay three years ago with a divorce certificate and her daughter. When Jahleel returns–for the first time in eight years–all the memories of the past come rushing back. The connection between them is still strong, but Jahleel has no plans to stay in Peachwood Bay, and Bebe won’t risk him leaving her again. As their hometown’s Christmas festivities bring them together, Jahleel must decide if he’s only home for the holidays or if the Christmas spirit that brought them together will last all through the year.

My Review:

What would Christmas be without a holiday romance from one of my favourite authors? It would be dismal, that’s what. Because, once again Toni Shiloh has blended faith and family and Christmas memories into a heart-tugging romance that made me all kinds of festively happy.

Second Chance romance. Check. Christmas Ball. Check. Reindeer. In Georgia?! Check. Perfect building blocks that set the stage for an inspirational contemporary romance with a meaningful faith thread in the midst of all the holiday fun.

Love the way Bebe and Jahleel prayerfully worked their way through past hurts to reclaim their friendship…and the hope of something so much more. There’s Christmas activities, Bebe’s adorable young daughter, special friendships along with some family drama to keep a reader invested in the outcome. A captivating read from start to finish.

I enjoyed listening to the audible edition of ‘The Christmas Catch’ (clever title!) expertly narrated by Jasmin Walker. Would definitely recommend giving this book a listen if you enjoy audio books as much as I do.

Waiting for Gilbert + Giveaway

“I’m just a girl, standing in front of her phone, asking her landlord to come for dinner.”

Cute and fun Cordelia is history. From now on, I’m serious and focused CJ Thompson. No more snappy one-liners. No more dance-parties-for-one in restaurant booths. Anne-girl is out. Marilla Cuthbert is in. It’s time to grow up! If only it were that easy. With less than two weeks until a massive work deadline, I signed a 12-month lease on a cottage sight-unseen because I couldn’t bear to stay in the city another day after my broken engagement. It’s all well and good until my landlord knocks on my door at two in the morning.

Who knew living next to a house-flipping, cello-playing, swooney-smiling, flesh-and-blood man named Gilbert would be so distracting?

My Review:

I’m more than a tad shy of giddy over this literary discovery — both book and author! Reader friend recommendations are the best! Woohoo! And ‘Waiting for Gilbert’ is waaaaaayyy up at the top of my fave reads in 2024 list (if I ever made such a thing!) It’s exactly what I am looking for in a rom/com — lots of humour with generous doses of heart and faith.

And all the Anne-girl references. Hellllooo — a heroine named Cordelia! She’s just as effervescent as my favourite childhood fictional character, with an extra pop of snark. She doesn’t just have witty inner dialogue – she carries on entire conversations with herself which are so hilarious! I laughed out loud so many times! And then promptly felt my eyes welling up with tears in a moving, inspirational scene towards the end. Sniffle. Sooooooo good!

Then there’s Gilbert. I was just as over-the-moon excited as Cordelia when she finally meets an actual Gilbert who could possibly be her perfect match. Truly a friends to more romance that is as touching as it is funny. And I love that Gilbert is a musician! Cello player no less.

Cozy small town vibes with some amazing secondary characters add to the heartwarming tone of this story. Sheer romantic comedy perfection!

Highly recommend the audio edition of ‘Waiting for Gilbert‘. Hopper Stone and Emelle are brilliant! They brought these characters to life and didn’t miss a comedic beat. So. Much. Fun.

A Yorkshire Carol + Giveaway

The heart is deceitful above all things. Who can understand it?

When Juliana Issot’s godmother invites her to spend the month of Christmas for a house party in Yorkshire, Juliana feels compelled by affection to accept. Never mind that she escaped Yorkshire at first chance to secure a more glittering match in London, and the only matrimonial prospect at home is her childhood playmate, Willelm.

Willelm Armitage is a born and bred Yorkshireman, and as far as he is concerned, Juliana belongs here, too—and at his side. However, the one time he tried to convince her of this, she speedily gave him the right-about, making him question whether she truly was the right choice for him. After all, if she cannot see how well they suit, he is not about to force her hand.

A Christmas house party with pudding, games, charades, riding, and carols turns out to be just the thing to remind Juliana of how much she loves Yorkshire. But when her nostalgia slips into love will she be able to admit that Willelm knew the longings of her heart better than she knew her own?

My Review:

I seem to be attending a lot of Regency Christmas house parties this year and I’m loving it! Such a great way to keep a hero and heroine in close proximity, and to allow matchmakers free license. That’s what happens in ‘A Yuletide Carol’ much to my reader’s delight.

True confession: I wasn’t sure if I could warm to Juliana right at the start. We’re so opposite — she loves the busy atmosphere of London. All the balls and social gatherings and has been set on securing an advantageous match. So she’s a bit calculating when she arrives back home in Yorkshire. She’s definitely looking for a gentleman who will whisk her back to the gaiety of London society. I’m too much of an introvert to put up with all that nonsense, so I usually bond with outlier heroines who prefer the country and their books and animals to social climbing.

Happy to say Juliana did win me over by the end. That’s because Goutet (eep — new-to-me author!) creates some wonderful character growth in Juliana as she begins to set aside girlish dreams and comes to realize her feelings for Willelm might run deeper than she thought.

Willelm has been besotted with Juliana for a long time now. Friends since childhood, he discovered deeper feelings early on. Alas, they were not reciprocated so he has been nursing an unrequited love. I was sympathetic to Willelm right away and I think that might have something to do with why Juliana irked me in the beginning too. But, what’s a romance without conflict? Makes the happily ever after more satisfying. And this one was!

I enjoyed listening to the audio edition narrated by Stevie Zimmerman. She’s a favourite voice performer and she never disappoints.

A Christmas Duet

A solo holiday trip inspires one woman to rediscover her passion—and remember that, sometimes, duets are more fun—in this romantic Christmas novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber.

Hailey Morgan’s life has always revolved around music. She once had big dreams of composing her own songs, but the reality of life has led her to working as an assistant high school band teacher in Portland, Oregon. As the holidays approach, Hailey dreads the annual tradition of Christmas with her meddling family, where she’ll have to play nice while dodging their traditional expectations.

When Hailey’s close friend offers her family’s empty cabin for a rejuvenating solo retreat, Hailey finally decides to do something to make herself happy. However, her arrival in small-town Podunk, Washington, is anything but peaceful when she discovers the cabin is occupied by several wild animals. Luckily, Jay, the mayor’s son—who happens to be an incredibly charming former musician—is more than willing to help.

Soon Hailey and Jay are nearly inseparable, chopping down and decorating a Christmas tree, sipping hot cocoa in front of a cozy fire, and best of all, playing music together. Jay’s encouragement and feedback inspire Hailey to believe she might succeed as a songwriter after all. But even in her snow-dusted oasis, family holiday drama still finds Hailey, threatening her newfound peace and confidence, while she realizes Jay might be more than he presents himself to be. Suddenly her Christmas paradise has become a winter storm and Hailey must weather through the challenges to stand up for herself and embrace the holiday spirit.

My Review:

The holidays can’t really commence until I’ve read a Debbie Macomber Christmas novel and ‘A Christmas Duet’ is a delightful addition to her long standing tradition of delivering heartwarming yuletide stories at the most wonderful time of the year.

An easy, satisfying, read-in-one-sitting kind of story with wonderful Christmas elements, family drama and new beginnings — complete with romance.

Hailey is all for escaping Christmas festivities this year (and who can blame her after what her mother has done?!) so she merrily heads off to a cabin on the outskirts of the smallest of small towns. What could be more blissful than ten days of creative isolation and rest? Yeah, well, things don’t go exactly as planned…and the result is another memorable Macomber Christmas story to add to my collection.

Faking Christmas

One little white lie.

That’s all it took. Now I’m suddenly having to fake-date my work nemesis to get me through a week at a Vermont Christmas lodge with my family.

The problem? I can’t stand Miles Taylor. Not only that, but I don’t date people I work with. But I can handle it. I’ve had practice faking my emotions for years. So it shouldn’t matter that Miles never lets me get away with anything. And that he happens to boil my blood hotter than a steaming pot of wassail. So when he throws his annoying grin my way or forces me on dates he knows I’ll hate, I’ll just grit my teeth and smile.

Or maybe not. Did I mention that Miles is the one person in the world I can’t seem to fool?

When my emotions begin feeling less like a sham and his arms feel way too comfortable, it makes me think that maybe Miles had a plan of his own. And I’m starting to like it a lot more than mine.

My Review:

published in 2022

Sarcasm and witty banter abound in this entertaining holiday rom/com.( I listened to the audio edition and narrator Justis Bolding’s performance really enhanced my ‘reading’ enjoyment.)

At first I thought Olive was way too uptight and judgemental and while she kinda was, she also has reasons and she has an epiphany further into the story which just added to my emotional investment in the romance. And, goodness, but her inner dialogue regarding Miles was hilarious!

The fake dating trope is played to perfection as it (almost) seamlessly weaves into the real thing. There are a few hiccups along the way, but Steel keeps even the darker moments lighter in honour of this being a seasonal read, I think, which I so appreciated. I was never on tenterhooks, anxiously worrying and angsting over Miles and Olive — I could just settle back and enjoy the show. Loved that.

Miles is definitely book boyfriend material. I am stifling the urge to list all the reasons why because you should definitely discover him for yourself, one delicious quality at a time. Let’s just say fainting couch recommended with smelling salts on hand. And be prepared for vigorous toe-curls. 🙂

This is a sweet, clean (kisses only — but oh my they sizzle!) romance with lots of holiday cheer and comedic action.

Book available on Kindle Unlimited and the audio book is on sale for $2.99 at Chirpbooks.

A Seasonal Pursuit + Giveaway

‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, four cousins have been told they all need a spouse…

Have yourself a married little Christmas…

Rose Portman, determined spinster, has a bit of a predicament. Her great aunt has challenged her to get married before Twelfth Night and promised that, if she does, Rose will inherit the perfect country cottage with the funds to maintain it. Rose has always wanted to get away from London and Society, and this could be her chance! But the catch is that Rose has to attend a holiday house party in York and find a husband among the guests. Worst of all… she must marry for love.

Webb Rixton, Lord Downing, is attending a holiday house party hosted by his neighbor, but only because his mother and sister are making him. He knows his young children need a mother, but no one could possibly replace his late wife, so marriage and love are the last things on his mind. Still, he thinks he might have found a friend in the refreshingly frank Miss Portman, and a friend could be just what he needs to return to the land of the living. When she tells him of her situation, and her plot to thwart it, he is determined to help her, setting them both on a path of the most unexpected nature.

Will this season be particularly jolly for Rose and Webb? Or will the weather not be the only thing that is frightful?

Decking the halls has never been quite so jolly in this sweet, snarky, swoonworthy holiday romance. Read as a stand-alone, or enjoy it as the last book in the Regency Christmas Brides series.

My Review:

After reading ‘A Seasonal Pursuit’ I absolutely have to read the rest of the books in this multi-authored series! There’s just something about a Regency Romance at Christmastime that tickles my bibliophile fancy. Especially when the author takes her characters to a house party!

Rose is decidedly ‘on the shelf’ and content (resigned?) to it being that way. But when her great aunt dangles the temptation of her very own ‘cottage’ (ahem, their idea of a cottage and mine vary greatly!) and the funds to maintain it, well it’s hard to resist. Even with the caveat of finding a love match by Twelfth Night. So off she goes to York with a counter scheme of her own.

Webb’s widower status has kept him away from societal expectations for nearly two years. He has focused on his estate and his two (adorable!) children and is content to stay that way. But the matchmaking force is strong in the York countryside and he finds himself committed to a Christmas house party.

Webb meets Rose and, well, he can’t help but be intrigued by her unorthodox penchant for speaking her mind. Oh, the banter! The slow-burn (if you can call a month slow-burn, but it felt deliciously unhurried) romance! And the party games! I have read so many Christmas Regency stories and still can’t grasp the appeal of Snapdragon (fishing raisins out of a bowl of brandy set alight. As in on fire!) And there are enough scheming matriarchs to make things interesting. 🙂

A delightful addition to my Regency Christmas collection and one that I will definitely revisit in the future.

Wishing for Mistletoe + Giveaway

When the heart pens its own holiday romance, even a skeptic can find magic under the mistletoe.

On Sanctuary Island, Ariel Highbridge seeks refuge from crippling writer’s block and a disillusioned heart. As a writer of Regency romances who’s been betrayed by love herself, Ariel struggles to weave tales of romance when her own faith in it has frayed.

Tom Fuller is a devoted schoolteacher and a widower, whose life orbits around his daughter Shauna. He has sworn off the possibility of new love. Yet, the arrival of their enchanting neighbor stirs an unexpected warmth in both father and daughter’s lives..

As the island’s Yuletide enchantments weave their spell, Tom and Ariel find themselves drawn to each other. Ariel’s burgeoning belief in love and Tom’s tentative steps towards healing suggest that perhaps, this Christmas, they could write a love story of their own.

But their fledgling romance will soon face its ultimate test, and it will take the magic of the season and the island’s charm for their love story to prove the most enchanting tales don’t end—they simply transform into new beginnings.

* * *

Welcome to the shores of Sanctuary Island, where six bestselling authors of Christian romance bring you stories of love and redemption. From tender romance to enduring faith, each standalone novel in this series promises unforgettable characters and heartwarming small town charm.

My Review:

An exquisitely written Christmas novel full of faith and hope and new beginnings. I so enjoy Robin Lee Hatcher’s storytelling style. Her talent in creating living, breathing people from fictional characters is phenomenal and the subsequent emotional connection I feel enhances my reading enjoyment so much.

This was my introduction to Sanctuary Island, but I am eager to sample some of the other stories in this series – especially since there are a few new-to-me authors in the mix. Love the unique setting and the small town ambience that promises happily ever afters. This is the kind of town that puts action into their caring and there were so many sweet moments of camaraderie, compassion and service. Perfect for a Christmas story.

And the perfect place for Ariel to land as she struggles both professionally and personally. Hatcher does an amazing job of conveying the conflicting highs and lows of authorship. Insecurities surface, despite past success, and somewhere in the mix, Ariel realizes that her priorities might be skewed. I found her faith journey quite profound and easily relatable to my own life.

And then there’s Tom and his precocious daughter who play a significant role in integrating Ariel into island life. And at Christmas time, that’s pretty special. He has a heartbreaking back story and is still working through some issues but I love the way the island community encourages these two. And I really love the solid faith woven throughout their love story.

I listened to the audible edition of this book narrated by Hilarey Johnson which made ‘reading’ Wishing for Mistletoe even more memorable. A solid recommendation if you enjoy audio books.