Thursday, August 7, 2025

The Pretender by Wanda E. Brunstetter

 The Pretender

Book Summary

A Woman Missing for Two Years Suddenly Returns Home

In book three of the Mifflin County Mystery series, Rosa Petersheim’s return creates more hurt and confusion in the Big Valley.

Two years since Rosa Petersheim mysteriously disappeared from her Amish home, there has been no word from her. Her family and friends have suffered in the silence, though they have tried to move on with life.
Then one day Rosa just as suddenly reappears at her parent’s home. . .with a husband in tow.
 
Rosa is ashamed of the choices she made that caused her to leave home. And now that she is back, her father is not welcoming and her siblings and friends want explanations that she can’t give.
 
Will Rosa’s family accept her and Anthony? Can the Big Valley ever be home again?
My Thoughts

I have been waiting for The Pretender, so I can discover what happened to Rosa Petersheim.  The PretendeBrr by Wanda E. Brunstetter is the third book in A Mifflin County Mysteries.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series, but it helps to understand the mystery to read the books in order.  I was drawn into the story right away. The characters were well done. I liked Rosa and Anthony Reeves. I felt for Anthony.  He is a good guy with a big heart. Susan was irritating for much of the story.  Talk about having a chip on your shoulder. The Pretender is an inspirational story.  One of the themes in the story is the damage caused by lies.  Lies have a way of quickly snowballing out of control.  I was happy that the author included an epilogue that nicely wrapped up the book.  The Pretender was my favorite book in the series. 

The Pretender is available from Amazon*.  The first two A Mifflin County Mysteries are  The Protector and The Peacemaker.  Wanda E. Brunstetter has The Beginner's Quilt coming out March 2, 2026.  If you follow Wanda E. Brunstetter on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  You can also learn more about the author, her latest books, and other events by visiting her Facebook page What's Next, Wanda?.  You can also visit the Facebook page under her name.  Wanda could use a little extra love as she deals with the loss of beloved husband.  Wanda's next book is The Beginner's Quilt which comes out on March 2, 2026.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I hope that you have a delightful weekend. Take care and Happy Reading!


Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Hunting for a Husband by Mindy Steele

Hunting for a Husband


About the Book

 Hunting for a Husband (The Heart of the Amish Book Nine)

Love Is the Bull’s-Eye Leah Aims For

Full of faith, hope, and romance, this series takes you into the Heart of Amish country.

Ten years ago, Joe Shetler took a leap, and it cost him his ability to walk. Accepting that this is God’s will for him, Joe finds his independence running Shetler Outdoors, an archery and outdoors shop.

Leah Wicky moves to Kentucky where her father has set up a deer farm. With a strong desire to marry, she soon sets her sights on Joe who, despite his disabilities, has determination and an easy way about him. A sticky situation finally affords the opportunity for a friendship to form between them.

When the Wickey’s prize buck attracts attention in the community—and attempted poachers—Leah is caught in the crosshairs, and Joe’s fears of inadequacy haunt him when he fails to protect her. A future once bright has dimmed.

Click here to get your copy! Happy Reading!

About the Author

Mindy Steele was raised in Kentucky timber country and has been writing since she could hold a crayon against the wall. Steele writes Amish Romance peppered with just the right amount of humor, as well as engaging Suspense, using rural America and the residents as her muse. Steele strives to create realistic characters for her readers and believes in engaging all the senses to make you laugh, cry, hold your breath, and root for the happy ever after ending. A hopeless romantic, with a lyrical pen, Steele wants her readers to find themselves somewhere within her pages. A mother of four and grandmother to a half dozen blessings, Steele enjoys hiking and gardening, coffee indulgences and weekend road trips, and is personally doing all she can to make peanut butter its very own food group.

More from Mindy

The Story Behind the Story

I love thinking outside the box and crafting a story filled with originality as well as taking the common trope and hijacking it to suit my own reading interest. Thankfully readers do too as they continue buying my books. However, none of what I create is mine to claim, as God continues to spark my imagination in the ordinary every day. Hunting for a Husband started with a chance encounter, a few God winks, and ended with lots of research on my part.

Long story short, my husband was commissioned to work on an all-terrain vehicle for a Mennonite gentleman who was disabled. His condition didn’t allow him to drive a vehicle, and his livelihood was quite unique. This gentleman owned and operated an outdoor shop with archery being the center of the focus. Before this book was released he sold the business, but the echoes of his many years remain.

I had the opportunity to meet him. He was funny, informative, and had a beautiful wife and family. I never crossed over to asking his story. It’s his story after all, but everything about the encounters struck a chord in my writer’s brain.

Fast forward a year when I came across an article about deer breeding farms. Don’t ask. You have to be married to an avid hunter to understand why some things pique my interest. And we do have a few deer farms locally. Discovering one of the most well-known deer farms belongs to an Amish gentleman surprised even me.Again, all these little bits collected in my head. It wasn’t until I learned of an Amish man who aligned bows and was an avid hunter that I realized I needed to stop sitting on these thoughts and start writing them.

Thus, the Wickey deer farm was born. This story took me across four state lines, a short novella, and a very detailed and informative conversation with a surgeon!

The Wickey deer farm was first introduced to readers in Leaving Lancaster, a short novella in A Lancaster Amish Christmas. Readers fell in love with the three Wickey sisters, and though the plot twist appealed to readers, Leah deserved to find the same love as her sisters. She wasted so many years on the wrong man. Joe Shetler, after years of accepting his future was set by one boyhood mistake, needed to learn that God is the Author of our lives.

I hope you smile, laugh, and find yourself immersed within these pages of second chances, leaps of faith, and the power of friendship and family.

Mindy

My Thoughts

Hunting for a Husband by Mindy Steele is a sweet story.  I enjoyed Leah Wickey’s story.  I knew there would be someone special for her.  I thought the story was well-written with developed characters.  I enjoyed getting to know Leah and Joe.  We also learn more about the Wickey’s deer farm.  Their farm has caught the attention of the wrong type of people.  I liked that there was a mystery which added depth to the story. I enjoyed this touching story that had an ending that left me smiling. Hunting for a Husband is the ninth book in The Heart of the Amish series, and it can be read as a standalone.  Hunting for a Husband is a heartwarming tale with stuck in the rain without a ride, curious Englishers, breeding deer, a friend in need, and faith in the future. 

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mindy is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon e-Gift card and a print copy of the book!! Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click here to enter. Good Luck!

Hunting for a Husband is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other books in The Heart of the Amish series here.  If you follow Mindy Steele on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for dropping by today.  Continuing with the Amish theme this week, I will be featuring The Pretender by Wanda E. Brunstetter tomorrow.  It is the third and final A Mifflin County Mystery.  Before you depart, don't forget to enter the giveaway.  If you leave a comment for me, you will get an extra entry. You will find the other blog stops listed below. I am off to set up my next display in our front yard.  On Monday, I took down my "Fun in the Summer Sun" display (Santa and his friends on vacation).  Back to school is what I am setting up next.  I have some cute inflatables for it including a big arch to go in front of my three season room and a an inflatable school bus.  I hope that you have a cheery day.  Take care, stay cool (I cannot wait for fall to arrive), and Happy Reading!


Kris

The Avid Reader

Blog Stops


Texas Book-aholic, July 31

Guild Master, August 1 (Au
thor Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 1

Simple Harvest Reads, August 2 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Holly’s Book Corner, August 3

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 4

lakesidelivingsite, August 5

The Avid Reader, August 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 7

Happily Managing a Household of Boys , August 8

For Him and My Family, August 9

Jeanette’s Thoughts, August 10

Cover Lover Book Review, August 11

Fiction Book Lover, August 12 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, August 12

Life on Chickadee Lane, August 13

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Hunting the Amish Witness by Dana R. Lynn

 

Hunting the Amish Witness JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Hunting the Amish Witness by Dana R. Lynn, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Hunting the Amish Witness

Title: Hunting The Amish Witness 
Series:
Amish Country Justice #20 
Author:
Dana R. Lynn 
Publisher:
Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense 
Release Date:
July 29, 2025 
Genre:
Romantic Suspense

A witness in hiding. 

An enemy with a vendetta. 

After discovering her best friend’s dead body, Miriam Troyer knows two things: the killer is the same man who murdered her husband…and he wants her dead. With the culprit in pursuit, Miriam goes on the run with her baby and seeks refuge in the Amish community she left behind. However, after an attack leaves Miriam with no memory, Caleb Schultz, a man from her past, must step in to protect her and her daughter. But the criminal is determined to silence Miriam for good and will stop at nothing to get his revenge.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Harlequin | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

More in This Series

Deadly Amish Reunion Amish Country Threats

Amish Christmas Escape Amish Cradle Conspiracy Hidden Amish Target

more Amish Country Justice series titles


About the Author

Dana R. Lynn

Dana R. Lynn is a USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author who believes in the power of God to touch people through stories. She met her husband at a wedding in Pennsylvania and told her parents she had met her future husband. Nineteen months later, they were married. Today, they live in rural Pennsylvania and are entering the world of empty nesters. She is a teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing by day and writes stories of romance and danger at night. Dana is an avid reader, loves cats and thinks chocolate should be a food group. She’s a recipient of the Daphne Du Maurier Award, the Maggie Award, the Selah Award, and the New England Reader’s Choice Award. In addition to these awards, she’s finaled in both the Carol Awards and the Holt Medallion.

Connect with Dana by visiting danarlynn.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.


My Thoughts

Hunting the Amish Witness by Dana R. Lynn is a fast-paced, suspenseful story.  I liked Miriam and Caleb.  I was rooting for these resilient, well-crafted characters to survive.  I liked seeing the characters grow in character and faith.  There was danger, tension, and action which kept things lively.  There is a touch of romance as well.  There was a thread of faith stitched through the story.  I was very pleased that the author included an epilogue.  Hunting the Amish Witness is the twentieth book in the Amish Country Justice series.  Each book in the series can be read on its own.  Hunting the Amish Witness is a page turner with a car wreck, disremembered memories, a corrupt killer, a blast from the past, a beloved baby, and a second chance romance.


Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a book of their choice by the author, a mug, a pen, and a $10 Amazon gift card!

Hunting the Amish Witness JustRead Tours blog tour giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 4, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 11, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.


Hunting the Amish Witness is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other books in the Amish Country Justice series here.  If you follow Dana R. Lynn on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for joining me today.  It is hard to believe that it is August already.  The year is going by so quickly.  Tomorrow I am a stop on the Celebrate Lit tour for Hunting for a Husband by Mindy Steele.  It is the 9th book in The Heart of the Amish series.  I am off to get rid of some t-shirts.  I am trying to complete one task a day on my lengthy to do list, and this past weekend, I went through the dresser in my closet.  I found it stuffed full of t-shirts (at least a hundred). They are brand new, so I am going to drop the boxes off at the club house and post it on our Facebook page. That will be one task done and ninety-nine (or so) to go. Don't forget to enter the giveaway before you depart. Good Luck!  I hope that you have a joyful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!


Kris

The Avid Reader

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

 

Thursday, July 31, 2025

Trusting the Amish Farmer by Laurel Blount

 Trusting the Amish Farmer
Book Summary

To start a new life together,

They must overcome their pasts.

After tragedy leaves her widowed, Anna Speicher is determined she and her young son will be done with farming forever. And the Amish community’s matchmaker knows the perfect bachelor to buy her farm. But strong and gentle Jeremiah Weaver is certain that he and Anna can help each other out—if they can work together. When he offers instead to make repairs in exchange for renting the farm for a year, Anna never imagined that he would bring fresh joy into her life. But is she ready to open her heart to another farmer?

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Hickory Springs Amish


My Thoughts

Trusting the Amish Farmer by Laurel Blount is a heartwarming Amish tale.  I enjoyed getting to know Jeremiah, Anna, Susie, and Anna’s son, Matthew.  I loved the scenes where Jeremiah was teaching Matthew the difference between a vegetable and a weed (so sweet).  I liked the interactions between Jeremiah and Anna.  Anna was determined to not marry another farmer.  This is a great example of how we plan, and God laughs.  There are good life lessons in the story including that it takes time for a heart to heal. While Trusting the Amish Farmer is the second book in the Hickory Springs Amish series, it can be read as a standalone.  The ending was sweet, and I was smiling when I turned the last page of Trusting the Amish Farmer.

Trusting the Amish Farmer is available from Amazon*.  The first book in the Hickory Springs Amish series is The Amish Widower's Surprise. The third book in the Hickory Springs Amish series is A Courtship for the Amish Nanny which comes out March 31, 2026.  You can find Laurel Blount's other novels here.  If you follow Laurel Blount on Amazon, they will send you an email when she releases a new book. Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return on Tuesday, August 5 with Hunting the Amish Witness by Dana Lynn. I hope that you have a blessed day.  Take care and Happy Reading!


Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

Wednesday, July 30, 2025

A Family on His Doorstep by Alena Auguste

 

A Family on His Doorstep JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Family on His Doorstep by Alena Auguste

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

A Family on His Doorstep

Title: A Family On His Doorstep 
Author:
Alena Auguste 
Publisher:
Harlequin Love Inspired 
Release Date:
July 29, 2025 
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Sometimes a tough situation

Requires a leap of faith… 

Unwed, unemployed and pregnant, Rebecca Young is in desperate need of a job. But finding work seems impossible. So when her late ex-boyfriend’s cousin Walker Greystone offers her room and board, and help getting a part-time job at the library he’s renovating in Eden, Texas, she eagerly accepts. But as they work together on a project that could change both of their lives, their feelings for one another deepen. Can Rebecca and Walker overcome their scars from the past and embrace the possibility of a happily-ever-after together?  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Harlequin | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub


About the Author

Alena Auguste

Alena Auguste lives in Texas and can’t imagine living anywhere else. Married to her very own knight for thirty plus years, she and her husband have four amazing grown children and two of the handsomest grandsons ever! When she’s not creating trouble for her characters or working at the family business, you can find her cozying up with a steaming cup of tea and a good book. She would love to hear from you at alenaauguste.com.


My Thoughts

A Family on His Doorstep by Alena Auguste is a sweet story. I thought this book was well written with steady pacing.  I enjoyed getting to know Rebbeca Young, Walker Greystone, and the rest of the Greystone clan.  Bell Greystone is such a dear.  The romance  is the slow burn type. I was a tad disappointed with the first kiss.  I expected it to be a special, emotional moment between the two, instead of a brief smooch.  I liked that Rebecca did not see her pregnancy as a mistake.  She was happily anticipating the birth of her child, but Rebecca was worried about providing for it.  Faith, family, and community were themes in the story.  I especially liked the fact that Rebecca was a librarian, and she was making a difference in the lives of children. Since there are still some single Greystone men, I hope we will get to visit Eden again.   A Family on His Doorstep is a heartfelt tale with an unexpected visitor, a warm welcome, financial difficulties, air conditioning setbacks, grand opening planning, and a helpful family.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winners will receive a $50 Amazon gift card!

A Family on His Doorstep JustRead Tours blog tour giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 28, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 4, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.


A Family on His Doorstep is available from Amazon*.  If you follow Alena Auguste on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return tomorrow with Trusting the Amish Farmer by Laurel Blount. Don't forget to enter the giveaway  before you depart.  Good Luck!  I hope that you have a delightful day.  I have two rocking chairs as well as a side table to put together for our porch (there are so many screws).  The upside is that once I get one completed, the other should be a snap (they are identical).  Wish me luck!  Take care, stay cool (there has been a heat advisory every day), and Happy Reading!


Kris

The Avid Reader

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

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