Targeted in the Swamp by Kerry Johnson

Targeted in the Swamp

Book Summary

Hunted by killers.

And time is running out fast…

Laurel Bell’s first day as a wildlife photography ranger takes a treacherous turn when she is nearly drowned by a masked assassin. Her witness protection cover has been blown, and she knows it’s only a matter of time before her attacker returns to finish the job. Her only chance at survival is police sergeant Heath Calhoun, who will do anything to deliver Laurel to her marshal handler. But when Heath’s young daughter is taken hostage, the stakes are raised, and now they must race to outsmart the powerful enemies who will stop at nothing to exact their revenge…

My Thoughts

Kerry Johnson's Targeted in the Swamp quickly captured my interest.  I  enjoyed the suspense, mystery, danger, and the non-stop action.  The plot is well done with engaging characters, unexpected twists, and a fast pace.  My favorite character was Heath’s darling  and precocious daughter, Piper.  I thought the interactions between Laurel and Heath were realistically portrayed.  Laurel's fear was palpable as her assailants continued to pursue her (it had my heartbeat ramping up). The author's vivid portrayal of Allegheny National Park made it easy for me to imagine its scenery.  Targeted in the Swamp is the third Forest Ranger Rescuers book, but it works as a standalone. Targeted in the Swamp combines suspense, romance, danger, mystery, strong characters, and faith—everything I appreciate in romantic suspense.   

Targeted in the Swamp can be obtained from Amazon* and Harlequin.  The first two books in the Forest Ranger Rescuers series are Hunted in the Forest and Abducted in the Woods.  Cold Case Arson Investigation is the fourth book in the Forest Ranger Rescuers series and it will be out on October 27. You should check out Kerry Johnson's other novels.   JustRead Publicity Tours has a Targeted in the Swamp giveaway on Instagram.  Click here to check it out!  Good Luck!

Thank you so much for joining me today.  Those that celebrate the holiday, I hope that you had a lovely Easter weekend.  I will return tomorrow, April 8 with The Manhattan Confessions by Jocelyn Green.  It is the third On Central Park novel.  I am off to drop off a few things around the village. This is when I am glad that I have a golf cart (my cat, Dickens, prefers her stroller to the golf cart). Don't forget to check out the Targeted in the Swamp giveaway on Instagram. May you have a sunny spring 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.

The Barn Identity by Diane Kelly

The Barn Identity

Book Summary

The eighth in the House-Flipper mystery series set in Nashville, where the real estate market is to die for.

In Nashville, carpenter Whitney Whitaker is ecstatic when the owner of an antebellum livery stable approaches her about rehabbing the barn and offers Whitney free rein with the design. While unproven, it’s rumored that the building once served as part of the Underground Railroad. The project presents a unique opportunity to work on a site of significance and help preserve history, and she convinces her cousin to take a chance on the old property.

When a local journalist reporting on the renovation is found dead on the property, investigators suspect he might have been murdered for any one of several exposés he’d published about local politicians, movers, and shakers. Whitney wonders if there’s more to the story and whether the journalist’s fate might be tied directly to the stable renovation. Can she solve the murder and bring a killer to justice? Or might this goal be too lofty?

My Thoughts

The Barn Identity by Diane Kelly takes Whitney Whitaker Flynn and her cousin, Buck to Leipers Fork, Tennessee.  I always look forward to the latest A House-Flipper Mystery because I like the characters, the animals, and the setting.  Whitney is a spunky woman who is also smart, a talented designer and renovator.  Whitney and her husband are expecting their first baby.  They are excited and wondering how the new baby will change their lives.  I enjoy the chapters from Sawdust’s (Whitney’s cat) point of view.    I find them cute. I have a feeling that Sawdust is going to be a little put out by the new addition to the family.

The mystery of the murdered podcaster was appealing.  I followed Whitney as she asked questions and searched for clues.  The source of the last puzzle piece truly delighted me. The barn renovation was interesting plus it added realism to the story.  The information on plant-based diets was not something that I had heard before (I avoid vegetables since I am allergic to most of them).  I liked the animal cameras with the live feeds in the restaurant (clever idea).  The Barn Identity is a lighthearted cozy mystery with a pregnant renovator, a snuggly Sawdust, a barn renovation, a murdered podcaster, scrummy smoothies, and a cow camera.  

The Barn Identity can be obtained from Amazon*.  You can find the other books in The House-Flipper Mysteries here.  If you follow Diane Kelly on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  You can find Diane Kelly's other cozy mysteries here.  

I appreciate you joining me today.  I will return on Tuesday, April 7 with Targeted in the Swamp by Kerry Johnson. It is the third Forest Ranger Rescurers book.  I hope that you have a Happy Easter and the Easter Bunny leaves your favorite candy (I want Werther's Soft Caramels).  I have my Mother's Easter treats ready and I have purchased the items for our Easter dinner. 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.

Feuding with the Amish Farmer by Anne Blackburne

Feuding with the Amish Farmer

Book Summary

Will she fall for the farmer…

…who was sent to replace her?

Lida Mae Beiler dreams of nothing more than to inherit her family farm in Charm, Ohio, and continue her family’s tradition of training horses. But when her parents insist she give up her “unladylike” hobbies to find a husband, she’s stunned to learn they’ve hired someone to take her place. Displaced from his own family ranch, Amish farmer Tom Fisher wants to work the Beiler farm as much as Lida Mae wants him to. But when they put aside their resentment and concoct a plan to get what they both want, will they realize their real fight is for each other’s hearts?

My Thoughts

Feuding with the Amish Farmer by Anne Blackburne is a cute story.  I thought the story was well written with great characters and steady pacing.  I loved Lida Mae who is a unique and stubborn Amish woman.  Tom Fisher is a sweet guy who is in the same boat as Lida Mae. I found Lida Mae’s parents to be frustrating.  I wanted them to accept Lida Mae and not try to change her so she can get a husband. I loved Rebecca and Obediah.  They are two delightful people, and it was obvious that they cared about each other.  They also had some wisdom to share.  The last couple of chapters were entertaining, and the ending left me smiling.  Feuding with the Amish Farmer is an endearing story with a determined mama, beautiful quilts, a tall maedel, a Texas transplant, training horses, and a teasing sisters. 

Feuding with the Amish Farmer can be obtained from Amazon*.  You can find Anne Blackburne's other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I hope that I have helped you find a new book to read.  

On Friday, April 3, I will be sharing my thoughts on The Barn Identity by Diane Kelly.  It is the 8th A House-Flipper Mystery.   I am off to do some work around the house. Unfortunately, they hae not invented a robot that will wash the dishes, run the sweeper, clean the bathroom, and dust.  I wish that I was smart enough to create such a robot (I would make millions).  May you have a sunshiny 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.

Truffle Trouble by Amanda Flower

Truffle Trouble

Book Summary

Combining the sugar rush of candy making with a fascinating look at Amish life, a quirky whodunit, and a sweet romance between chocolatier Bailey King and Sheriff Aiden Brody, Amanda Flower’s USA Today bestselling Amish Candy Shop Mysteries continue, as summer wedding season comes to the village of Harvest, Ohio…

Horror d'oeuvres

Summer is finally upon the village of Harvest, Ohio, nestled in picturesque Amish Country, and folks are abuzz over their very own Bailey King’s upcoming June wedding. The Amish Candy shop owner and star of TV’s Bailey’s Amish Sweets is marrying Holmes County Sheriff Aiden Brody. To sweeten the occasion will be a scrumptious giant chocolate truffle wedding cake, made especially for the happy couple by Bailey’s New York City mentor, Jean Pierre. Other than the risk of the ring bearer, Jethro the pig, taking a bite out of the confection, what could go wrong?

As it turns out, a food-related disaster does befall the day. But with Bailey in the mix, it’s nothing so pedestrian as a peckish pig. At the reception, a wedding guest dies after sampling the hors d'oeuvres. Café owner and new caterer Darcy Woodin, who made all the food except the desserts, is pegged by police as the number one suspect. Even more incriminating, the victim is one of Darcy's ex-boyfriends . . .

Still, Bailey is friends with Darcy, and she’s certain the young woman is innocent. Even before the first dance with her new husband, Bailey’s on the case. Can she help solve it in time for her honeymoon—or will a killer try to end her happily ever after before it’s even begun . . .?

Recipe included!

My Thoughts

Truffle Trouble by Amanda Flower is a cute tale.  I love visiting Harvest, Ohio to check in with  Bailey as well as her family and  friends.  Bailey and Aiden are finally (it is about time) getting married.  Everyone in Harvest is invited (English and Amish) including Jethro.  Of course, it would not be Bailey’s wedding without a snafu or a murder (or both).  I just love the characters in this series.  Lois is a hoot (I want to be like her at that age), and she seems to have caught the eye of a wedding guest.  

The whodunit has Bailey asking questions and searching for clues. Aiden should really put her on the payroll.  Bailey finds herself with extra activities to do since she cannot seem to say no (she is too nice).  Jethro, the polka dotted pig, spends quite a bit of time in Bailey’s company.  He shares Nutmeg’s bed at Swissmen Sweet’s (Bailey needs to invest in a larger pet bed). I laughed often while reading Truffle Trouble. It is a lighthearted, fun story.  Truffle Trouble is the tenth An Amish Candy Shop Mystery, and it can be read as a standalone. Personally, I recommend reading this entertaining series from the beginning.  Truffle Trouble is an amusing story with a long-awaited wedding,  a precocious polka dotted pig, an incredible chocolate cake, a flirtatious Lois, a murdered man, a determined Margot, and, hopefully, the happy couple departing on their honeymoon. 

Truffle Trouble can be obtained from Amazon*.  You can find the rest of The Amish Candy Shop Mysteries here.  If you enjoy The Amish Candy Shop Mysteries, you should check out The Amish Matchmaker Mysteries (they are delightful).  You can find Amanda Flower's other cozy mysteries here.  

Thank you for stopping by today.  I will be sharing my thoughts on Feuding with the Amish Farmer by Anne Blackburne on Thursday, April 2.  I am off to get some work done outside.  I am trying to get all the outside work done before the heat and humidity descend on Florida.   I hope that you have a wonderful Wednesday.  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. 

The Rancher's Stolen Past by Tabitha Bouldin

 The Rancher's Stolen Past

Book Summary

A man in search of redemption.

A love he will fight to deserve.

Coming home isn’t easy for cowboy Zane Kingsley—but he’s eager to earn back the trust of the woman he never stopped loving. Single mom Molly Jacobs is still grieving the husband she lost six years ago, and the last person she wants to see is the man she blames for his death. When they’re forced to work together at a summer riding program for kids, Molly can’t help but notice the growing bond between Zane and her young son. Can Zane convince her that he’s a changed man and that he’s worthy of her forgiveness…and her love?

My Thoughts

The Rancher’s Stolen Past by Tabitha Bouldin is a sweet story about forgiveness and redemption.  I liked the characters, especially Zane.  Zane is not the same rebellious teen who left town many years ago.  He wishes to apologize for his past misdeeds and seeks forgiveness.  He is hoping Molly Jacobs will be willing to listen to him.  The story shows that forgiveness benefits more than just the one who gives it.  Molly’s son, Luke is adorable.  Kids have a wonderful way at looking  at life.  Zane’s grandfather is a delight, and he adds humor to the story.  I like the thread of faith woven throughout the story.  

There is chemistry between Zane and Molly, but it will take time for romance to bloom.  The narrative concludes with a well-executed and fulfilling resolution.  I do believe I would have benefited from reading the first two books in the series (Forgiving the Cowboy and The Cowgirl’s Last Rodeo).  The Rancher’s Stolen Past is an inspiring story with unresolved rage, a curious child, horse riding, a chaotic office, a blue building for a bakery, and finding forgiveness. 

The Rancher’s Stolen Past is available from Amazon*.  Forgiving the Cowboy and The Cowboy's Last Rodeo are the first two books in the series.  The next book in the series is Healing the Rodeo Cowboy which comes out October 27.  You can find Tabitha Bouldin's other novels here.  

I appreciate you joining me today.  On Wednesday, April 1st, I am featuring Truffle Trouble by Amanada Flower.  It is the tenth entertaining book in An Amish Candy Shop Mysteries.  I am off to take my mother to another appointment.  We made it on time to the one last week (just barely).  We shall see how she does today (fingers crossed).  She started making excuses yesterday as to why she could not go (feels a cold coming on, upset stomach).  My mother reminds me of a child who does not want to go to school.  Enjoy the last day of March!  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.

Murder Unshelved by Vannetta Chapman

Murder Unshelved

Book Summary

A fresh start was supposed to be simple.

Open the doors. Welcome customers. Build a new life.

Fox Hollow, Texas, has other plans.

Sisters Emma Dawson and Sydney Givens arrive in town ready to launch their dream business—Stitches, Perks & Pages, a quilt shop and bookstore under one roof. But before they can even begin unpacking, they find a dead body sprawled across their delivery entrance. Welcome to Fox Hollow.

The victim, Evan Pritchard, had secrets—and someone is still searching for whatever he was hiding. With danger edging closer and another murder looming, Emma and Sydney realize they can’t just shelve the problem and hope it goes away.

Luckily, Fox Hollow has a way of turning strangers into allies. With the help of a sharp-witted retired nurse, a determined Amish teen, an overachieving high school valedictorian, and steady-eyed Detective Noble Beck, the sisters may have a chance to catch a killer before their new beginning becomes their last.

My Thoughts

Murder Unshelved by Vannetta Chapman is a cute cozy mystery.  The author's approachable style makes the story both engaging and accessible.  Sydney and Emma remind me of my sister and myself.  We are complete opposites just like Sydney and Emma.  It will be interesting to see how well they get along at home and work (I see conflict in the future).  I cannot imagine walking through the building you just closed on and finding a dead man blocking the back door (is it too late to change your mind).  A bonus is the handsome Detective Noble (romance ahead for one of the sisters). Emma, Sydney, and their new staff ask questions and unravel clues.  They stitch the clues in order to identify the guilty party.  I enjoyed solving the whodunit along with the Stitches & Pages crew. 

I liked the quaint town of Fox Hollow, Texas with its quirky locals.  It is a town where gossip flows faster than maple syrup on a stack of hot flapjacks.  I liked the ending where Emma and Sydney’s sister helped the pair decide what to do with the open space between the two shops.  I am looking forward to the next installment in A Stitches, Perks & Pages Cozy Mystery series.  Murder Unshelved is a merry mystery with a disturbing start, a dashing detective, brisk rumors, sleuthing sisters, and an unsuspected surprise. 

Murder Unshelved can be obtained from Amazon*.  You can find Vannetta Chapman's other novels here.  If you follow the author on Amazon, they will notify you when she has a new book release. 

Thank you for stopping by today.  There are a number of great books coming out on March 31.  Here are just a few of the upcoming book releases: Truffle Trouble by Amanda Flower, The Barn Identity by Diane Kelly, Feuding with the Amish Farmer by Anne Blackburne, A Courtship for the Amich Nanny by Laurel Blount, and Unsolved Amish Abduction by Mary Alford .  I will be featuring The Rancher's Stolen Past by Tabitha Bouldin on Tuesday, March 31. Are you enjoying spring weather in your area?  It is been in the 70s in the Tampa Bay area of Florida and I am loving it.  I hope it is lovely in your area as well.  It is wonderful weather for working in the garden. I sprinkled seeds about two weeks ago and they have begun sprouting.  I also have poppies and salvia taking over my raised flower beds.  I will take some pictures, so I can show you. Wishing you a brilliant and enjoyable 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.

Pursued on the Run by Terri Reed

 Pursued on the Run

Book Summary

He’ll do anything to clear his name…

and protect his son.

Framed for a crime he didn’t commit, former sheriff’s investigator Sean Donovan is finally released from prison, only to be ambushed by unknown assailants—and left with a chilling warning. With his attackers now targeting his former fiancée, Assistant District Attorney Tracy Lynwood, he must take her under his protection…along with the son he didn’t know about. Fleeing to a remote location in Lake Tahoe, Sean and Tracy must navigate a web of corruption to expose the truth. But with fatal threats and untrustworthy allies everywhere, can they prove Sean’s innocence…and stay alive?

My Thoughts

Pursued on the Run by Terri Reed is a suspenseful and action-packed novel.  The story immediately captivated me, and I was eager to see the outcome.  The characters are engaging, the plot is fast paced with twists and action, and a second chance romance is possible.  A consistent theme of faith is integrated throughout.  There is a twist that is a jaw dropper (loved it).  The story has a satisfying ending.  Pursued on the Run is a page turner that held my interest from beginning to end.  

Pursued on the Run will be out on March 31 and it can be preordered from Amazon*.  Sharee Stover has Danger in the Rockies coming out May 26 and Montana Christmas Target on October 27. You can find the authors' other creations here.  Thank you for dropping by today. 

I will return on Thursday, March 26 with Murder Unshelved by Vannetta Chapman.  It is the debut of A Stitches, Perks & Pages Cozy Mysteries. My Mother and I did not make it to our appointment yesterday.  A contractor was working at one of the homes in the village and broke one of the main water lines.  The water had to be shut down for a few hours while they repaired it.  My Mother was in the middle of her shower when they turned off the water (they shut it down without any notice). Thankfully, I was able to reschedule our appointments for Friday. I hope that you have a delightful day.  I am still working on our storage shed (I have to replace the shelves at one end) and I need to decorate the front yard for Easter (I finally found all the Easter decorations).  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.

Guarding the Child Witness by Sharee Stover

Guarding the Child Witness

Book Summary

When Iowa state trooper Jaysa Camerota and her K-9, Remy, discover a scared boy trapped in a car wreck, they narrowly survive the gunfire that follows. With an unknown assailant closing in fast and the nonverbal child struggling to communicate, Jaysa is forced to accept help from her ex-fiancé, social worker Ender Hammett. Soon it becomes clear that young Trevor is harboring perilous secrets—and that someone will do anything to have him silenced. When Ender’s past becomes the key to exposing a killer, can they unravel this lethal plot…or is survival out of reach?

My Thoughts

Guarding the Child Witness by Sharee Stover is a fast-paced novel with nonstop action.  The characters were realistic.  I felt for Trevor whose world was just turned upside down.  Remy, Jayse’s K-9 partner, brought comfort to the little boy.  The mystery presented an engaging challenge, increasing in complexity with each successive chapter and featuring several unexpected developments.  The action kept things lively.  Ender and Jayse still have feelings for each other, but Jayse remains resentful over the way Ender ended their relationship.  The narrative is interlaced with a subtle element of faith. This leads Jayse to realize that Ender has grown, which could mean they have another chance to be together.  The epilogue effectively concludes the story.  Guarding the Child Witness is a stirring story with an auto accident, a fearful lad, an old flame, resolute killers, a house with a history, a harmed mother, and a second chance.

Guarding the Child Witness can be obtained from Amazon* and Harlequin. The next book in the Iowa State Troopers series is Cold Case Killer Connection which comes out November 24.  You can find Sharee Stover's other books here.  JustRead Publicity Tours is hosting a giveaway on Instagram (@justreadtours). Check it out! 

Thank you for joining me today.  On Wednesday, March 26, I will be sharing my thoughts on Pursued on the Run by Terri Reed which will be out on March 31. My mother and I are off to the imaging center for some scans.  I am hoping that we will make it on time to this appointment.  I helped her pick out an outfit and lay out other items that she will need.  I also told her we need to depart fifteen minutes before we really need to.  This should ensure that we leave on time (fingers crossed).  I hope that you have a beautiful 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.