Banished by Linda Byler - Review of the first book in the Long Road Home series

BACK  OF  THE  BOOK  BLURB

The first book in The Long Road Home trilogy,

a unique and gripping Amish romance set in

the south at the turn of the century.

It was the early 1900s when Obadiah (Oba) and Merriweather's (May's) parents died tragically, leaving them orphans at ten and eleven years old. When none of their nearby relations volunteer to take them in, they are set on a train to Arkansas to go live on their Amish aunt and uncle's cotton farm. Once there, it doesn't take long to discover they will be treated cruelly, no matter what they do. AS the years to by, May shoulders more and more responsibility and Oba becomes increasingly rebellious.

When May encounters Clinton, a young black may, on the road one day, she sees a kindness in his eyes that she's been thirsting for. He is immediately drawn to her, too, but quickly reminds her that he is black and she is white. In that  time and place, there is no chance of starting a friendship. But still, they find themselves meeting discretely, spending more time together than is proper, finding joy and solace in each other's company.

When things to from bad to unbearable at the farm, May realizes she must escape from her aunt and uncle. an she turn to Clinton for help?

MY  REVIEW

I just about didn't read this book, as much as I have enjoyed other books by Linda Byler, it starts out letting you know as you read that this is not a typical Amish story. I do realize there are bad things that go on in Amish families/communities, just like there are in the Englisch community, but you don't read, or hear, about it that much. I did finish the book with sadness in my heart but hope for the future. Unfortunately the next book does not come out until March of 2022, and I see no date for the third book, after all it does say this is the first book in the series trilogy. Yes, my daughter already has the second book on pre-order for me and her mother-in-law, we share books, lol.

 

Hope in the Mountain River by Misty M Beller - Review of the second book in the Call of the Rockies series

BACK  OF  THE  BOOK  BLURB

This epic journey is not at all what she expected.

Joel Vargas can't believe he's lost his older brother in the wilds of the Rocky Mountains after surviving their harrowing voyage across the Atlantic. And he can't shake the feeling that Adam--his only living relative--is in dire trouble. No matter what the cost, he and his band of friends won't stop until Adam is found. He's not sure if two Indian women they meet on the way will be a help or hindrance.

After the devastating loss of  her daughter and husband to a grizzly attack, Elan is desperate to find an escape from her grief. As she and her friend journey from their Nez Perce camp, through the mountains and toward the great river, a band of white men is the las thing she expects to find, especially as winter blows in full force.

When the dangers increase, accomplishing Joel's mission becomes the only hope for all their survival. If the elements don't consume them, Elan has a feeling life will never be the same for any of them.

MY  REVIEW

This is yet another great story by Misty Beller, I have enjoyed every one of her books. She goes into such detail and make you feel like you are right there in the story. I also appreciate the fact that they are all clean stories and the faith her characters either have or gain.

Murder with OOlong Tea by Karen Rose Smith - Review of the sixth book in Daisy's Tea Garden Mystery series

BACK  OF  THE  BOOK  BLURB

In Pennsylvania's Amish country, Daisy Swanson finds

herself going back to school expecting to serve tea--only

to get a crash course in criminal justice . . .

The faculty of Willow Creek High School are having a get-together after the spring concert with refreshments provided, courtesy of Daisy's Tea Garden. Oolong tea and chocolate biscuits are just what the staff needs to help them unwind from Althea Higgins' demanding curriculum. Her lessons on such controversial subjects as school uniforms and underqualified substitute teachers are earning her an F from her colleagues.

But a failing grade was preferable to Althea falling victim to foul play. Daisy was there when her body was discovered in the school swimming pool, murdered by strangulation. Althea was certainly a strict, opinionated taskmaster, unliked by both teachers and students, but would any of them actually want to kill her? As Daisy starts asking questions, she gets a real education in Althea's history, discovering more that enough enemies with more than enough motives to cancel her classes permanently . . .

MY  REVIEW

I think we all had that ONE teacher, at least one, we just couldn't handle but had to. Do you think the other teachers maybe feel the same way and did that 'one' teacher have a past that was questionable? Interesting storyline!! This is the last book in the series for now, the seventh book will be out on 9-7-2021, although the audio came out yesterday.

My daughter has passed this series on to me to read and from here it goes to her mother-in-law. This has been a good series.

 

Murder with Clotted Cream by Karen Rose Smith - Review of the fifth book in Daisy's Tea Garden Mystery series

BACK  OF THE  BOOK BLURB

A catering job has come in for Daisy's Tea Garden

in Pennsylvania's Amish country--but death

will be served before dessert . . .

Margaret Vaughn has hired Daisy to provide afternoon tea for her theater group. A local girl who left long ago for an acting career in New York, Margaret has returned home00with a multimillionaire husband in tow. But while Daisy bustles around Margaret's historic farmhouse, she senses that there's tension behind the scenes. Then she discovers the hostess on the floor of the pantry--dead and covered with clotted cream.

Barely recovered from her previous sleuthing adventure, Daisy joins forces with the former detective she's been dating to help solve the case. Should she cast suspicion on the stars of the upcoming play? Can Margaret's sister shine a spotlight on potential culprits? Or are there clues to be found in the victim's past? With plenty of family stress of her own to deal with, all Daisy knows is she better act fast . . .

MY  REVIEW

As much as Daisy would like to stay away, is she able to? While waiting for a grandbaby to arrive can she handle the sleuthing at the same time? Yes, another good story in this series. The series will be better if you read in order but I don't think it's necessary either.

 

Murder with Cherry Tarts by Karen Rose Smith - Review of the fourth book in Daisy's Tea Mystery series

BACK  OF  THE  BOOK  BLURB

In Pennsylvania's Amish country,

Daisy Swanson has a tea shop to run, a daughter

to marry off--and a murder to solve . . .

Daisy's worried one of her employees at Daisy's Tea Garden may be in a spot of trouble. Lately Karina's been loading up on soup and second-day baked goods at the end of her shift--and while the shop's scrumptious treats may be hard to resist, Daisy suspects there's more going on, especially since Karina has been seen hanging out in a rundown part of Willow Creek.

Planning her own daughter's wedding is enough to keep her busy, but Daisy can't help feeling a protective maternal instinct--and an instinct to investigate. It turns out Karina has been helping a down-on-his luck single dad who's been making ends meet--barely--by selling antiques at a place called Pirated Treasures.

But when an employee at the antiques store is bludgeoned to death with a marble rolling pin, Karina's new friend is suspect number one. Though the motives are muddy and steeped in intrigue, Daisy is more than determined to flush the real killer out.

MY  REVIEW

This cozy has a touching story along with the mystery. Another winner in this series. I hope you enjoy them as much as I am.

 

Murder with Cucumber Sandwiches by Karen Rose Smith - Review of the third book in Daisy's Tea Garden Mystery series

BACK  OF  THE  BOOK  BLURB

Daisy's Tea Garden in Pennsylvania's Amish country

is known fore its elegant finger foods--but now owner

Daisy Swanson has to finger a killer ...

Restaurant critic Derek Schumaker, notorious for his bitter reviews, is about to visit Daisy's Tea Garden, and Daisy and Aunt Iris simmering with anxiety. A bad word from the culinary curmudgeon could really hurt their business, but Daisy tries to stay confident. After all, how can he resist her cucumber sandwiches with pimento spread--not to mention the cheesy cauliflower soup and strawberry walnut salad?

Schumaker takes a to-go order when the afternoon tea service is done, which Daisy hopes is a good sign. But when he perishes from a seizure, it looks like his food was dosed with something deadly. Considering a threat that recently appeared on his blog--and whispers of scandal in his past--Daisy has quite an assortment of suspects to sift through . . .

MY  REVIEW

Another enjoyable cozy and some good sleuthing. I am enjoying this series and have already started the next book, "Murder with Cherry Tarts". I will say that Cherry Tarts sound better than Cucumber Sandwiches, lol. I like cucumbers but not on a sandwich.

Murder with Cinnamon Scones by Karen Rose Smith - Review of the second book in the Daisy's Tea Garden Mystery series

BACK  OF  THE  BOOK  BLURB

Daisy Swanson and her Aunt Iris run a delightful shop in

Pennsylvania's Amish Country with an emphasis on tasty

teas and treats--but murder is not so sweet...

AS local merchants unite to attract tourists for a much anticipated weekend quilting event, business is sure to spill over into eateries like Daisy's Tea Garden. Gorgeous craftwork is hanging everywhere--but among the quilts, potholders, and placemats, one gallery owner is wrapped up in some dangerous affairs...

Reese Masemer had been dating one of Daisy's employees, Tessa, an artist, though their last interaction was as strained as a cup of loose leaf tea. Now Reese has been found dead near a covered bridge where Tessa's been practicing her sketches. She's the obvious suspect, but Daisy's learning that there were some major secrets in Rees's background, and several of his relationships were infused with resentment. To save Tessa, she'll have to find out who's tainted this quaint little town with murder...

MY  REVIEW

This is a great cozy and the author does a great job of hiding the 'culprit' until the very end! Grab a copy and enjoy.