Mistletoe and Mayhem by Janice Thompson

 A Wildfire Races toward the Hadley Ranch

Breathe in the nostalgia of everything old red truck in book three of a new cozy mystery series.

It’s less than a week until Christmas in Mabank, Texas, and just a few days away from RaeLyn and Mason’s wedding on Hadley ranch. Unfortunately, a wildfire with mysterious origin is rapidly traveling across several counties and headed right for the Hadley acreage. Fire fighters rush to put it out before the family homestead goes up in flames, taking the business and the old red truck with it. Their perfect wedding may be ruined, and RaeLyn and Mason are determined to find the source of the fire.

Pick up your copy here...

Mistletoe and Mayhem: Volume 3 (Red Truck Mysteries): Thompson, Janice: 9798891511729: Amazon.com: Books

Welcome to the wacky, wonderful world of inspirational author Janice Hanna Thompson, where romantic comedy rules the day! I hope you love to laugh, because I make it my goal to tickle your funny bone at every turn in my light-hearted tales.

Whether you’re looking for inspirational romance, quirky cozy mysteries, light-hearted historicals or fun books for younger readers, you will find it between the pages of my novels and non-fiction books.

Why do I focus on the light-hearted stuff? Because life is hard! My readers lead busy, chaotic lives and need those special “Calgon, Take Me Away!” moments! Providing “Love, Laughter and Happily Ever Afters” brings me great delight. Lest you think it’s all fluff, think again!

Woven between the lines of each cheerful tale you will find the ultimate love story, one guaranteed to stir your soul and get your heart fluttering. Talk about a real happily ever after! There’s something for everyone in my stories, so settle back in your chair, grab a cup of hot tea, and get ready to discover a light-hearted approach to life!

Read Janice's books or follow her baking recipes at https://outoftheboxbaking.com/. 

This will read as a standalone. But read all the books. You can thank me later. All I had to see was firefighter to know I had to read this one.
I have really enjoyed my time in Mabank Texas. Thompson has given us a cozy mystery to remember.
Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.

The Peacemaker by Wanda Brunstetter

 An Unresolved Mystery Holds an Amish Community in Limbo

In book two of A Mifflin County Mystery series, Rosa Petersheim’s disappearance continues to cause suspicion and pain to swirl in the Big Valley.

Ada’s best friend, Rosa, disappeared a year ago and still has not been found. In their grief and confusion, Ada and Rosa’s boyfriend, Ephraim, have grown very close. But some in the community feel Ephraim is responsible for Rosa’s disappearance. Now Rosa’s younger sister is making accusations against Ephraim that can’t be true, and he pulls away from Ada, feeling betrayed. A fire set by an arsonist might finally be the thing to reveal secrets that have long been dividing this community of friends and family. But will it be too late for love between the peacemaker and the suspect? 

Pick up your copy here...

The Peacemaker (A Mifflin County Mystery, 2): Brunstetter, Wanda E.: 9781636099200: Amazon.com: Books

Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of over 100 books with more than 12 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine and USA Today.

Wanda's fascination with the Amish culture developed when she met her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church, and whose family has a Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Meeting her new Mennonite sister-in-laws caused Wanda to yearn for the simpler life. In their travels, she and her husband have become close friends with many Amish people across America. Wanda's desire to explore their culture increased when she discovered that her great-great grandparents were part of the Anabaptist faith.

All of Wanda's novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Many of her books are well-read and trusted by the Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

Wanda's primary attraction to the Amish is their desire to live a devout Christian life that strives to honor God, work hard, and maintain close family ties. Whenever she visits her Amish friends, Wanda finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties, which is in stark contrast to the chaos and busyness that plagues so many modern "Englishers." Time and time again, Wanda loses her heart in the Amish life, and she hopes her readers will, too. For more information, visit: www.WandaBrunstetter.com

My Thoughts...

This is book two in the Mifflin County Mystery series. It takes off right where the Protector left us. So, I recommend reading them both. This is a good mystery series and one with lots of love and hope shining through.

Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.

The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie's Biscuits by Wanda Brunstetter and Martha Bolton

 Why Are Baking Contestants Disappearing?

Mysteries have a way of following Fannie Miller, so when she makes it into the finals of the Tuscarawas County Baking Contest and contestants start disappearing, she calls on her old friend Foster Bates, a retired cop and part-time private investigator. Could it be that other finalists—like the couple on verge of divorce who need the prize money. . .or the three Beiler sisters, always in a huddle whispering—are somehow responsible for these disappearances, thinning out the competition? One thing is certain—Foster and Fannie will stay on the case until the end, and everyone involved will learn something important about baking contests, mystery solving, and life.

New York Times Bestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter and Emmy-Nominated Author Martha Bolton have teamed up to deliver a delightful whodunit from Ohio's Amish country.

Pick up your copy here...                                                                                                                                     The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie's Biscuits: A Cozy Amish Mystery: Brunstetter, Wanda E, Bolton, Martha: 9798891510111: Amazon.com: Books

Martha Bolton is the author of over eighty books of inspiration and humor and was Bob Hope's first female staff writer. Martha has received nominations for an Emmy, a WGA Writing Award, and a Dove Award. Along with composer Wally Nason, she has written ten musicals for Blue Gate Musicals, including Josiah for President, the Musical, The Confession Musical, based on Beverly Lewis' popular Amish trilogy, and Half-Stitched, the Musical, based on Wanda Brunstetter's book of the same title, and others.

Thoughts...

Food and mystery and Amish this one has a little bit about everything. I love when a book revolves around food. This was a fast read, and I enjoyed the story.  Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.                  

Serenity's Secret by Lisa Jones Baker

 Serenity Holds Her Secrets Close Full of faith, hope, and romance, this series takes you into the Heart of Amish country. Serenity Miller has much to love about life as the owner of The Pink Petal in Arthur, Illinois, and enjoys trying natural remedies and exploring garage sales. Then comes the day her neighbor, Stephen Lantz, saves her from trespassers on her property and their friendship deepens into an attraction Serenity knows can never lead to marriage. She holds secrets she can never divulge, despite Stephen's way of wooing her. But how can Serenity return to her life of contentment after a taste of love? And when danger returns, will it steal her last hope for a bright future? 

Pick up your copy here...

Serenity's Secret: Volume 6 (The Heart of the Amish): Jones Baker, Lisa: 9781636099583: Amazon.com: Books

WELCOME to my page! I author Amish Inspirational Fiction; My newest book, SERENITY'S SECRET, debuts October 1, 2024. THE QUILT ROOM SECRET became available February 1, 2024. I grew up near Arthur, Illinois, and became acquainted with the Plain Faith at an early age when they custom-made and installed our kitchen cabinets. On weekends, my parents and I frequented the quaint Amish town, often the setting of my stories, where we purchased our meat, cheese, and home-made baking spices. Now, decades later, I still love visiting; the town and the people yet intrigue me, and I so appreciate the talent of quilt-making almost as much as I love horse and buggy rides. Oh...and I never leave without a visit to my fav store, Stitch and Sew! But there is much more to this perplexing group than meets the eye; they are extremely disciplined, hard-working, and honest...and they don't all think alike. For these reasons, writing about them is my passion.

I was fortunate to have been raised in a loving, Christian home by two wonderful parents: a reading specialist mother who plays the piano and encouraged me to read from a very early age, and a retired Junior High Principal father who also farmed and taught me how to garden. I have a B.A. in French Education, and I'm a former school teacher who loves gardening, cooking, reading, positive thinkers, and every dog I meet. Although I'm a homebody, travel has played a large part of my life. Over three decades of working with the airline industry has landed me on five out of seven continents. 

My Thoughts....

I always look forward to Bakers books, she is my favorite Amish fiction author. Her books are so unique and have so much depth. Well-rounded characters and story lines like no other. In this one you get romance at its best, Friends to lovers, mystery, and a horse named Angel.
I highly recommend this book.
Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.

The Prayer Jar Devotional: Healing by Wanda Brunstetter

 

Inspired by New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter's The Prayer Jars series. . . The Prayer Jar Devotional: Healing delivers the same life-changing inspiration as Wanda E. Brunstetter's unforgettable stories. Every reading will help you draw closer to your heavenly Father. Your prayer life will be transformed as you read through these dozens of encouraging devotional readings centered around the theme of healing. With each turn of the page, you'll discover unchanging truths of God's Word alongside meaningful prompts that guide you to write and add your personal prayers or favorite, hope-filled Bible verses to your very own prayer jar. (Simple instructions are included in the introduction.) Once you've finished reading the last page, you'll have a full prayer jar of your very own. Use it to infuse your heart with inspiration and encouragement when you need it--or share it with a friend who could use some faith restoration of her very own!

Pick up your copy here...

The Prayer Jar Devotional: Healing: Brunstetter, Wanda E, Thompson, Janice: 9781636099293: Amazon.com: Books

New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written more than 100 books translated in four languages. With over 12 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nation's most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.

Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs. 

My Thoughts....                                                                                                     I have all three of these devotionals and they are great. They are not long they are great do first thing in the morning. But this lasted devotional of the three is focused on Healing and it is much needed right now.                                                                                                                   This would make the perfect gift, and I plan on giving it to many friends this year.                                                                                                           Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.

Ruth's Ginger Snap Surprise by Anne Blackburne

 Ruth Defies Authority to Hold on to her Family Farm

Full of faith, hope, and romance, this new series takes you into the Heart of Amish country.
 
Ruth Helmuth has never been rude in her life; trust her to choose the bishop of her Amish community for her first time!

Ruth has worked hard to keep body and soul together since her husband, Levi’s, death. She tends her herd of goats, making her living from the milk and fiber she gets from them, all while running a farm and household by herself—and very competently, thank you! How could she imagine the bishop suggesting she should give it all up to another family, who will “make better use of the space”?

Enter widower Jonas Hershberger, owner of a pair of adorable dimples and father of a charming 4-year-old daughter. Jonas is in need of a larger place to house his growing business. Ruth’s big red barn may be just the ticket. Little Abigail is in need of a new mother. Ruth might be just the ticket there, too!

Can two independent souls learn to work together for their mutual good? And will they be willing to explore what grows between them?  Or will Ruth’s fear over her “big secret” and Jonas’s caution about allowing someone new to get close to his young daughter, kill their love before it has a chance to grow?

Luckily for both of them, God’s plan involves the stubborn pair getting a little help in the form of a wise, elderly friend; a quirky orange kitten; and a smart little girl who takes one look at Ruth and decides she would make her the perfect new mother!

Pick up your copy here...

Ruth's Ginger Snap Surprise (Heart of the Amish): Blackburne, Anne: 9781636096896: Amazon.com: Books

This is not your same ole Amish fiction this is a fresh story and very well written. I may have a new Amish fiction author so I can start reading Amish books again.

Amish Friends Life Hacks

 

Do you seek ways to make everyday life easier? Here you will find hundreds of practical tips covering all aspects of keeping a home, from stain removal to homemade laundry detergent, from baking perfect piecrust to making recipe substitutions, from taming a cough to mending a cut. You’ll also find advice for canning fruits and vegetables, sewing, gardening, animal care, and more! Woven throughout are Amish sayings and proverbs and colorful photos, making this an enjoyable read and a perfect gift.

Pick up your copy here...

Wanda E. Brunstetter's Amish... by Brunstetter, Wanda E. (amazon.com

This was put together by Amish people to help us all with simple Life hacks. It would be the perfect gift the busy mom in your life or the coworker that stays in top of everything. The lady sitting next to you at church that you think has it all together. Just the simple gift of the life hack book is sure to make her smile.

The Blended Quilt By Wanda Brunstetter

 

Will pursuing Sadie’s dreams mean leaving a romance behind?
 

Sadie Kuhns has a lot happening in her life. She is creating a unique quilt by blending a traditional Amish pattern with a Hawaiian pattern as a tribute to her time spent in the islands, and she is working on a self-published book. But her relationship with Wyman Kauffman has stagnated after six months of courtship. He can’t seem to commit to a profession that would secure a future, and he is jealous of the time Sadie gives to her own pursuits. Is there really any reason to drag this courtship out? Only time will tell in this new novel from New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter, writing with her daughter-in-law Jean Brunstetter.

Pick up your copy here...

https://www.amazon.com/Blended-Quilt-Jean-Brunstetter/dp/1643526014/ref=sr_1_3?crid=29MKOTGH86QV4&dchild=1&keywords=the+blended+quilt+by+brunstetter&qid=1604093195&sprefix=The+Blended+quilt%2Caps%2C195&sr=8-3

Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of almost 90 books with more than 10 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine and USA Today.

Wanda's fascination with the Amish culture developed when she met her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church, and whose family has a Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Meeting her new Mennonite sister-in-laws caused Wanda to yearn for the simpler life. In their travels, she and her husband have become close friends with many Amish people across America. Wanda's desire to explore their culture increased when she discovered that her great-great grandparents were part of the Anabaptist faith.

All of Wanda's novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Many of her books are well-read and trusted by the Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

Wanda's primary attraction to the Amish is their desire to live a devout Christian life that strives to honor God, work hard, and maintain close family ties. Whenever she visits her Amish friends, Wanda finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties, which is in stark contrast to the chaos and busyness that plagues so many modern "Englishers." Time and time again, Wanda loses her heart in the Amish life, and she hopes her readers will, too. For more information, visit: www.WandaBrunstetter.com

My Thoughts...

 You always get an Amish story for the books with Brunstetter. She loves the Amish and spends much time with them so you get the idea of just how they live from her. The characters  and the description's of the area is always spot on.

Oh I don't want to forget to tell you about the fantastic recipe at the end of the story Sadie's Coconut Carrot Cake. You are going to want this book just for this recipe . I could eat the Coconut icing on everything.

I gave this book 4 stars and I am waiting for the next one to come.

The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.