Lizzie's Little Mouse by Anne Blackburne

Lizzie‘s Little Mouse by Anne Blackburne is the delightful story and mystery romance of Lizzie Miller, who opens a New Orleans style French bakery. It has been Lizzie‘s dream to open this bakery. She has worked very hard to study and learn about French cuisine. She has a love for baking and is delighted to start her business. Suddenly, on the opening day, a brick is thrown through the window of her bakery business. This takes Lizzie on a long journey of solving the mystery of who could have thrown the brick into her bakery and have caused further damage. Lizzie enlists the help of two of her dear friends. Suddenly, her friend's brother is helping and Lizzie has taken an interest in John. In turn, John, no longer sees Lizzie as his little sister‘s friend. The mystery of the 100 year-old murder that has taken place in Lizzie's building comes to light and takes you on many twist and turns along with the romance of Lizzie and John.

At first, I had a little difficulty getting into the story since you don’t typically hear about an Amish French bakery. Once I persevered, I was quickly drawn into the story and couldn’t put it down. It is a unique tale, but does draw the reader in. I like the combination of romance and mystery. I recommend Lizzie‘s Little Mouse by Anne Blackburne.

The Angel of Second Street by Barbara Tifft Blakey

The Angel of Second Street by Barbara Tifft Blakey tells the thrilling tale of Ida Dempsey and her kind, caring and exciting passion to share Jesus with those around her. Ida feels restless in her soul as she has such a passion for others. Ida searches for creative ways to share the gospel with those around who, despite societal norms. Enter Blaine Prescott, who has returned to his home town after being away for some time. Blaine is restless as well and isn't sure that his father and mother's plans for marriage will align with his. Blaine seeks to honor his parents but also desires to honor Christ and his heart. 

I could not put this book down and absolutely loved it. Barbara tells the story in such a way that draws the reader in and keeps the reader engaged. It was an enjoyable read. I was excited to read this book and can't wait to read more in the series. The Angel of Second Street is book one. I highly recommend. 

The Peacemaker by Wanda E. Brunstetter

The Peacemaker by Wanda E. Brunstetter is a telling novel set in Mifflin County and Lancaster County both in Pennsylvania. Ada has lost her best friend, Rosa,  through mysterious circumstances. (I think this may be in book one. This is book two of the series.) Ada is constantly thinking about regrets and how should could have prevented the missing of her best friend. Ephraim, is also thinking about Rosa since they were dating when she disappeared. He has moved on from Mifflin to Lancaster to care for his Grandmother. Will he ever return to his beloved Mifflin County? What will bring him back to the work her loves in his father's shop?

When I started reading The Peacemaker, I found that there were many characters to try and keep straight in the story. I continued on and it was a little easier to keep track of the storyline. I did appreciate the authentic stetting in this story. It was a fun read of the ever popular Amish romance. I would recommend the Peacemaker by Wanda E. Brunstetter.

Sabatoge at Cedar Creek by Janice Thompson

Sabotage at Cedar Creek is an excellent tale in The Little Red Truck Mysteries series. This is book two but you do not need to read book one. RaeLyn is set on helping her dear friend, Tasha, open her vacation rental. However there are some mysterious events happening that could interfere with the opening of the rental. RaeLyn and Tasha seek to solve the mystery and save the rental all while enjoying either existing or potential new relationships. Will RaeLyn’s brother be noticed by Tasha? How about sweet Aunt Bessie Mae? Did she ever have a relationship in her youth? 

This wonderful book is a sweet tale of romance, mystery, and adventure. Readers are sure to enjoy the pleasant story and share in the exciting story. Sit back and enjoy a wonderful tale. I throughly enjoyed this book and recommend.

The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie's Bsicuits by Wanda E. Brunstetter and Martha Bolton

The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie’s Biscuits by Wanda E Brunstetter and Martha Bolton is the tale of Fannie and her Amish life as a single woman owning a quilt shop. Foster Bates has moved to town, retiring from police work and now works as a private investigator. Fannie is participating in the baking contest that offers a $25,000 award to the winner. Contestants keep disappearing and only Fannie and Foster are investigating. Who is responsible for the disappearing contestants? Who will win the contest and the money?

This book was interesting. I did find it to be all over the place as far as the story line. It is a light hearted story and will be performed as a play. Honestly the story just didn’t resonate with me and I had difficulty following along. The plot was hard to follow and not as well developed as I would have liked. Others may find this book fascinating. I did finish it just to see how it ended!

What I Left For You by Liz Tolsma

What I Left For You is the amazing dual timeline story of Helena and McKenna. Helena is a professor in Poland in 1943. Her life is rather predictable until Germans overtake her town. Helena wants to help those around her as best she can. Her sacrifice for others is amazing. This is a hard but heartwarming tale set during WWII. McKenna has just been duped by her fiancé. Living in modern day Pittsburgh, she is also experiencing tragedy and uncertainty with her employment. At the suggestion of a friend Mckenna decides to trace her roots through a DNA test. The journey she heads on is a very fascinating story.

What I Left For You is an amazing story that includes a dual timeline as well as family genealogy, history and research. I found it fascinating and could not put the book down. I recommend what I left for you. It is a great read.

Unforgotten by Shelley Shepherd Gray

Bethanne Hostetler has lived a difficult life despite her young age.  Complicating her trauma is the accidental death that happened to her acquaintance Peter. Her English cousin, Candace, has just been crowned county queen. This initiates a lot of travel. A new officer to town, Ryan, accompanies Candace on her travels to protect Candace. She has had a stalker for some time but hasn’t been completely forthcoming. Both Kandace and Bethanne experience much angst despite their different situations. Life as an Amish young lady or an English young lady is difficult for both with lots of twist and turns. Will Bethanne ever be able to trust again? is Candace safe? Her stalker has been bolder than ever. What will happen to both women?

Unforgotten is a wonderful story. It combines the unique perspective of the Amish life, the English life, and a thrilling mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and highly recommend this book. It is a unique plot that is not your average Amish tale. 

Tea With Elephants by Robin Jones Gunn

Tea With Elephants by Robin Jones Gunn is an interesting tale of two women, Lily and Fern. Lily and Fern first met while volunteering in Costa Rica one summer many, many years ago. They have seen each other a few times since but were gifted the opportunity to visit Africa together. As they pack their suitcases, they bring emotional baggage they have carried with them over the years through living their lives. The pampering they experience along with the reality of deep sharing, allows them to enjoy the trip. The trip however, is not without several twists and turns. Can they manage the entire trip? Will they fix the baggage they’ve carried with them over the years? Can they truly relax and enjoy? What lessons has God taught them?

Tea with Elephants is a very interesting tale that weaves together the fiction and non-fiction. I was struck by the non-fiction aspects of the story sometimes thinking this was a true story. This is a delightful sharing of an adventure of two very dear friends. I did enjoy Tea with Elephants and do recommend this book. 

The Color of Home by Kit Tosello

Audrey lives a great life in the Bay Area as a designer to the elite. She enjoys her lifestyle and has found much fulfillment in her work. Audrey then finds herself needing to head to Charity Falls, Oregon to help her great-aunt Daisy. Audrey has many memories of spending time with her great-aunt Daisy and great-uncle Dean. However, their lifestyle does not coincide with her current lifestyle and goals.

Audrey travels to Charity Falls simply to help Daisy relocate to a location with better care for Dean as he descends into Alzheimers. Audrey uses her talents to help Daisy prepare her home for sale. What Audrey doesn't realize is that home is always home and she finds and urge she can't resist. Audrey also finds herself reconnecting with the childhood home of her late father. She finds simplicity isn't all that bad. Perhaps this will not be a short trip after all.

Join Audrey on her simple and romantic adventure. Find out who this good looking Cade Carter is and his connection to Audrey's family and her past. I found this to be a wonderful story to read and enjoyed the lighthearted entertainment. I recommend The Color of Home by Kit Tosello.

Between the Sound and Sea by Amanda Cox

 Joey finds herself entangled by her family's drama, and feels rather isolated and alone. Past hurts and heartaches prevent her from moving on. She tries to overcome the obstacles by operating her own business when her friend suggests she suddenly take an undeniably incredible yet surprising opportunity to become a temporary keeper at a decommissioned lighthouse on a North Carolina island. This unheard of adventure peaks her interest, and Joey delights in the history and restoration of the lighthouse. Finn, on the other hand, thinks his grandfather is crazy for restoring the lighthouse from his youth. However, the story that unfolds shares a rich and deep history with an amazing plot. 

I thoroughly enjoyed Between the Sound and Sea. The story was amazing timeline of historical and yet fictional events. I assumed I had the plot figured out, but true to a great novel, I did not. Amanda Cox again produces a thrilling piece that will keep the reader engaged. I highly recommend between the sound and see.