The Avid Reader

Truffle Trouble

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. 

 A Spirited Supper at 

When chef Bridget “Bunny” MacBride got a role on the reality show Food & Spirits, she thought “spirits” meant cocktails. Instead, she’s cooking up dinners meant to tempt the departed to appear. And to her surprise, she’s discovered abilities to connect with the beyond—and crack murder cases . . .

Now that Bunny’s entrées come with a side of the Other Side, it comes in handy to have a grandma who’s friendly with the elderly owners of a haunted Scottish castle. During Bunny’s childhood she heard all about Dundoon’s bloody history and the “ghostly piper” who roamed the grounds—and soon she’ll be visiting the ancient place with her ghost hunter and psychic co-stars. The annual bagpipe competition in the late piper’s honor will make for some good footage as well.

After Bunny serves a feast fit for a 17th century king, including lamb chops with plenty of fresh herbs, she heads outdoors for the ghost hunt. But in the dark, dense fog, someone fatally plunges from the clifftop over the loch. The sound that follows is a mournful, otherworldly bagpipe . . . and once the body of another perished piper is retrieved, Bunny is determined to solve this Highlands homicide—and prevent a killer from getting off scot-free . . .

Includes Delicious Recipes!

World's Biggest Bagpipe Competition

My Thoughts

A Spirited Supper at Dundoon Castle by Darci Hannah is the second in A Food and Spirits Mystery series but works well as a standalone with provided background. The story reads smoothly, with leisurely pacing and vivid descriptions of Scotland, Bunny’s childhood home, and Dundoon Castle. The cliffs with the fog were eerie.  I wish more time had been spent inside the castle which had a creepy ambiance.  I liked the ghost stories and the ghostly atmosphere. I find it annoying that Bunny does not like being around ghosts.  I wish she would embrace her gift (like her grandmother).  

I love Bunny’s grandmother.  She is a hoot as well as helpful.  The mystery was interesting, but it was a snap to solve. I liked that Bunny’s grandmother and brother were involved. There were some parts of the investigation that were a tad farfetched (I rolled my eyes a number of times).  I wish there was less repetition and a snappier pace.  Bunny whipped up a mouthwatering meal that had the corporeal guests asking for seconds (recipes at the end of the book).   A Spirited Supper at Dundoon Castle is a misneachail tale with piper specter, a delicious meal, a bagpipe competition, wonderful whiskey, an eliminated judge, craggy cliffs, and reunifying with family.

A Spirited Supper at Dundoon Castle is available from Amazon*.  The first book in A Food and Spirits Mystery series is A Fatal Feast at Bramsford Manor.  You can find Darci Hannah's other novels here.  

Thank you for joining me today.  I will return on Tuesday, February 3 with The Great Amish Baking Battle by Debra Torres. It is the second book in the Amish Newspapers of Mercer County series.  It has been a very cold week.  I have exhausted my extreme cold weather wardrobe.  I will need to do some shopping before winter next year.  My mother employs a different approach.  She wears long flannel nightgowns (they go down to her feet) along with a matching sweater.  She keeps herself toasty by staying in bed.  She has a heated mattress pad (instead of an electric blanket) and Snoopy flannel sheets (plus a Sherpa lined blanket and a quilt). When my mother needs anything, she rings a bell (she is not budging unless it is absolutely necessary).  If I do not hear the bell, she uses a duck call (its loud). 

My cat, Dickens, has taken to sleeping on the cable box in my mother's room (makes it hard to change the channel).  I hope that you have a relaxing weekend.  I have a feeling that all of us will be staying indoors this weekend since another cold front is coming through (good reading weather).  Take care, stay warm (and safe), 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.

 Essence of Foul Play 

Everything is going smoothly as Emma prepares for the grand opening of the spa. The therapy rooms are painted. The sales shop and café are stocked with meditative and delicious goodies, from essential oils to avocado masks and prickly pear massages. The fountain in the Courtyard of Peace is burbling with good vibrations. In fact, there isn’t a whiff of trouble until that morning when Emma is shocked to learn that a rival spa owner has been bludgeoned . . . with an item from the goodwill basket Emma gave her. Worse, a witness is pointing the finger at Emma . . .

 

With the police treating Emma like she’s the only suspect, and the town’s anti New Age anything posse badmouthing her every step of the way, she’s left with no choice but to conduct her own investigation. Incensed by the accusations but empowered by her cousin, her nana, and her trusted Birman cat, Vivi, Emma reviews the potpourri of possible suspects, determined to uncover the essence of foul play—before she’s cold-pressed for murder . . .

My Thoughts

Essence of Foul Play by Daryl Wood Gerber is the first An Aroma Wellness Mystery.   It is a spin-off from A Fairy Garden Mysteries.  Emma Brennan is opening Aroma Wellness, a spa, in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California.  There is a large cast of characters.  The author created a new group of characters for this series and included some of the characters from A Fairy Garden Mysteries (including a fairy or two).  It is challenging to keep track of all of them.   I wish more background had been provided on Emma.  There are things alluded to (a past relationship, her absentee father), but we do not get all the details.  I am sure we will learn more about Emma as the series progresses.  I loved Emma’s adorable and playful Birman cat, Vivi.    

The author provided vivid descriptions of the town along with Emma’s spa, her home, and the beach.    The mystery was underwhelming.  It was a cinch to solve (early in the book).  I was not a fan of the detective who did not appreciate Emma assistance (aka interference). During the story, I did wonder how Emma managed to accomplish so many tasks in a short span of time (interviewing five people in an hour and hire on by the end of the hour is one example—in my head, I envisioned speed interviewing with a time clock going off every ten minutes).  Essence of Foul Play is a nice story, but I wondered why there needed to be another series set in the same town (Carmel-by-the-Sea) with fairies (just curious).  Essence of Foul Play is an aromatic cozy with a gregarious Gran, calm meditations, an alarming murder, essential oils, a busy Birman, and delightful fairies. 

Essence of Foul Play is available from Amazon.  The second book A Literary Dining Mysteries is Murder by the Millions and it comes out October 28, 2025.  You can find Daryl Wood Gerber's other novels here including her delightful A Fairy Garden Mysteries.  Thank you for joining me today.  I hope that you have a cheery 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.

 Killing Me Souffle

Amidst the rocky beaches of the Oregon coast, Torte’s beloved Sterling and Stephanie have been hired to take over the aging restaurant at the cliffside Whaleshead Resort. They’re nervous about striking out on their own, but excited by the opportunity to put their own spin a new menu. From fresh fish caught the very same day to vegan options and handcrafted pastries, they’re buzzing with ideas. What’s even better is that Jules and the team from Torte have come out for opening weekend to cheer them on.

Despite some opening night jitters, the dinner is off with a bang. Guests and long-term residents of Whaleshead Resort are eager to taste the young couple’s creations. As the tickets begin to line up and guests pile in the front door, Jules and Carlos offer to roll up their sleeves and help in any way they can.

Stephanie is taking on every chef’s nightmare—a fluffy chocolate soufflé—and Sterling is fast at work prepping shrimp linguini and pan-seared halibut when they suddenly hear screaming. Erik Morton, the manager of Whaleshead and their new boss, has taken a fatal fall down the steep and dangerous cliffside trail leading to the beach. Jules and her young protégés quickly realize this was no accident. Now, the team will have to juggle the investigation while keeping the restaurant—and Steph and Sterling's new jobs—from crashing like the waves along the cliffs.

My Thoughts

Killing Me Souffle by Ellie Alexander has Jules, Carlos, and Ramiro traveling to the Oregon coast for Sterling and Stephanie’s grand opening of the rejuvenated restaurant at the Whaleshead Resort.  I knew the opening would not go smoothly as soon as I learned about the nasty resort manager, Erik Morton.  It is a good thing that the Professor is on hand to assist the local detective with the investigation.  Of course, Jules and Lance (he can never miss a party) do a little probing on their own. Killing Me Souffle is easy to read.  We get to catch up with the gang from Torte as well as the Professor, Jules’s mother, Lance, Arlo, and Ramiro.  I liked that we get a change of scenery.  I enjoyed the picturesque descriptions of the Oregon coast.   The mystery was straightforward.  I was able to identify the guilty party early in the story (it was so obvious). 

Killing Me Souffle lacked substance.  There was an excessive amount of repetition (Jules learns some information, repeats it to Lance, then to the Professor, and so on). Food preparation and food descriptions seem like filler (do we really need the details on how Jules prepares different desserts).   There is a special moment at the end that will delight fans of the series.  Killing Me Souffle is the twentieth A Bakeshop Mystery.  Background details are provided for readers who are new to the series.  Killing Me Souffle is an upbeat tale with a mean manager, delectable desserts, a disappearing receptionist, a curious crime, unsettling queasiness plus Lance has plans for romance.

Killing Me Souffle will be out on February 25 and you can preorder it from Amazon.  You can find the other nineteen A Bakeshop Mysteries here.  Check out Ellie Alexander's other cozy mysteries.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return tomorrow with Lethal Reunion by Lacey Baker.  I am off to meet with a contractor for an estimate on the insulation and vapor barrier for underneath the house.  The hurricane (and a tornado from the hurricane) ripped it away.  I hope that you have a delightful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

 B is for Bonnet

Exploring the relationship between Amish and English cultures through the lens of a single family, the Amish Again series is perfect for fans of Beverly Lewis, Amy Clipston, and Charlotte Hubbard—and anyone who enjoys uplifting stories about faith, family, love, and the simple life.

Raised by their divorced, lapsed-Amish father and English mother, siblings Jonny, Martin, Kelsey, and Beth can't wait to reinvent their lives. The four don't have much in common, but they long for the stable sense of family they felt when visiting their New Order grandparents, Josiah and Sylvia Schrock, in peaceful Holmes County, Ohio. And the Schrocks couldn't be more surprised when the grandkids want to try living with them—and joining their faith . . .

When Jonny hears startling news about his health, he knows it's past time to change his life. Quitting college, he unexpectedly finds the fulfilling job of his dreams. And he's instantly smitten with cafe owner Treva Kramer, whose baked goods are as warm and delicious as her lively personality. But no matter how hard Jonny tries, he can't seem to get past her secret sadness and distrust. Can he prove that his feelings for her are for real—and forever—in time?

A bad breakup left Treva heartbroken—and resolved to be independent without relying on anyone ever again. Exhausted from pouring everything she's got into her cafe, she’s stunned by Jonny’s easygoing ways—and drawn to his optimistic nature. But when she thinks his real interest is in becoming Amish, she's even more determined to stay focused—and keep her heart safe . . .

Soon, deep secrets and hidden family truths will test Jonny and Treva in unexpected ways. And with help from his warm-hearted grandparents, he and Treva might gain the happiness they secretly long for—with each other.

My Thoughts

B is for Bonnet by Shelley Shepard Gray is a story about Jonny Schrock who is straddling two worlds.  Jonny is trying to decide whether or not to become Amish when he has a health scare.  B is for Bonnet is an easy story to read.  The point-of-view switches between various characters including Jonny and Treva Kramer, a woman who, with the help of her family, turned the barn into a coffee shop (Trailside Café) with delectable baked goods.  We also get to spend time with Matt Schrock, Johnny’s father and Kennedy, his new love interest.  I like that we get to catch up with Johnny’s siblings and his grandparents (Jonny’s grandparents are sweet, kind, and patient).  It was interesting learning about e-bikes and that the Amish have taken to using them as a mode of transportation.  I had no idea that a well-known motorcycle company now produces electric bicycles.  

Harley Davidson Electric Bikes

The romance between Treva and Jonny progresses slowly until the end when it was rushed.  I am glad that we got to meet Jonny’s mother, and I hope we get to know her better in the next installment in the series. Forgiveness is one of the messages in the story.  Sometimes the one that needs forgiveness the most is yourself.  While B is for Bonnet is the second book in the Amish ABCs series, it can be read as a standalone. I am looking forward to reading C is for Courting when it comes out.  B is for Bonnet is a sweet story with delectable coffee, a cholesterol scare, a hurt heart, parent problems, bossy siblings, great grandparents, and a benevolent bishop.

B is for Bonnet is available from Amazon.  The first book in the Amish ABCs series is A is for Amish (can read for free with Kindle Unlimited subscription).  The next book in the series is C is for Courting.  Shelley Shepard Gray has Their Surprise Reunion coming out on April 29 and Unshaken on June 3.  Christmas Promises releases on October 28 (just in time to get you in the mood for Christmas).  You can fnd Shelley Shepard Gray's other novels here.  Thank you for dropping by today (I really do appreciate it). On Tuesday, January 28, I am featuring With All Her Heart by Kelly Irvin.  It is the third book in the Amish Calling series.  It has been a cold week in my area of Florida (Tampa Bay area).  I actually had to use my electric blanket and dig into the recesses of my closet for cold weather clothing (I have not needed them in a couple of years).  I will need to update my winter wardrobe next fall.  The best thing about cold weather is snuggling under the covers and reading (too cold to do anything else).  I hope that you have a relaxing weekend.  Take care, stay warm, 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.

Irrepressible Colorado Amish quiltmaker Esther Kiem is delighted to help the four Yoder sisters stitch together their beloved great-grandmother’s birthday quilt…especially when it means putting her matchmaking talents to use!

Infused with her signature humor and heart, award-winning, USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Beckstrand blends quilting, mischief, and matchmaking for the sixth Amish Quiltmaker romance – perfect for fans of Amy Clipston, Wanda Brunstetter, and Linda Byler.

At thirty-two, Ada Yoder is resigned to caring for her three sisters, her ever-impractical father, and their prosperous, but demanding, farm. The last kind of trouble she needs is Enos Hoover claiming that six acres of their land actually belongs to him—and taking steps to prove it. But Ada soon finds that battling Enos' clever strategies is delightfully intriguing—and lighting an impossible spark . . .

Enos is determined to make his mater proud by turning difficult acreage into a successful farm. Legally, he is in the right to reclaim the land from the Yoders. But Ada's hard-working stubbornness and refreshing honesty are proving to be more of an irresistible challenge than an obstacle. Now, can Enos and Ada find enough faith and understanding to reconcile family, duty, and love—and stake their claim on a forever happiness together?

Sometimes the greatest blessings come in disguise . . .

My Thoughts

The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unattached Neighbor by Jennifer Beckstrand is an entertaining story.  I like the characters in this series and the new ones introduced in this story.  I enjoyed getting to know Ada Yoder better.  Ada and Enos got off to an inauspicious start. Ada is a determined woman, and the Yoder’s new neighbor, Enos Hoover, is just as stubborn (patient and kind, but stubborn as a mule).  A dispute over six acres of land is going to test their mettle. I like that the story is told from Ada and Enos’s point of view.  We get to see each of their perspectives on the various situations.    I enjoyed the interactions between the pair.  Their conflicts and awkward moments were the beginnings of their relationship.  

Cathy is a hoot.  She has some great dialogue that provides many laugh out loud moments.  Her purse reminds me of Mary Poppins’ bag (you never know what will come out of Cathy’s bag next). I liked seeing the characters develop, especially Ada and Beth.  It was great to catch up with the other Yoder sisters and their families.  While The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unattached Neighbor is the sixth book in The Amish Quiltmaker series, it can be read as a standalone.  I like Jennifer Beckstrand’s writing style.  I find it to be engaging. Her characters are relatable, and I love the humor sprinkled throughout her stories (I laughed often while reading this story as well as the others in the series).  The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unattached Neighbor is a diverting tale with a land dispute, a firm fence, tent troubles, water rights, a messy house, foreshadowing quilt blocks, and a happy harvest.

The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unattached Neighbor is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other novels in The Amish Quiltmaker series here (the first four can be borrowed through Kindle Unlimited). If you follow Jennifer Beckstrand on Amazon, they will notify you when she has a new book release.  Thank you so much for joining me today.  I know it is a busy time of year.  Tomorrow I am featuring Taken at Christmas by Jodie Bailey. It is the first book in the Trinity Investigative Team series.  I am off to finish setting up my yard display.  I am working on the final section today. Then I can start on my neighbor's yard where Santa and his friends are going to be rockin' out.  I hope that you have a beautiful day.  Take care and Happy Reading! 

Kris

*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.

 Gingerbread Danger

begin . . .

With the help of local community organizer Margot Rawlings, Harvest will have a Candy Land themed Christmas on the village square—featuring Bailey’s recently perfected recipe for gingerbread men. When the big day comes, everything is going well—until bitter news arrives. One of Bailey’s Amish friends has been killed in an apparent accident just outside the candy factory. Aiden is promptly on the case—with more than a little input from Bailey . . .

Together, they soon learn that the victim was working for some powerful men in the county, and in doing so was spying on his own Amish community. Still, Bailey is determined to find the perpetrator. If she can’t cut out the killer from the rest of the suspects, her gingerbread men won’t be the only ones in danger of disappearing . . .

My Thoughts

Gingerbread Danger by Amanda Flower returns readers to Holmes County, Ohio where Bailey King has a little too much on her plate.  I felt for Bailey.  I do not know how she was going to get everything done.  Margot Rawlings and Juliet, Aiden’s mother, do not hesitate to ask Bailey to do more tasks or babysit Jethro (that pig gets into more mischief).  I like Amanda Flower’s writing style.  It is friendly and engaging. I was quickly drawn into this cute Christmas cozy mystery.  I like the characters, including the sweet animals.  It was great to catch up with Millie, Uriah, and, Millie’s mischievous goats from An Amish Matchmaker Mysteries. The whodunit involves an employee from Bailey’s new factory.  Naturally, Bailey is curious about the case since it involved her factory and employee.  Someone, though, does not want Bailey sticking her nose into the crime.  

I enjoyed following Bailey and Jethro as they searched for clues and questioned suspects.  I believe Bailey was a tinge happy to have an investigation to keep her away from her mother who is planning an over-the-top wedding for Bailey and Aiden (the one the mother did not get).  Gingerbread Danger is the ninth An Amish Candy Shop Mystery, but it can be read as a standalone for new readers (I do recommend reading all the books in this charming series).  I was sad when my visit to Holmes County came to an end.  Gingerbread Danger is a lively cozy mystery with sweet treats, a pushy parent, a departed employee, a creepy Candyland game piece, an impish pig, tasty taffy, and a cheerful Christmas.

Gingerbread Danger is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other An Amish Candy Shop Mysteries here.  You can find the author's other books here. Amanda Flower has I Died for Beauty coming out February 25, 2025.  It is the third An Emily Dickinson Mystery.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return on Tuesday, October 29 with Search and Detect by Terri Reed.  It is a page turner.  I hope that you have a relaxing weekend.  I am still filling out paperwork (I keep getting interupted) for assistance on getting the house repaired..  I have to attach copies of bills, bank statements, and pictures of the house.  I was surprised when my sister told me she set up a Go Fund Me page.  I hope that you are ready for Halloween! It is just a week away.  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.