Murder Freshly Baked by Vannetta Chapman

An Amish Village Mystery.  Book 3

This was another great book from Vannetta Chapman.  As in every book that I have read which was written by her, I have been so impressed with her wonderful writing talents.

This book is a continuation from book 2.  Hannah and Amber again find themselves in a very strange situation as poetic  "Poison Pen letters" are found with freshly baked pies.  The poem indicates the pie has been laced with something that will poison the person that eats it.  Who would warn people of such a strange thing?

Amber finds mysterious emails and her cat is poisoned.  But who is behind this?  There is a little romance, mystery and  lots of  great reading to be found in this book.  I enjoyed revisiting Vannetta's Amish village.  I hope the  series will continue!

Author Vannetta Chapman has penned a great book here and I am sure you will enjoy it as well!

I received the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.  No monetary compensation was received.

A Secret of the Heart by J.E.B. Spredemann

I just finished "listening" to book 3 of the Amish Secrets Book series by J.E.B. Spredemann.  It was the audible version which was narrated by Lisa Larsen.  This was such a great book.  The story of Lillianna Zook and Thomas Girod takes many twists and is often a poignant and touching book.

As Lillianna's best friend married, she finds out that this same friend is facing a large trial.  She tells Lillianna and asks that she would go along with her and her husband on an Amish trip to the Grand Canyon where she crosses paths with her old love of her early years, Thomas.  Thomas has changed, yet she knows that she still has the same love for him as before.  As she finds that he is also facing a trial, she is willing to sacrifice a year of her life to help him meet and beat this trial.  What occurs changes her life forever and she is never able to be the same person she was as she faces an almost insurmountable experience with faith in God and trust that He will see her through.

This was a wonderful book and I highly recommend it to everyone!  I enjoyed it so much!

Author J.E.B. Spredemann.  You can find her books at Amazon.com .

Protected by Vannetta Chapman

Protected is book 2 in the Jacob's family Series.

Erin Jacobs is a young woman that lives alone and takes calls to rescue animals in unusual predicaments and also as well as rescuing "unusual" animals.

This book grabbed me from page 1 as Erin receives a mysterious call in the middle of the night.  She was to come right away on a rescue mission.  This unusual rescue mission was about to change her life completely.

You will love this wonderful book.  Vannetta Chapman really has a winner here!  This touching and poignant book shows the wonderful sides of people, their warmth and love to one another.

There are many trials that Erin needs to overcome to be able to hold on to her dream and to fulfill the wishes of the mysterious night caller.

As Erin learns to trust others with herself and those she loves, her circle of love grows and she can now learn to deal with her past, as well as her future.  You will want to read this fast, because you can't put it down!  I just loved it!

  

Author Vannetta Chapman.  Here is a link to find Vannetta Chapman's latest book.

Ruth's Dilemma by June Belfie

Just finished this ebook by June Bryan Belfie.  It was a full-length book from the Series, The Zook Sisters of Lancaster County.  Did I like it?  Yes, very much and it is, as of this morning, still free on Amazon.  So grab it and read it.  You will enjoy this read.

Because I had it on Kindle, I was able to plug in the earphones and  listen while I drove home, and when I was on the train.

The story is about two Amish sisters, Ruth and Emma, two years apart in age, both of marriageable age, both in love with the same Amish man, Jeremiah.  Emma is much more pronounced about letting everyone know that she has her cap set on Jeremiah.  So Ruth feels she has to hold back and hide her feelings from Emma, and of course Jeremiah.

It's a good book, you'll enjoy it and it's a good Christian read.  I recommend it and at the price, you can't go wrong.

A Sky So Big by Ransom Wilcox and Karl Beckstrand

This was a book different in genre than what you have usually seen me review on my blog or elsewhere.

It's western, thereby historical in nature, and enjoyable.  If you like the following, you will really enjoy this book:

Suspense, chase scenes, gunfights, Indians, wild animals, bad guys, good guys, heroes and heroines, and perhaps just a bit of romance, you will want to grab this book.

There is a lot of action in this book.  It will be a page turner and keep you guessing.  And the conflicts with Wade and Patricia might  surprise you as well.  Never a dull moment in this read.  This is the first book I have read from author Karl Beckstrand, but it looks like writing skills run in the family as I have enjoyed all of his cousin's books as well.  (Jennifer Beckstrand)

I have to say that as the scenes are presented, the wording is so well written you can completely see what he is describing.  Karl has excellent writing skills!  You will enjoy this book.  5 stars!

Author Karl Beckstrand

A Conversation with Linda Weaver Clarke and a Giveaway!

I am so lucky, two author interviews in just one week!  This is Linda Weaver Clarke and she is the mother of Serena Clarke from my previous blog post.  Like mother, like daughter.  How very awesome!  Linda graciously has taken her time to be interviewed on my blog and I am thrilled for the opportunity.  Welcome Linda!

Sunnie Reviews:  What started your interest in writing?

I have always loved writing. After writing my ancestors’ and parents’ biographies, I couldn’t stop writing. So I turned to historical romances. Since my ancestors’ stories were so vivid in my mind, I actually gave some of their exciting experiences to the main characters. So my ancestors were the inspiration for getting me started. My first historical romance, Melinda and the Wild West, actually won an award for the Reviewers Choice Award. After writing five romances, I turned to mysteries. All my stories are family friendly.

Sunnie Reviews: What is your favorite genre when you are working on a book?

Cozy mystery. I also love to mix clean romance with each of my stories and create a fun adventure. I’ve written historical romance, suspense mystery, and children’s, but cozy mystery is my favorite.

Sunnie Reviews:  Where did you get the idea for this mystery series?

I wanted to write a cozy mystery that was unlike any mystery written. I didn’t want it to be a “who-done-it” series, but something different. Amelia Moore is a detective who specializes in missing persons. With each book in this series, I try to create a story surrounding a missing person and make it intriguing at the same time.

Sunnie Reviews:  What are your main characters like?

Amelia is in her thirties and is the founder of the Moore Detective Agency. She is fun loving and spunky. Nothing will stop her from solving her case.

Rick Bonito, Amelia’s partner, is good-looking with chocolate brown hair and a light olive complexion. His dark stubble is close to his face because he hates shaving, but it doesn’t bother Amelia. She rather likes it. When he folds his arms across his chest, it is obvious that he works out at the gym. He is totally ripped. As for his personality, he loves to joke around and is quite informal.

Sunnie Reviews: What is this mystery about?

It’s about a long lost love. Julie Anderson feels a need to find the man she fell deeply in love with during her youth. When Julie went off to college to become a lawyer, she lost contact with her high school sweetheart. She now wants to know what became of Joey and why he stopped writing to her? This is an assignment that intrigues Amelia. The thought of finding a long-lost love seems quite romantic.

Sunnie Reviews: What kind of research do you usually do for your books?

I always research the area I place my characters. For example, I did a lot of research about archaeology and dinosaur tracks in Utah for this book. It helps to make the setting feel real. It’s surprising how much an author learns with research.

Sunnie Reviews:  When you aren’t writing a book, what type of book do you especially enjoy Reading?

Clean romances. They’re my favorite, especially if they have a bit of adventure added.

Sunnie Reviews: Are you working on something new?

Absolutely! I’m excited to announce this mystery series is going to be on audio. The first book, The Bali Mystery, will be out soon and I’m so excited because the reader did a great job. Diane Lehman is the reader and she portrays Amelia and Rick so perfectly. The rest of the characters were done very well, too. She had me laughing out loud in some parts that she did. It was so easy to picture everything in my mind as I listened to her.

I look forward to reading your books, Linda! I wish you lots of success, and your daughter, Serena, as well@

You may find sample chapters of my books on my website and it will take you to the links for purchase at Amazon and Smashwords. My website is www.lindaweaverclarke.com.

Linda has graciously offered a copy of one of her cozy mysteries in ebook format.  Thanks so Much, Linda!

Make a comment below and win a copy of a cozy mystery ebook.  Be sure and leave your email address in a safe way so that we can get in touch with you if you are the winner!  Giveaway ends May 29th.

The Isian Series by Serena Clarke

I am delighted to Introduce you to an up and coming author, Serena Clarke.  Here is some exciting news about her fantasy, Romance and Mystery Series!  I hope you will get to know Serena and grab a copy of her great books!

Magic, Fantasy, Romance, and Mystery

Fantasy has become one of the most popular genre, simply because you are taken into a completely new world… a world of magic and mystery… where almost anything can happen. In this new series by Serena Clarke, we have an enchanting kingdom and mystical creatures that reside in the forests.

The Treasure of Isian is the first book in The Isian Series. Prince Garin is a brave, proud, adventure-seeking prince. Elani is his most trusted servant and she would do anything for him. Their quest to find the mystical Treasure of Isian is immediately interrupted and they find themselves confronted by giants, elves, dragons, and a vengeful water-witch. Elani must face her greatest fears to save her prince and her kingdom. Will they be able to make a great sacrifice to save the kingdom?

“The Treasure of Isian was a stirring tale of an enchanted servant and a handsome prince,” wrote Author Charissa Stastny. “The adventures they face together as they search for the fabled treasure of Isian that will grant the bearer any wish they desire. Once I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. The author did a wonderful job pacing the story and connecting me to the characters. Superb story that brought a smile to my face and helped me remember that sometimes, we can overlook the most valuable treasures in life if we’re not careful.”

In the second book in this series, The Alliance of Isian, Isian decides to make an alliance with their long time enemies.  Isian sends a proposal, offering their daughter to the prince, in order to ensure an alliance. Princess Gabrielle and Prince Alec must learn to work together and trust each other in order to triumph in the approaching war. With a mysterious beast attacking the kingdom, their lives in danger, and overcoming their vast cultural differences, will love grow despite their trials?

When we think of fantasy, we think of magic and mythical creatures, but it is not the same without some romance. Cheryl Larson wrote: “I am always intrigued by stories of arranged marriages and how they turn to marriages filled with love. There is plenty of action and intrigue in the storyline. I can't wait for the next book in the series!”

The Treasure of Isian and The Alliance of Isian can be found at local libraries, bookstores, and online. For more information and to read a sample chapter, visit http://serenaclarke.wordpress.com. 

You can find Serena's books at this link.