This and That/Esto y Aquello: December 2023

Sunday, December 3, 2023

An Amish Mother for His Child: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance (Amish Country Matches Book 4) by Patricia Johns

Book Details:

Title: An Amish Mother for His Child

Series: Amish Country Matches Book 4

Author: Patricia Johns

Publisher: Love Inspired

Pages: 208

Release Date: December 26, 2023

Genre: Amish Romance/Contemporary Christian Romance

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Book Description:

She’ll make the ideal mother…

But could she be his perfect match?

Marrying a virtual stranger gives Verna Kauffman almost everything she’s ever wanted—a husband, a daughter…and a list of childcare rules. Despite Adam Lantz’s strict standards and formal demeanor, Verna is determined to turn their convenient arrangement into a happy union. But when their growing relationship is challenged, can they overcome their opposite views of marriage to discover what they really need is each other?

My Thoughts: A True Delight

Upon reading the book description, I'm embarrassed to say that I came away with preconceived notions about how the story would play out as well as preconceived notions about Adam. With the description of his strict standards and formal disposition, I thought that for sure I would have some not so kind feelings about him. And that is the great thing about how author Patricia Johns tells a story. You might start out with something in mind, but then she takes you on a journey that makes you rethink things.

Such was the case with Adam. Once I got to know him, I discovered the why behind his ways. I came to like him and felt compassion and understanding for him especially with all he'd been through. The funny thing is that in contrast, while I liked Verna, I also saw a side of her that had me shaking my head. Yes, she quickly fell into being a great wife and mother, but she also had what I would call some "Adamisms" in her which added a special twist to the story. It was truly a joy to see how these two began to discover each other, even when butting heads, and to see where those discoveries took them. Needless to say, little "Miss Mandy" added much to the story making it a true delight to read and a book that I highly recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are voluntary and completely my own.

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About the Author: Patricia Johns

Patricia Johns is the bestselling author of inspirational, sweet romances including The Infamous Amish Trilogy published by Kensington and the Redemption's Amish Legacies series from Harlequin. She lives with her husband and son in Alberta, Canada. Visit her online at PatriciaJohns.com.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PatriciaJohnsAuthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorpatjohns/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorPatJohns

Friday, December 1, 2023

Book Details:

Title: Murder of an Amish Bridegroom

Series: An Amish Seamstress Mystery Book 1

Author: Patricia Johns

Publisher: Crooked Lane Books

Pages: 272

Release Date: December 5, 2023

Genre: Amish Fiction/Christian Fiction/Cozy Mystery

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Book Description:

The quiet Amish lifestyle isn't all that it seems in this debut cozy mystery series, for fans of Amanda Flower and Wanda E. Brunstetter.

Petunia Yoder is Blueberry, Pennsylvania’s youngest old maid, at twenty-two years of age, and completely unmarriageable. But she’s determined to celebrate her friends’ weddings with joy and a full heart. Unfortunately, Petunia’s best friend, Eden Beiler, is playing a dangerous game with a man who is ruining her reputation.

Ike Smoker is the community’s iceman—the one who cuts, stores, and sells the ice—and when Petunia discovers him dead with an ice pick in his chest, Eden is found on the scene with blood on her hands. Homicide detective Asher Nate is new to the area, and he has a challenge on his hands. The Amish community sticks close together, and he doesn’t understand the subtleties and nuances of the clues he uncovers. He needs an Amish interpreter, and he asks Petunia if she’ll help. In a bid to keep her best friend out of prison, she agrees.

The community is filled with people who had good reason to hate Ike Smoker, especially as Petunia and Asher begin to uncover his secrets. Was someone trying to protect their family's reputation? Or to exact revenge for a sin buried deep in the past?

There’s a litany of damning clues that litters the ground—and if Petunia and Asher can’t come up with the truth, they could end up as the next ones on the killer’s list.

My Thoughts: Kept Me Guessing

This is such a wonderful cozy mystery! While the title and blurb piqued my interest, the lovely cover completely cinched the deal. As I read the story, I could see more and more of how on target the cover really is and how well it matches the story.

Although those elements drew me to the story, the great characters, story line and mystery kept me glued to the pages. I loved Petunia and her way of looking at things, her determination and her caring nature. I also loved Asher and how he was willing to learn from Petunia. They definitely made quite the investigative pair. The story kept me guessing right to the very end and that is just one of the great things that made this such a wonderful read and one that I highly recommend.