Montana-Sized Secret by Allie Pleiter

Book Details: 

Title: Montana-Sized Secret 

Series: Three Sisters Rescue Farm Book 2

Author: Allie Pleiter

Publisher: Love Inspired

Release Date: July 29, 2025

Pages: 208  

Genre: Clean & Wholesome Romance

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description:

Can she trust him again

For the sake of their baby?

Returning to High Mountain pregnant is not the fresh start Carly Davis imagined—nor is telling Jack Peters he’s the father. And with Jack in the early stages of addiction recovery, she questions if he can handle being a parent. But Jack is determined to show that he’s changed, and a chance to prove himself arises when they must care for a litter of rescued baby bunnies. Trust slowly builds between them again, but as unexpected news threatens their fragile bond, can they overcome the uncertainties to be the family they both need?

My Thoughts: Deeply Touching 

Carly and Jack's story is deeply touching and is so much more than a simple romance. It is about two people with a past whose mistakes have thrown huge curveballs into their lives. These mistakes play into their reestablished relationship, but the journey is far from easy. The challenges they face are sensitive and realistic, and author Allie Pleiter weaves them in flawlessly, delicately, and in such a way that made me feel everything Carly and Jack were going through. 

The author also did a fantastic job with the details of the situations being dealt with, to the point that I learned some things that I had no clue were a thing. The story involves faith, trust, forgiveness, overcoming, and second chances, along with many bumps in the road. It is strongly felt and sincere, and I encourage you to read it for yourself. 

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

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About the Author:  Allie Pleiter

The bestselling author of over sixty titles, Allie Pleiter's twenty-year career has sold over 1.7 million books.Allie also coaches on writing productivity and speaks nationally on time management for creatives. Allie is an avid knitter, confirmed coffee junkie and firm believer that “pie makes everything better.” She lives in the suburbs of Charlotte with her husband and the world’s most adorable dog. Sign up for her newsletter at alliepleiter.com/contact.html  

Rage (Kate Burkholder Book 17) by Linda Castillo

Book Details: 

Title: Rage 

Series: Kate Burkholder Book 17

Author: Linda Castillo

Publisher: Minotaur Books

Release Date: July 8, 2025

Pages: 296  

Genre: Women Sleuths/Police Procedurals

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description:

In this gripping installment of the Edgar Award winning series, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder investigates a brutal double murder that takes her into the dark underbelly of society and exposes the dangers of Amish lives gone wrong.

Summer has arrived with a vengeance in Painters Mill, and a macabre discovery by three Amish children brings the quiet to a grinding halt. Chief of Police Kate Burkholder arrives on scene to find the dismembered body of 21-year-old Samuel Eicher, a local Amish man who owned a successful landscaping business. What twisted individual murdered him in such a sadistic way?

The investigation has barely begun when, miles away, a second body is found, stuffed into a barrel and dumped in a ravine. The deceased is 21-year-old Aaron Shetler, Samuel Eicher’s best friend. What could these two young Amish men have been involved in that led to such violent ends?

With a heat wave bearing down, Kate learns quickly that, for reasons she doesn’t understand, no one is willing to talk about what happened to the men. Just as she begins to fear the case may be hopeless, a mystery woman comes forward and reveals that fun-loving Aaron and Samuel had recently befriended some very unsavory characters—individuals who may have ties to a larger, more sinister, black market.

To solve the case, Kate must delve into the most sordid corners of her community, but when she gets too close, the killers target Kate herself. Will the secrets simmering beneath the surface of Painters Mill take another life before she can expose the truth? Or will Kate be the final victim?

My Thoughts: Fast-Paced Page-Turner

Rage, the seventeenth book in the Kate Burkholder series, is a fantastic, fast-paced, contemporary, multilayered mystery. Author Linda Castillo's descriptive writing had me feeling like I was right there, seeing and experiencing everything. It makes for a gripping story that, once you start reading it, you can't put it down till the very end. The twists and turns kept me guessing and turning pages. Even when I suspected who did it, I couldn't put it down because there was so much more I needed to know. 

If you enjoy fast-paced mysteries that will keep you glued to the pages, then this one is definitely for you. You won't be disappointed. 

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

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About the Author:  Linda Castillo

Linda Castillo is the author of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling Kate Burkholder series, set in the world of the Amish. The first book, Sworn to Silence, was adapted into a Lifetime original movie titled An Amish Murder starring Neve Campbell as Kate Burkholder. Castillo is the recipient of numerous industry awards including a nomination by the International Thriller Writers for Best Hardcover, the Mystery Writers of America’s Sue Grafton Memorial Award, and an appearance on the Boston Globe’s shortlist for best crime novel. In addition to writing, Castillo’s other passion is horses. She lives in Texas with her husband and is currently at work on her next book.

 

Hunting for a Husband (The Heart of the Amish Book 9) by Mindy Steele

Book Details: 

Title: Hunting for a Husband 

Series: The Heart of the Amish Book 9

Author: Mindy Steele

Publisher: Barbour

Release Date: July 1, 2025

Pages: 256  

Genre: Amish Romance

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description:

Ten years ago, Joe Shetler took a leap, and it cost him his ability to walk. Accepting that this is God’s will for him, Joe finds his independence running Shetler Outdoors, an archery and outdoors shop.
 
Leah Wicky moves to Kentucky where her father has set up a deer farm. With a strong desire to marry, she soon sets her sights on Joe who, despite his disabilities, has determination and an easy way about him. A sticky situation finally affords the opportunity for a friendship to form between them.
 
When the Wickey’s prize buck attracts attention in the community—and attempted poachers—Leah is caught in the crosshairs, and Joe’s fears of inadequacy haunt him when he fails to protect her. A future once bright has dimmed.

My Thoughts: Heartfelt Story

Before I read a book, I read the description, which gives me an idea of how it will end. Knowing the end is one thing, but the ride to get there is what it's all about. And I can easily say that Leah and Joe's ride was fantastic! It was heartfelt, funny, introspective, full of faith, and at times even painful. I greatly enjoyed getting to know them and loved author Mindy Steele's pacing of their blossoming friendship and more. It was just perfect, as was her descriptive writing that had me visualizing the scenes in my mind and feeling what the characters were feeling. 

However, there was more. Along with Leah and Joe's story is a touch of mystery, which played beautifully into the story. It didn't overshadow the main storyline but added more depth to it by making it more intriguing. 

I also greatly enjoyed the self-discoveries that Leah and Joe made about themselves. It was so true to life that I found myself saying, "Yah, that's exactly how it is," which added an extra layer of wow to this great story. 

Hunting for a Husband is a wonderful and heartfelt story that should definitely be added to your TBR list, and I hope you do just that.

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

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About the Author:  Mindy Steele

Raised in Kentucky timber country, Steele writes Amish Romance peppered in humor, using her rural surroundings as her muse. She is a best selling author and the winner of the 2022 and 2024 FHLCW Reader's Choice award for sweet romance. Steele creates realistic characters for her readers and believes in engaging all the senses to make you laugh, cry, hold your breath, and root for the happy ever after ending. Readers can find themselves, somewhere within her pages.   

The Secrets We Keep by Amy Lillard

Book Details: 

Title: The Secrets We Keep 

Author: Amy Lillard

Publisher: Crooked Lane Books

Release Date: June 24, 2025

Pages: 320  

Genre: Amish & Mennonite Fiction; Traditional Detective                        Mysteries

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description:

Detective Nate Fisher must go back to the Amish community he left behind and confront his past to help the woman he once loved in this dual-POV mystery, perfect for fans of Linda Castillo.

Back to active duty after an administrative leave of absence for the use of deadly force, the last thing Detective Nathan Fisher wants to do is return to the conservative Amish community he left behind, but when his father passes, he has no choice. Hoping to clear his head and perhaps mend fences with his family, he returns to his small Mississippi hometown despite not being welcome. What was supposed to be a quick visit turns into a prolonged stay when his former love pleads for his help.

Rachel Hostetler’s world is turned upside down when she finds her brother’s body hanging in her family’s barn. Rachel is sure her brother Albie did not kill himself, but neither her father nor the police are willing to listen. When she spots Nate, her ex, now a detective in Oklahoma, back in Cedar Creek, she knows he is the answer to her problem and begs him to intercede.

As Nate and Rachel come to terms with their shared history, despite knowing nothing can come of the longing they have for each other, the pair must look into Albie’s death as suspects stack up. The truth is out there, but can they find it before Nate has to return to his real life and face the shooting that has him so desperately searching for peace?

My Thoughts: Highly Recommend

Oh my word. I don't even know where to begin. The Secrets We Keep had me flipping pages as fast as I could. Once I started reading, I could not stop. The mystery had me guessing all the way through. Each time I thought I'd figured something out, it went in a different direction. The pacing was on point, as each bit of evidence emerged, adding another piece to the mystery and drawing me further into the story. 

Just as the mystery kept me intrigued and reading, so did the reconnection between Nate and Rachel. I enjoyed the story from their points of view and how they were affected by everything. Author Amy Lillard's descriptive writing had me feeling each of their feelings and struggles, which was heart-wrenching at times. Even so, I felt that the door on their reconnect was not fully closed; it left me hoping that in the future I will see more of them and what is to come next. And I am definitely looking forward to it.

The Secrets We Keep is listed as Amish & Mennonite Fiction and Traditional Detective Mysteries and falls under the umbrella of contemporary for some mild language and a sensitive subject. That being said, it is truly a fantastic story 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:  Amy Lillard

Amy loves nothing more than a good book. Except for her family...and maybe homemade tacos...and nail polish. But reading and writing are definitely high on the list.

Born and bred in Mississippi, Amy is a transplanted Southern Belle who now lives in Oklahoma with her deputy husband, their genius son, two spoiled cats, and one very lazy beagle. Oh, and don't forget the stray kitty that has taken up residence on her front porch. ^..^

When she's not creating quirky characters and happy endings, she's chauffeuring her prodigy to guitar lessons, orchestra concerts and baseball practice. She has a variety of hobbies, but her favorite is whatever gets her out of housework.

Amy also writes contemporary romances under the pen name Amie Louellen.

An award winning author, Amy is a member of RWA and ACFW. She loves to hear from readers. You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, Google+, Twitter, Goodreads, and Pinterest. For links to the various sites, check her website: www.amylillardbooks.com.