Thursday, May 29, 2025

Standing Watch by Terri Reed

 Standing Watch

Book Summary

To protect an innocent witness…

a K-9 must sniff out a killer.

When K-9 task force officer Zach Kelsey’s estranged wife is attacked at a Mount Rushmore observation deck, he and his K-9, Amber, are quick to come to her rescue. He discovers not only that Eden, a park ranger, is carrying his child, but that she saw her coworker’s murder. As the only witness to the crime, Eden has no choice but to accept Zach’s protection. But with a ruthless killer ramping up his vicious attacks, they must put their differences aside to catch the murderer…before Eden becomes his next target.

Dakota K-9 Unit






My Thoughts

I started reading Standing Watch by Terri Reed before going to bed which turned out to be a mistake.  I found myself reading this compelling tale until the wee hours.  I thought Standing Watch was well-written with developed characters.  I could feel the chemistry and tension between Eden and Zach.  I admit, though, there were times when I wanted to bonk Zach over the head, because he was being so thickheaded over a certain issue. I loved the dogs.  They are sweet and smart.  I am continually impressed by the capabilities of dogs. 

Standing Watch has mystery, suspense, and action (which kept things lively).  Someone was determined to kill Eden and Zach was dedicated to keeping her safe.  The story had layers (it reminded me of an onion where you peel back layer after layer which each one better than the last) which made it more interesting.  Standing Watch is the third book in the Dakota K-9 Unit series.  It can be read independently but reading them sequentially may provide a more cohesive experience. I enjoyed the descriptions of the Mount Rushmore National Memorial.  I was surprised to learn that it is not a national park, but a national memorial managed by the national park service. Standing Watch is an absorbing story with a murdered ranger, an unforeseen surprise, a shielding spouse, a tenacious slayer, and a second chance romance.

Standing Watch is available from Amazon as well as other major retailers.  You can find the other books in the Dakota K-9 Unit series here.  Terri Reed has Texas Christmas Cover-Up coming out October 28.  If you follow Terri Reed on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  I will return on Tuesday, June 3 with Unshaken by Shelley Shepard Gray.  I hope that you have a tranquil weekend.  The heat and humidity are going up my area (Tampa Bay area of Florida).  I sweat walking down the driveway to get the newspaper (yes--we still get a paper copy of the newspaper).  I will be keeping cool in the pool (I am very grateful to Gaius Maecenas for inventing swimming pools). 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.

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Capture the Moment by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Capture the Moment by Suzanne Woods Fisher

About the Book

Book: Capture the Moment

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Kate Cunningham is facing the opportunity of a lifetime. As a zoo photographer, she’s spent years photographing animals in carefully controlled environments, but now National Geographic has dangled an irresistible prize: If Kate can snag a unique photo of a legendary bear in Grand Teton National Park, they just might publish it. It’s the kind of challenge Kate has been waiting for, and she’s eager to prove herself in the wild.

With more enthusiasm than experience, Kate soon realizes that capturing an image of this bear isn’t as simple as she hoped. Fortunately, she crosses paths with Grant Cooper, a seasonal park ranger who knows the terrain–and the bears–better than anyone. His tracking skills could be exactly what Kate needs to succeed, and it doesn’t hurt that he’s easy on the eyes. But they’re not the only ones with an interest in the park’s most famous bear. And his motives are far from innocent.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Suzanne Woods Fisher is a Christy finalist, a Carol and Selah winner, a two-time ECPA Book of the Year finalist, and Publishers Weekly and ECPA bestselling author of more than forty books. Her genres include contemporary and historical romances, Amish romance, and women’s fiction. She and her husband live in a small town in California. Most friends act a little nervous around Suzanne because they usually wind up in one of her novels. She has four grown children and enough grandchildren to keep her young.

More from Suzanne

A Spark that Lit a Story

By Suzanne Woods Fisher

Capture the Moment (Revell—May 6, 2025)

Inspiration can strike in the most unexpected places—like a gift shop in Grand Teton National Park. While browsing, I struck up a conversation with a college student who had never set foot outside Alabama until her mom dropped her off for a summer job in the park. One minute, she was home in the Deep South; the next, she was surrounded by towering peaks and moose crossings. Talk about a culture shock.

That conversation lit a spark that eventually became my National Parks Summers series. I couldn’t stop thinking about the fascinating mix of people who work seasonally in national parks. You’ve got fresh-faced college kids on their first big adventure, retirees finally living their bucket-list dreams, and everyone in between. These parks aren’t just natural wonders—they’re crossroads for people from all walks of life, all chasing something unique.

In Capture the Moment, I wanted to explore what happens when people and landscapes collide. Kate Cunningham, a determined zoo photographer, swaps enclosures for the wilds of Grand Teton, chasing an elusive bear and her own sense of purpose. Along the way, Kate meets Grant Cooper, a rugged park ranger with a knack for tracking and a talent for keeping her on her toes.

National parks are more than just beautiful backdrops—they’re places where people find themselves, lose themselves, and sometimes stumble into something extraordinary.

Maybe even love.

My Thoughts

Capture the Moment by Suzanne Woods Fisher is the first novel in the National Parks Summers series.  The author transports readers the Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming.  I enjoyed the vivid descriptions which allowed me to envision the vistas. I can tell that the author did her research for this story.  I enjoyed the facts sprinkled throughout the story about the national park.  I liked the main characters, Kate Cunningham and Grant “Coop” Cooper.  Maisie, Coop’s granddaughter, was a delight.  Her joy was infectious, and she added humor to the story.  Frankie, a teenage intern for the summer, was an interesting character as well. 

The mystery added another layer to the story.  I wish identifying the guilty party had been more of a challenge.  Romance was in the air at Grand Teton.  Sparks fly between the main characters, but the road to happiness is a bumpy one.  I liked that there was a romance between an older couple as well as a youthful crush.  I did not find it difficult to follow the various storylines. It did take me a little bit of time to get involved in the book, but, once I did, I could not wait to see how everything turned out.  The book has a satisfying ending. In Capture the Moment, the author blended mystery, romance, nature, and faith into one picturesque story.  

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and an eBook copy of the book!! Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click here to enter. Good Luck!

Capture the Moment is available from Amazon. Suzanne Woods Fisher has A Hidden Hope coming out October 7.  If you follow Suzanne Woods Fisher on Amazon, they will email you when she has a new book release.  Thank you for dropping by today.  I will return tomorrow, May 29 with Standing Watch by Terri Reed. It is the third book in the Dakota K-9 Unit series.  I hope that you have a beautiful day.  Do not forget to enter the giveaway before you depart.  Good Luck!  Take care and Happy Reading!


Kris

The Avid Reader

Blog Stops


Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 22

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 22

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, May 22

By the Book, May 23

Carla’s Book Crush, May 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 24

Devoted To Hope, May 24

Book Looks by Lisa, May 25

Texas Book-aholic, May 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 26

lakesidelivingsite, May 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 27

The Avid Reader, May 28

Blossoms and Blessings, May 28

Southern Gal Loves to Read, May 28

Stories By Gina, May 29 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, May 29

Blogging With Carol, May 30

For Him and My Family, May 30

Cover Lover Book Review, May 31

Karen Baney Reviews, May 31

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 1

Holly’s Book Corner, June 1

Jeanette’s Thoughts, June 2

Books Less Travelled, June 2

She Lives To Read, June 3

Pause for Tales, June 3

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, June 3

Lily’s Corner, June 4

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, June 4

*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.


Tuesday, May 27, 2025

The DIVA Poaches a Bad Egg by Krista DavisKris coz

 The Diva Poaches a Bad Egg (A Domestic Diva Mystery) by Krista Davis

 

About The Diva Poaches a Bad Egg

 

The Diva Poaches a Bad Egg (A Domestic Diva Mystery) 

Cozy Mystery 18th in Series 

Setting - Virginia 

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kensington Cozies (May 27, 2025) 

Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 320 pages 

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Northern Virginia’s own Martha Stewart returns in a brand-new mystery as an interior designer clashes with a killer . . .

Stylish brunches are all the rage this autumn in Old Town Alexandria, and everyone’s posting their parties on social media. But while Domestic Diva Sophie Winston juggles her event-filled calendar, she’s approached by local designer Mitzi Lawson—who is afraid someone is following her. The very next day Mitzi loses her best friend and business partner, Denise. The two were renovating a generations-old house where Denise died unexpectedly, and Mitzi fears that it wasn’t a medical condition to blame, but murder.

It could just be the shock talking, but Sophie agrees to help Mitzi involve the police. Then she receives a panicked phone call from Mitzi, and when she rushes to the old house, Mitzi is nowhere to be found. Now Sophie’s appetite for investigation is piqued even more than her appetite for eggs Benedict and mimosas.

Could Denise’s death be connected to her viper’s nest of in-laws or the house she was working on which her husband just inherited? What of the self-proclaimed etiquette expert with some improper secrets, or the scheming mistress? Or does the old house harbor secrets of its own? There’s a generous buffet of suspects to keep the Diva scrambling for an answer . . .

Includes delicious recipes and fabulous DIY decorating tips!

About Krista Davis

 

New York Times Bestselling author Krista Davis writes the Domestic Diva Mysteriesthe Paws & Claws Mysteries, and The Pen & Ink Mysteries. Krista lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia with a black Labrador mix, an English cream golden retriever, and two very inquisitive cats, all rescues. Her friends and family complain about being guinea pigs for her recipes, but she notices they keep coming back for more.

Author Links










My Thoughts

The Diva Poaches a Bad Egg by Krista Davis Is the eighteenth A Domestic Diva Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series or who may have missed a book (or two) along the way. Each chapter begins with a letter from a reader asking either Natasha or Sophie for advice regarding various household dilemmas (how many throw pillows is the right amount for example).  As you would expect, Sophie offers helpful, friendly advice while Natasha’s reveals her character.  I like all but one of the characters in this series (Natasha grates on my nerves after a while). 

I enjoyed catching up Sophie, Bernie, Nina, Mars, and the rest of the gang as well as the darling fur babies.  I like the setting of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia.  I can envision the area thanks to the author’s vivid descriptions.  The mystery had several suspects, some twists and turns, and a red herring or two. The story had a slow start, but the pacing picks up as the story progresses.  I was delighted with Holly Miller’s cameo appearance (from A Paws & Claws Mysteries).  It was nice to learn more about Faye, Mars’ deceased aunt, who used to own Sophie’s home (I’m glad Sophie got the home in the divorce).  There are delectable food descriptions throughout the story (recipes at the end of the book).  The Diva Poaches a Bad Egg is a charming cozy with scrumptious brunch recipes, a possible stalker, a dead decorator, shared canine custody, a fearsome Mitzi, odd occurrences, and a historic house.

The Diva Poaches a Bad Egg is available from Amazon, Apple, BAM, B&N, Bookshop.orgHudson Booksellers, IndigoPowell’sRakuten Kobo, Tantor, Targetand Walmart.  You can find the other A Domestic Diva Mysteries here.  You should check out Krista Davis' other cozy mysteries especially A Paws & Claws Mysteries (I love visiting Wagtail).  Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a chance to win a print copy of The Diva Poaches a Bad Egg.  You can enter via the Rafflecopter form below or click here.  Good Luck!  Thank you for joining me today.  Tomorrow I am a stop on the Celebrate Lit Tour for Capture the Moment by Suzanne Woods Fisher.  I hope you will stop by.  I am off to persaude my mother to go to her rescheduled appointment (she cancelled it last week as I predicted).  I hope you have a cheerful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

  

Tour Participants


May 20 – Sarah Can't Stop Reading Books – REVIEW*

May 20 – Frugal Freelancer – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

May 21 – Jody's Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

May 21 – Boys' Mom Reads! – RECIPE

May 22 – Christy's Cozy Corners – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
May 22 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT

May 23 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – REVIEW*

May 23 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

May 24 – Baroness Book Trove – REVIEW

May 24 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
May 25 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW

May 26 – Ruff Drafts – RECIPE

May 26 – Infinite House of Books – SPOTLIGHT

May 26 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

May 27 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW* 

May 28 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

May 29 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

May 29 – Melina's Book Blog – REVIEW*

May 29 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

*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.

Thursday, May 22, 2025

Brighter Days for the Cornish Girls by Betty Walker

Brighter Days for the Cornish Girls
Book Summary

The eighth heartwarming instalment in the Cornish Girls saga series, perfect for fans of Ginny Bell and Elaine Everest

The world is at peace at last, is it time for the Cornish Girls to love again?

Cornwall, 1947.

Tragedy strikes the village and Sheila is determined to help those who are suffering. Sheila is determined to help those who are suffering and soon finds herself seeking out new ways to make a difference. But when her long-term beau proposes, she faces a dilemma: can she give up her new purpose in life?

Land Girl Caroline throws herself into her work after her close friend Selina leaves the farm, and finds solace in new friendships. But when a new arrival comes to the farm, she can’t deny the attraction that springs up between them. Will she find the courage to follow her heart?

Meanwhile, Selina is adjusting to life on Bodmin Moor. Between helping her late sister's children to navigate their grief and learning to cook, she finds unexpected companionship with William, the family solicitor. And she begins to imagine a future filled with happiness…

The Cornish Girls are ready for the bright promise of peacetime – but are they ready to open their hearts?

An uplifting, heartwarming story of love and friendship, perfect for fans of Elaine Everest and Donna Douglas

My Thoughts

Brighter Days for the Cornish Girls by Betty Walker continues Sheila, Caroline, and Selina’s adventures after the war.  While the war is over, many things have not changed in England.  The men are turning, but rationing is still in effect.   I have enjoyed getting to know these characters and I am glad that we get to see how they are faring after the war.  I felt for Selina who misses her sister, but her late sister’s children keep her on her toes. We get to meet Grace, who is new to town and will provide friendship for one of the ladies who misses her friend. The author captured Cornwall with the moors and the charming village.  I enjoyed reading this sweet story with the various storylines.  While Brighter Days for the Cornish Girls is the eighth book in The Cornish Girls Series, it can be read as a standalone.  I enjoyed reading the series in order because it has allowed me to get to know the characters and know what they went through during the war.  Brighter Days for the Cornish Girls is a heartwarming tale with farm work, caring for children, finding a new friend, missing a sister, rationing and shortages, and a hopeful future.

Brighter Days for the Cornish Girls is available from Amazon.  You can find the first seven books in the Cornish Girls series here.  You can follow Betty Walker on Amazon and they will notify you when she has a new book release.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return on Tuesday, May 27 with The Diva Poaches a Bad Egg by Krista Davis. It is the 18th A Domestic Diva Mystery.  I am off to take my mother to an appointment (hopefully).  I am waiting to see if she will cancel (which she does often) or if she will be late (she is always late).  Wish me luck!  I hope that you have a memorable Memorial Day weekend.  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.