The Herbalist ((Appleton WV Romantic Mystery, #7) by Carole Brown: Celebrate Lit Blog Tour Review

About the Book

The Herbalist

Author: Carole Brown

Genre: Romantic Mystery

Release date: Spring, 2025

It’s a long, lonely walk down this West Virginia road, especially when you’ve just been accused of murder.

Can Lana Taylor prove she isn’t guilty? Can she realize that she does have a few friends who’ll stick by her regardless of the accusations? Can she forget the past and learn to trust again?

And will Athan Meadows be able to not only find the answers Lana needs, but also win her trust and love?

Click HERE to get your copy!

MY THOUGHTS.....

After reading this book, I'm convinced that I need to read the first six books in The Appleton, WV Romantic Series. The Herbalist is an engaging cozy mystery with well-defined characters, page-turning twists and turns, and a lovely romance waiting in the wings. Athan Meadows is immediately smitten after meeting Lana Taylor, but romance certainly isn't her top priority. Her client has died, and she's suspected of murder!

Author Carole Browne seamlessly weaves family, faith, and mystery into this intriguing plot. Do you enjoy mystery but can't handle gore? Are you longing for romance that isn't explicit? I recommend this book to all who appreciate romantic Christian suspense.

I received a digital copy from the author via Celebrate Lit. A positive review was never required.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

About the Author

Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of twenty-one fiction books and two short stories in an anthology, she loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. An award-winning, best seller author, she has a degree in Religious Education and an Associate in Computer, along with other course degrees. She has a special love for animals—especially dogs, cats, elephants and horses (which is sometimes found in her books)—a love for flowers and plants, traveling and her husband who is her best go-to person for grounding her in her writing.

She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons and great granddaughter, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandchildren?

More from Carole

When I started this series (The Appleton, WV Romantic Mysteries) I didn’t realize that I would, someday in the future, be writing Book Eight. Truly, this series is one of my readers’ favorites with many of them asking when the next book is coming out.

When I plotted The Herbalist, I knew the basic outline of how the story would go, but I didn’t realize all the technical details I would need to research, even though most of it, in the book, isn’t indepth.

Car items:  fuel pumps, oil leakages, failing brakes.

Dementia:  mental stability, actions, progression, and more.

Police procedures: The various actions from a police crew when there’s a murder, the people who examine bodies, the leniency that can or can not be used in a murder case.

and other items I studied. It was both fascinating and tedious, but necessary.

But I love research, so most times I enjoy it, especially when it comes to my books.

I wanted to create an interesting and catching story that was as real as I could make it. Though the major plot scene was planned, at times, I would be stuck, wondering what should happen next. And lying in bed at night is sometimes my best time to think of the a scene and how to write it. I love it when this happens, because it’s the perfect idea for my book. So I jump from my bed to scribble down the thought at my desk.

In The Herbalist, a young mother with five-year-old twins, is accused of murder, but it’s a long, lonely walk down this West Virginia road, especially when you trust few people. Can Lana Taylor prove she isn’t guilty? Can she realize that she does have a few friends who’ll stick by her regardless of the accusations? And can she forget the past and learn to trust again?

And will Athan Meadows be able to not only find the answers Lana needs, but also win her trust and love?

Find the answers in: THE HERBALIST.

Blog Stops

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 24

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 25

Roads to Everywhere, May 25

Texas Book-aholic, May 26

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 27

The Sacred Line, May 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 29

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 30

For Him and My Family, May 31

Stories By Gina, June 1 (Author Interview)

Older & Smarter?, June 1

Vicky Sluiter, June 2

Book Butterfly in Dreamland , June 3

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, June 4

Mary Hake, June 4

Holly’s Book Corner, June 5

Pause for Tales, June 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carole is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and copy of the book in winner’s choice of paperback or eBook!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54228

View all my reviews

Q & A with Wanda E. Brunstetter: May, 2025

Hope you'll check out this special Q & A session with Wanda E. Brunstetter. She was kind enough to answer some questions submitted by members of her Clippity Clop Club. 

I enjoyed learning more about Amish Country's most beloved storyteller and there were a few surprises.

You may find some surprises, too!

• How did your trip to Pennsylvania with Martha Bolton go? What did you enjoy about seeing the Miss Fannie’s musical?

The trip went well. Martha and I had a great time greeting readers, signing books, and getting caught up with each other’s lives. We enjoyed the musical, which Martha wrote the script for. She also wrote the lyrics for all of the wonderful songs.

• Did you get to see any family or Amish friends while you were there?

We spoke with some Amish ladies who know one of our Amish friends. We also spent some time with several members of my husband’s family who live in the area.

• How do the Amish celebrate Easter? Have you ever been to any Amish holiday celebrations?

They attend church on Easter Sunday and fellowship with family in the afternoon. We have not attended church with our Amish friends on Easter, but we did get in on an egg hunt that took place the day before Easter at one of our Amish friend’s homes. It was a lot of fun watching the little ones hunt for eggs.

• Your new cookbook, Amish Friends Farm-To-Table Cookbook, seems to be great for farmers’ markets, CSAs, or any farm-to-table organizations or events. Do you have farmers’ markets or local farmers you deal with at home for your produce and food?

Yes, we do have a local Farmers’ Market and many smaller places that sell local produce in our area.

• Do you enjoy writing mysteries or non-mysteries more, and why? ~Keren Lyles

I enjoy writing both mysteries and non-mystery novels, which is why I don’t stick to just one. It’s always fun to do something different.

• Are there any future plans to turn the "Mifflin county mystery series" into a musical as well? Or any of the other book series from the past? ~Erin Rivera, Sandi Angelo

I really don’t know because the decision to turn one of my books into a musical play is up to the producer.

• What has been your favorite series? ~Lori Hart

I think they all are my favorite when I’m in the midst of writing them, but I suppose if I had to choose just one, it might be The Daughters of Lancaster County series, where an Amish child is kidnapped.

• What has been your favorite book? ~Sarah Storm

The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club is one of my favorites. It was fun to write about so many different characters, who all had some sort of problem they were dealing with. What made it even more enjoyable was the sweet Amish woman who not only taught them all how to quilt, but gave each person some sound advice.

• Will there be more mystery series in the future? ~Diane Krug

I am not currently plotting one, but there’s a good chance that I will write another mystery novel sometime in the future.

• Do you ever try any of the recipes in your cookbooks before they are published? ~Jackie Tessnair

Yes, I have tried several in advance of them being published, and of course, I have tried many after the cookbooks are published.

• What kind of books do you like to read and who’s your favorite author? ~Lisa Edwards

I enjoy reading historical fiction novel, like those written by Janette Oke and Tracie Peterson. They both are high on my “favorite author” list.

• Do you think you’d come to upstate New York for a book signing some day? ~Tammy Layton

I was in upstate New York many years ago for a signing. Perhaps someday I can come back.

• Any more devotionals planned, or cookbooks? Maybe a coloring book? ~Sherri Myers, Ashley Marquardt

There are no plans at this point for another cookbook or devotional, but it might happen someday.

• Any plans on writing an Amish cozy mystery (like Amanda Flower's An Amish Candy Shop series)? ~Kristina Anderson

There are no plans for one at this time, but I am not opposed to the idea.

• Do you plan on co-writing any more books with Martha Bolton? Also, since Martha writes a lot of the musicals for the Blue Gate Theatre, I was wondering if she is working on any more musicals from any of your other book series? I understand, if you can’t answer! I personally would LOVE to see the Prayer Jar Series become a musical! I love seeing your books come to life in a musical. I have seen all of your musicals at the Blue Gate and am looking forward to seeing you and Martha at the opening day musical in Shipshewana!! ~Janet Nush

We have talked about it, but we’re both currently quite busy with other projects, so time will tell if we can put our heads together for another co-authored book together. At this point, I don’t know what plans Blue Gate Musicals have made for upcoming plays.

• What does/did Easter look like at the Brunstetter home? ~Nyla Wilkerson

We always attend church on Easter Sunday, and often go out for a meal afterwards with family members, which is what we did this year.

• Do you like your new hairstyle? Because I love it. ~Vicky Sluiter

Yes, I do like my new hairstyle, because it’s easy to care for.

• When do you plan on returning to Lancaster? My daughter lives in Quarryville. Do you know that area? ~Sandi Angelo

There are no set plans as to when we might return to Lancaster. We always enjoy going there, and the fact that we have family members living near Lancaster is always a drawing card.

• Will you write more stories including ventriloquists? Like "Clowning Around" and "Talking for Two"? ~Keren Lyles

Probably not, but I never really know for sure what I’m going to write until I do.

• When will you come to Virginia for a book signing? I would love to meet you. ~Sarah Arnold

I have no current plans to visit Virginia, but I never know what’s down the road for me.

• What led you to writing? Was it a dream you always had? ~Laura Wofford

Growing up, I loved to read, and always had my nose in a book. Then I began writing poetry and eventually moved on to plays and puppet scripts. From there I ventured into short stories and later, decided that what I really wanted to write was novels.

• What is your favorite thing to do to unwind? ~Sylvia Gorton

I love to spend time outdoors. If I’m at home, I enjoy being outside where I can see and hear the things of nature in our yard. When I have the opportunity to go to the beach, I love beachcombing and collecting unusual shells.

• I know Wanda has traveled to Hawaii and Florida. Is there a location you would love to see that you haven't yet gone?~Jeanette Fallon

The one place I would love to see is the Ark Experience in Kentucky. It’s definitely on my bucket list.

• Are there more cookbooks planned for the future? How do you get all the recipes for the cookbooks? Are they all from personal Amish friends? What is your favorite recipe from one of your cookbooks?~Janet Nush

As far as I know, there are no new cookbooks planned in the near future. The recipes come from my Amish friends, and their friends and relatives. Sometimes the Amish and Mennonite contributors are people I don’t know personally but who have heard or read about the need for more recipes. One of my favorite recipes was given to me by a longtime Amish friend. It’s called “Angel Cream Pie” and it’s delicious! 

• How do you decide on the themes for her cookbooks?~Erin Kessler

My publisher and I talk about various theme ideas and then they choose which ones to use.

• Do you ever find yourself saying, “I don’t want to write anymore; I’m just tired.”~Tammy Layton

I have never thought I didn’t want to write on a permanent basis, but there are days when other things get in the way of writing, or I feel tired and unable to keep my focus. When that occurs, I need to take a little break. Writing has become like the air I breathe, and I need it and love it, but as with everything in life, there are times when short breaks are needed and appreciated.

• Have you ever thought about writing a book of Amish home remedies and herbs as medicine, etc? If not, can you recommend a good book that is authentic Amish practices?~Jackie Tessnair

I don’t know of any Amish home remedy books, but it would make for an interesting and helpful book. Several of my cookbooks do offer some home remedies and mention specific herbs as medicine, however.

• I lived near Old Order Amish growing up. I love how you are so accurate when you write about the Amish in your books. I realize you have a great background. Do you ever get to Michigan for book signings?~Karen Hoth

I have done a few signings in Michigan in the past, but nothing recently.

• What is one series that you would love to go back to and why?~Shannon Spaulding

I’ve always wanted to revisit my Quilt Club series, which I am currently doing, in that this book is going to be a prequel to the series, showing what Emma was like as a young woman and how she began quilting and fell in love for the first time.

• What age were you when you started writing?~Roberta McMahan

I began writing in the second grade with a poem about a moth. My teacher thought it was good and suggested that I might be an author someday.

• Is there a place you'd love to visit so that you could use it as a setting?~Connie Saunders

My Amish friends love to travel, so I could probably pick just about anywhere for a setting if I went there to research. We even met Amish people in Niagara Falls several years ago, so that might make a good setting sometime in the future.

• Would you plan on coming to Southern California Riverside for a book signing?~Keren Lyles

There are no current plans to visit California, but I never know what the future holds.

• If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you choose to go?~Shelley Beachy

A return trip to Hawaii would be really nice. I love it there, no matter which island we visit.

• Besides food recipes, do you use any other Amish made items in your home (cleaning supplies, health & beauty items, etc)?~Melissa Cutshaw

I do use a few Amish-made soaps and some health care items that I have found to be quite helpful. I also own a few Amish quilts and pieces of Amish-made furniture, which I cherish and appreciate because they are made so well.

• Any hints on what the next series will be about?~Melissa Fox

In October of this year, my granddaughter, Richelle, who has written a few novellas with me in the past, has a book coming out called, “The Amish Ballerina.” My name is also on the book, since I helped her with some scenes and chapters, but the storyline is completely hers. As I stated in a previous answer to a question, I’m currently working on a prequel to the Half-Stitched Quilting Club series. That book is scheduled to come out in March 2026. I will also soon be co-authoring a novel with my daughter, Lorine, which will be published in May 2026.

• How do the Amish around the table know when everyone is done praying?~Jackie Tessnair

Sometimes there is a rustling sound or clearing of someone’s throat. Or, if in doubt, I just open my eyes when I’m through praying, and wait until others around the table do the same.

• Does Wanda have the recipe for Uncle Moses drawing sauve? I used to get this from an Amish lady and haven’t seen it in years. Works great for kids with a bandaid to draw out splinters with no tears as well as other things!~Lori Hart

No, sorry, I don’t have that recipe. Sounds like a good one, though.