About Me I am a retired librarian and I now support books and authors through my reviews.

I have always loved to read and I was able to share that love through my work as a public librarian for 22 1/2 years. I now promote literacy by reading, and then writing reviews. I love to support authors by sharing my reviews with others!

Sunday, March 31, 2019

An Amish Reunion: Four Stories by Amy Clipston, Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller & Kelly Irvin

ABOUT THE BOOK

From bestselling authors in the Amish genre come four stories about reuniting with those you love.

Their True Home by Amy Clipston

When Marlene Bawell moved from Bird-in-Hand ten years ago, she was in the deepest of mourning for her mother. Now her family has moved back so her father can seek employment after being laid off. To help save money, Marlene works at the hardware store owned by Rudy Swarey’s father. She knew Rudy growing up and had a secret crush on him, though he never seemed to notice her. But just as a friendship between them begins to blossom, her life is once again turned upside down. Will Marlene ever have a chance to find her own true home?

A Reunion of Hearts by Beth Wiseman

Ruth and Gideon Beiler experienced one of life’s most tragic events. Unable to get past their grief, the couple abandoned their Amish faith and went in different directions, though neither could bear to formally dissolve the marriage. When their loved ones reach out to them to come home for a family reunion, Ruth has reason to believe that Gideon won’t be there. Gideon also thinks that Ruth has declined the invitation. Family and friends are rooting for them to reunite, but will it all be enough for Ruth and Gideon to get past their grief and recapture a time when they were in love and had a bright future ahead of them?

A Chance to Remember by Kathleen Fuller

Cevilla Schlabach, Birch Creek’s resident octogenarian matchmaker, is surprised when Richard, a man from her Englisch past, arrives in Birch Creek for a visit. While he and Cevilla take several walks down memory lane, they wonder what the future holds for them at this stage of life—friendship, or the possibility of something else?

Mended Hearts by Kelly Irvin

At eighteen Hannah Kauffman made a terrible mistake. Her parents and members of her Jamesport Amish community say they’ve forgiven her. But she feels their eyes following her everywhere she goes with eighteen-month-old Evie. Thaddeus, Evie’s father, escaped this fate by running away from Jamesport. Now that Thaddeus is gone, Hannah’s old friend Phillip is stepping up to be by her side. He has waited patiently for Hannah to realize just how much he cares for her. But when Thaddeus returns after two years, Hannah can’t deny the love she feels for him. Does the fact that Phillip has waited patiently for her all this time mean that she owes him something? Can she trust either one of them? Can she trust herself? She has repented and been forgiven by the One who is most important—her heavenly Father. But is she willing to risk making more mistakes by opening herself up to love?
 

MY THOUGHTS..... An Amish Reunion: Four Stories by Amy Clipston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


An Amish Reunion: Four Stories"It may be hard for you to see right now, but God has a plan for you. Scripture promises He takes everything and makes it work for your good. You can count on Him." (p.290) Mended Hearts

These words were penned by Kelly Irvin but they could apply to all of the stories found in An Amish Reunion. This new book is a collection of four novellas that focus on relationships that appear to be damaged beyond repair. The characters are of varioius ages and the circumstances are all different but each story allows us to see these Amish people during their weakest moments. Their True Home promises us that we can go home again; A Reunion of Hearts shows us that our greatest hurts and our deepest sorrows can be healed; A Chance to Remember suggests that love and companionship is possible during our golden years; and Mended Hearts teaches us that love and forgiveness is often the cure for our deepest hurts. Each of these stories offers the assurance that nothing is impossible!

Amy Clipston, Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller and Kelly Irvin are all talented authors in their own right but their combined talents have produced an enjoyable collection. I recommend An Amish Reunion for anyone who likes Amish stories and Christian fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and I voluntarily chose to share this review.

View all my reviews

Saturday, March 30, 2019

Eat, Live, Thrive Diet: A Lifestyle Plan to Rev Up Your Midlife Metabolism by Danna Demetre, Robyn Thomson

Eat, Live, Thrive Diet: A Lifestyle Plan to Rev Up Your Midlife MetabolismABOUT THE BOOK

From the well-known health and lifestyle coaches of the widely popular website Lean Healthy Ageless (formerly Ageless Woman Living) comes a practical, science-based diet book that unravels the mystery of why women gain weight as they age and includes a sustainable plan to permanently lose the pounds and inches.

Eat, Live, Thrive Diet shows women how they can not only lose excess body fat permanently but also improve their overall health in critical areas such as brain function, resistance to disease, slowing down external aging, and increasing energy. This highly effective eating plan is presented in a compassionate voice by two experienced health coaches who share personal experiences of battling weight and emotional eating issues. Whereas most diets are short-lived or require substantial upkeep to maintain, Eat, Live, Thrive Diet is a viable eating plan that women can adhere to indefinitely. In addition to minimizing sugar intake, the plan emphasizes the importance of short-term intermittent fasting--a simple lifestyle change that makes it easier and more effective for many mature women to reach their health and weight loss goals. The book also highlights health risks and drawbacks of many popular fad diets that can be harmful on a long-term basis.

MY THOUGHTS.....

Eat, Live, Thrive Diet: A Lifestyle Plan to Rev Up Your Midlife Metabolism by Danna Demetre
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There are so many reasons for me to love this book. The Eat, Live, Thrive Diet is
*Age Appropriate--There is extra help for women over forty-five.
*Easy to use--It is divided into five parts: Preparation; The Plan; True Food; A Thriving Life; and Recipes That Satisfy.
*Recipes--I am especially happy to have the recipes and I already have most of the ingredients.
*Motivation--The authors certainly know how to encourage and motivate! Reading this book is almost like having two personal coaches in my home and I appreciate all of the tips that they share.
*Additional Resources--There are two websites and a Facebook page that will offer more support as I continue my journey.


I appreciate that, along with the unlimited advice and information, there is also a chapter that deals with the natural aging process. Chapter 14, Beauty and the Beast, reminds us that our bodies will naturally change as we grow older but we can still try to be the best that we can be. We are reminded that "First, we do our part to take care of our bodies---our only vehicles for this present life. Second, we renew our minds with truth so that we can find peace and contentment." (p. 178) Or, as King Solomon very wisely proclaimed "Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life." Proverbs 16:31

I believe that most of us want to improve our physical and mental health and if we can lose weight and look and feel better....certainly added perks! Eat, Live, Thrive Diet is geared toward women facing the age-old problem of metabolism slowing down in midlife but its content certainly isn't limited to just this age group. Women of all ages will discover how to eat, live and thrive.

I only have good things to say about this book and I heartily recommend it.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Waterbrook & Multnomah Launch Team but this is my honest review.
#PRHpartner


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Friday, March 29, 2019

The Missing Will by Wanda E. Brunstetter & Jean Brunstetter

The Missing Will (The Amish Millionaire #4)ABOUT THE BOOK

Join New York Times Bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter along with Jean Brunstetter in Holmes County for a dramatic new 6-part serial novel. 

Meet businessman Joel Byler who has gotten himself into a financial bind and his eccentric, wealthy Amish father who is done bailing out his spoiled son. When will Joel learn he most pay for his own mistakes—and at what cost to his business, his fiancĂ©e, and his Amish siblings?

The Amish Millionaire -- A 6-Part Serial Novel
#1: The English Son
#2: The Stubborn Father
#3: The Betrayed Fiancee
#4: The Missing Will
#5: The Divided Family
#6: The Selfless Act 


MY THOUGHTS.....

The Missing Will by Wanda E. Brunstetter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"For the love of money is the root of all evil". This was originally written as Bible scripture in 1 Timothy 6:10 but these words are now often quoted in our current society and they seem to apply to the troubles that Joel Byler is now experiencing in The Missing Will. Joel is still living as an 'Englisher' after leaving Holmes County and he is still obsessed with money and material possessions. His determination to find his deceased father's missing will and his seemingly unsympathetic reactions to his family's grief over Eustace Byler's recent death have left him estranged from his three sisters and dealing with the end of his relationship with Kristi Palmer.

This is the fourth book in The Amish Millionaire serial that was first published as six different novellas in 2016. I've enjoyed getting to know the members of this Amish family but I have a problem with Joel Byler. He is very self-centered and, even though I know that there is good in everyone, I find myself disliking him. Joel still blames his father for being "selfish" with his money and he seems unable to understand why Kristi decided to end their engagement. I look forward to reading the last two books to see how the authors resolve this story and to learn how they redeem the character of Joel Byler. The Missing Will also ends with another Byler family tragedy and I am eager to learn how these new circumstances will affect this Amish family.

Wanda E. Brunstetter and her daugher-in-law Jean Brunstetter certainly know how to portray the Amish lifestyle and I recommend The Missing Will to anyone who enjoys family drama.

View all my reviews

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

More for Mom: Living Your Whole and Holy Life by Kristin Funston


ABOUT THE BOOK

More for Mom will encourage women to stop believing the lie that more is needed from them, and start living with the truth that more is available for them.

With real-life talk, humor and convicting biblical truths, Kristin Funston helps hard working mamas to look at each day and each facet of their life to discover what happens when they believe God has more for them than what they think the world needs from them.

And what He has available is a whole and holy life, just waiting to be claimed-a salvation and day-to-day reality complete just as it is. The pieces of each mom's life-the work life, mom life, social life, etc.-are mended together through Christ to complete her one whole life, set apart because of Him.

This book is a stepping stone to help working mothers reset their spiritual and emotional health, habits, and relationship with God. There are performance pressures at work, home, and mind-sets that affect a mom's ability to feel complete and live more closely aligned with God. This book includes the beginning steps for moms to walk in wholeness and holiness by asking God for more. 

MY THOUGHTS.....



More for Mom: Living Your Whole and Holy LifeMore for Mom: Living Your Whole and Holy Life by Kristin Funston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Many people who see this book title may assume that it is for women who are of child-bearing age. Well, I am many years past that time but it calls to me because I am deeply involved in the care of my five year-old granddaughter. It also speaks to me because I sometimes feel that I just can't get it all done. I know that I'm not alone because most of us experience heavy demands on our time and our busy lives can occur at any age! One of the chapters in More for Mom is titled "More Time" and the author discusses how to shift our time and energy back to Jesus. She also shows us how to use Biblical truths to gain a new perspective. Funston tells us that "The small pieces of our lives that seem separate from one another actually work together to complete who we are, because we have a Creator who speaks through our pieces from a place of true wholeness."

In another excerpt she shares Luke 12:23. Jesus tells his disciples that "For life is more than food, and the body is more than clothes". Funston reminds us that "Life is Who we allow to complete it, and our body is Who we allow to fill it". Wow!

More for Mom is filled with bible scripture and Funston's own personal experiences and it is a book that encourages, motivates and inspires. So, whether you are a twenty-something stay-at-home mother; a thirty-something mother with a career; or even a sixty-something grandmother who is once again in the mothering business---it doesn't matter because---this book is for you! More for Mom can help you can find truth and encourage you to find a way to enjoy a "whole and holy life".

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book but was under no obligation to post a positive review.

View all my reviews

Tuesday, March 26, 2019

The White City Blog Tour and Giveaway!



About the Book




Book: The White City
Author: Grace Hitchcock  
Genre: Christian Historical/Suspense  
Release Date: March, 2019  

Mysterious Disappearances Taint the Chicago World’s Fair Step into True Colors—a new series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime While attending the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, Winnifred Wylde believes she witnessed a woman being kidnapped. She tries to convince her father, an inspector with the Chicago police, to look into reports of mysterious disappearances around the White City. Inspector Wylde tries to dismiss her claims as exaggeration of an overactive imagination, but he eventually concedes to letting her go undercover as secretary to the man in question—if she takes her pistol for protection and Jude Thorpe, a policeman, for bodyguard. Will she be able to expose H. H. Holmes’s illicit activity, or will Winnifred become his next victim?

Click here to order your copy.  


MY THOUGHTS.....

Winnifred Wylde thinks that she has witnessed a kidnapping while attending the Chicago's World Fair but the Chicago police inspector thinks that her report may be due to an overactive imagination. This police inspector is also her father and he knows just how much Winnifred enjoys reading those dime novels that are often filled with romance, adventure and mystery. Realizing that she won't let her suspicions rest, Inspector Wylde assigns one of his detectives to shadow her and protect her. This is the beginning of an exciting and adventurous tale and a possible romance between Winnifred and Jude Thorpe as they work together to solve the mysterious disappearances that have occurred at the fair and eventually discover a serial killer responsible for all of this.

This book is labeled as fiction but the storyline features the historic Chicago World Fair and the real person believed to have been America's first serial killer, H.H. Holmes. Author Grace Hitchcock successfully captures the atmosphere surrounding the Chicago World Fair in this story that begins in July 1893 and ends as the fair is closing in October. I felt the people's joy of having such an important event and I could feel their anticipation when waiting to ride on the ferris wheel; I could also imagine their doubts and fears as the mysterious disappearances continued to occur. 

This is Grace Hitchcock's first full-lenth novel and she has created a story filled with adventure, intrigue and danger. It is the perfect read for anyone who enjoys suspense, historical fiction and Christian romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and was under no obligation to post a review.


About the Author



Grace Hitchcock is the author of three novellas in The Second Chance Brides, The Southern Belle Brides, and the Thimbles and Threads collections with Barbour Publishing. The White City is her debut novel and releases March 2019 with Barbour Publishing. She holds a Masters in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives in southern Louisiana with her husband, Dakota, and son. Visit Grace online at GraceHitchcock.com.
 

Guest Post from Grace


True Colors—Fiction Based on Strange, But True, American Crime Stories True, riveting stories of American criminal activity are explored through 6 unique stories of historical romantic suspense in the exciting new True Colors series. In book one, The White City, Winnifred Wylde believes she witnessed a woman being kidnapped while attending the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893. She tries to convince her father, an inspector with the Chicago police, to look into reports of mysterious disappearances around the White City. Inspector Wylde tries to dismiss her claims as exaggeration of an overactive imagination, but he eventually concedes to letting her go undercover as secretary to the man in question—if she takes her pistol for protection and Jude Thorpe, a detective, for bodyguard. Will she be able to expose H. H. Holmes’s illicit activity, or will Winnifred become his next victim? The Real Criminal Behind the Story While Winnifred Wylde is a fictional character, Doctor H. H. Holmes was very real and became infamously known as America’s first serial killer. Learn more about him HERE.  


Blog Stops


The Lit Addict, March 14
Multifarious, March 15
Back Porch Reads, March 15
Livin’ Lit, March 16
By The Book, March 18
EmpowerMoms, March 19
Bigreadersite, March 21
Genesis 5020, March 21
The Becca Files, March 21
Emily Yager, March 22
Pause for Tales, March 22
Mary Hake, March 23
Book by Book, March 23
amandainpa, March 25
Older & Smarter?, March 26
                                                       Texas Book-aholic, March 27

Giveaway




To celebrate her tour, Grace is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of The White City!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/dd7d/the-white-city-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, March 18, 2019

A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh (Regency Brides: Daughters of Aynsley) by Carolyn Miller

ABOUT THE BOOK




Can a proper noble lady find a future with a fossil-hunting man of faith?

As the daughter of Viscount Aynsley, Caroline Hatherleigh knows every rule of society--and she's always followed them precisely. But when she visits south Devonshire and encounters a fossil-hunting scientist and his sister, her assumptions about what is right are shaken. Questions she has never considered about the importance of friendship and faith suddenly confront her--and her comfortable understanding about how the world works is thrown off balance. What if God wants to be the center of her life, rather than merely a social obligation?

Gideon Kirby loves science, and hunting down proof of past lives is a joy he won't willingly give up. But his scientific leanings are being challenged both by his personal beliefs and by local smugglers in the Devonshire countryside. And every day his sister's illness becomes more desperate, her care growing more demanding. Adding a viscount's daughter to the mix is a complication Gideon never expected--especially since he must stay far away from this young woman he's falling for in order to protect his beloved sister's secret.

When a mysterious stranger visits the village, that secret will be exposed, no matter how Gideon fights. Then tragedy strikes in a smugglers' cave. And the threat of scandal may lead to broken hearts and passionless propriety. Will the shaky bond these two have nurtured be strong enough to overcome their differences--or will the trust they've withheld from each other tear three lives apart?
 
MY THOUGHTS.....

A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh (Regency Brides: Daughters of Aynsley #1)A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh by Carolyn Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This new book from author Carolyn Miller affected so many of my emotions. It made me laugh at its humor; it made me "swoon" when Caroline and Gideon were discovering each other romantically; it frustrated me with the gossip that was so rampant and it angered me when Gideon's sister Emma was suffering abuse from her husband, Lord Pratt. But most of all, this book inspired me because it showed how no one is complete until they have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior.

Caroline Hatherleigh seemed to have it all. She was the daughter of Viscount Aynsley and enjoyed the perks of the uppercrust society in 1818 London. It is, however, her visit with her grandmother in south Devonshire that shows Caroline just how shallow her life really is. It is there in that coastal village that she finds true friendship and a chance at everlasting love. Caroline meets Emma Kirby and her brother Gideon and, even though they apparently aren't arisotcrats, they both possess an inner peace and a strong faith that only comes from believing in God and in prayer. Gideon is a research scientist and his passion is searching for fossils but this doesn't detract from his belief that God was responsible for all of Creation. Emma is very fragile and her health is very uncertain but she still trusts that God will see her through. The Kirby's influence and a dangerous cave accident show Caroline that she herself needs a relationship with a Higher Power. Miller's explanation of Caroline's acceptance of Jesus Christ is one of the most moving accounts of conversion that I have ever read! As Caroline wonders if God would even hear her prayers, she hears a voice that can only be God saying "Trust me". As she ponders "Oh, how wretched she was. Oh, how she needed hope. Oh, how she needed forgiveness" (p. 231) Caroline finally tells God "I know I am not good enough, but I believe that Jesus Christ's death paid for my sin, and that You will forgive me. Please help me trust You, help me to understand what you want me to do." (p.232)

The mention of smugglers, domestic abuse, and the discovery of a rare ancient fossil aren't topics normally discussed in a Regency novel but Miller has been able to weave them into this wonderful story of a young woman who discovers that one's social standing has nothing to do with one's value as a human being.

A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh is the first book in the Regency Brides: Daughters of Aynsley series and I believe that this may be Miller's best book yet! I recommend it to anyone who enjoys Regency romance and Christian fiction.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and Kregel Publications but my review is voluntary.

View all my reviews

Friday, March 15, 2019

The Highest of Hopes by Susan Anne Mason

ABOUT THE BOOK               

The Highest of Hopes (Canadian Crossings, #2)
After her beloved grandfather's death, Emmaline Moore is shocked to discover that her "deceased" father is actually living in Canada. Having no other family, Emma decides she must find him, and so embarks on a journey across the ocean, accompanied by her best friend, Jonathan. Unfortunately, Randall Moore and his well-to-do family aren't thrilled by her arrival, fearing her sudden appearance will hinder his chance at becoming mayor of Toronto in 1919. Despite everything, Emma remains determined to earn their affection.

Jonathan Rowe has secretly loved Emma for years and hopes that during their trip he can win her heart. Concerned that Randall might reject her, Jonathan is ready to console Emma and bring her home. When she informs him that she has no intention of returning to England, Jonathan begins to despair. Can he convince Emma to find value within herself rather than seeking it from a virtual stranger? And will she ever come to see that Jonathan is her true home?
 

MY THOUGHTS.....

The Highest of Hopes by Susan Anne Mason
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It is June 1919 when Emmaline Moore boards a ship in England and sets off for Canada in the hopes of finding the father that she had presumed dead until six weeks earlier. Her best friend Jonathan Rowe travels with her and it is very apparent that he considers Emmaline (Emma) to be more than just his friend. Jonathan knows that Emma often acts without thinking things through but he loves her and he wants to protect her as she begins this life-altering journey.

Susan Anne Mason has a way of creating very realistic characters and Jonathan may just be my favorite character. I admired him for his strength and his loyalty and even though he had his own problems, he considered Emma's needs above his own. Emma was a little more self-centered and I found myself being impatient with her tendency to take him for granted. The other characters are also multi-faceted and they often exhibit the many sides of human nature. This story spans about one year and we are shown bitterness, selfishness and downright meanness but we are also allowed to see genuine goodness and witness what love and forgiveness can do. Redemption is a positive outcome for many of these people and isn't that what all of us hope for?

There are many twists and turns after Emmaline Moore finds her father and we are reminded that it is easy to overlook our blessings while seeking other goals. Emmaline's longing for a father and a family overshadows just how fortunate she was to have been raised by loving and supportive grandparents. It wasn't until later that she realized how blessed she had always been and "How ironic that she'd traveled thousands of miles, searching for home, for love and acceptance, when it had been with her all along."

Emmaline had the highest of hopes that she would find a traditional family and Jonathan's hopes were centered around his love for her. Hopes for an "everlasting love, forged from a common childhood, solidified by friendship, and strengthened by the challenges that had come their way."

The Highest of Hopes is a must-read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction and Christian romance and I highly recommend it.

I received a copy of this book from the author and Bethany House but I voluntarily chose to share this review.



View all my reviews

Thursday, March 14, 2019

The Watch on the Fencepost by Kay DiBianca Blog Tour and Giveaway



About the Book




Book: The Watch on the Fencepost  
Author: Kay DiBianca  
Genre: Christian Mystery / Suspense/ Romance  

A WATCH THAT REVEALS MORE THAN JUST THE TIME . . . A mysterious gold watch propels 27-year-old Kathryn Frasier into a quest to prove her parents’ recent deaths were not an accident. Following a trail of cryptic clues, she encounters a remarkable cast of characters, including an actress with a talent for disguises, a politician with a dark secret, and a handsome businessman who shows a sudden romantic interest in Kathryn. Can she solve the mystery before she becomes the next victim?

Click here to purchase your copy.


About the Author




Kay DiBianca holds an MS degree in computer science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has worked in the IT departments of several major organizations, including IBM, UNC Chapel Hill, International Paper, and FedEx. She has an instrument rating in single-engine aircraft and competes in the Senior Olympics track events. She is a U.S. representative for Bridges for Peace, an international organization whose mission is to serve the people of Israel. She and her husband, Frank, live in Memphis, Tennessee. For more information, visit kaydibianca.com.

Guest post from Kay

WHY I WROTE THE WATCH ON THE FENCEPOST I’m a runner. I spend a lot of time on the treadmill, at a local track, or running in a park near my home. When I’m outdoors, I usually listen to podcasts or audio books to keep my mind occupied. Several years ago, I was listening to a mystery novel while running on a trail, and I began to put together a story in my own mind. Over the following weeks and months, I had created the characters of Kathryn and Cece, and I could see them in my mind’s eye. On another long run, I passed an old fence post and a plot began to form itself. Other characters seemed to materialize out of nowhere, and soon I had the basic outline of the book in my head. Before long I was ignoring the audio book voices coming through my earbuds and just adding to my own story. That’s when I decided to write it down. In the next few months, my story grew from a general outline to a narrative that stretched to over 60,000 words, and I loved the little surprises that popped up along the way. Although I had intended the book to be a straight mystery, I found some of the characters writing their own scenes, and soon there was romance! As I chiseled away the extraneous parts and added detail and nuance, the important story elements of love, faith, and family rose to the surface. I delighted in Kathryn’s discovering more about herself and Cece’s unfailing wisdom and humor. I spent over a year working with an editor to revise and strengthen the book. With every change in a word or addition of a plot twist, the story got better. It’s been three years since that first run in the park that got me thinking about the story. Now Kathryn, Cece, Phil, Mike, Tommy, and all the others are ready to tell their stories to the world. I think I’ll go for a run tomorrow to see what Kathryn and Cece are going to be up to next.

MY THOUGHTS.....

Kathryn Frasier finds a gold watch on a fencepost in the park where she often runs and her life changes forever when she discovers that the owner of the watch is actually a half-sister that she never knew existed. Soon, she and CeCe Goldman are involved in solving the  clues left by Kathryn's late father that will hopefully reveal the true events leading up to the car accident that killed him and his wife. A political campaign involving a politician with a secret and a threat on Kathryn's own life are also a part of this intriguing story and there is even the promise of a romance between Kathryn and a young man that her father had known and respected.

This is Kay DiBianca's first book and she succeeded in keeping my attention until the very end. I thought that I knew the guilty person but the motive was a complete surprise! Kathryn's father loved to solve puzzles so the clues that were scattered throughout the story were the perfect touch and I loved how DiBianca even alluded to them in reference to Kathyn's discovery of her half-sister. She and CeCe felt an immediate bond as sisters and Kathryn also experienced complete acceptance from Cece's adoptive parents. Kathryn realized that "She felt a surprising sense of completion, as if someone had given her a final piece to a puzzle--a piece she didn't even know was missing." (p.44)

The Watch on the Fencepost is a lovely story and and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys mysteries full of intrigue but free of excessive violence and gore.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit and I voluntarily chose to share my opinions in this review

Blog Stops

Mary Hake, March 4
Emily Yager, March 8
Pause for Tales, March 9
Older & Smarter?, March 14
By The Book, March 14
BigreadersiteMarch 15
The Becca Files, March 15

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Kay is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/dcb1/the-watch-on-the-fencepost-celebration-tour-giveaway