January 26, 2026

By  No comments

Book Review: The High Divide

Book Title: The High Divide
Author: Lin Enger
Publisher: Algonquin Books
Publisher Date: 3 September 2014 (332 Pages, Hardcover)
Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Western, 1878 - 1889 Gilded Age
Series: 
In 1886, Gretta Pope wakes one morning to discover that her husband is gone. Ulysses Pope has left his family behind on the far edge of Minnesota's western prairie, with only the briefest of notes and no explanation for why he left or where he's headed. It doesn't take long for Gretta's young sons, Eli and Danny, to set off after him, following the scant clues they can find, jumping trains to get where they need to go, and ending up in the rugged badlands of Montana. Short on money and beleaguered by a treacherous landlord, Gretta has no choice but to seek out her sons and her husband as well, leading her to the doorstep of a woman who seems intent on making Ulysses her own. While out in the Western wilderness, the boys find that the closer they come to Ulysses's trail, the greater the perils that confront them--until each is faced with a choice about whom they will defend, and who they will become. Enger's breathtaking portrait of the vast plains land- scape is matched by the rich expanse of his characters' emotional terrain, as pivotal historical events--the bloody turmoil of expansionism, the near total demise of the bison herds, and the subjugation of the Plains Indians--blend seamlessly with the intimate story of a family's sacrifice and devotion.
Disclaimer: I received this book free from LibraryThing Early Readers for an honest review. This is my honest review.
Want To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bam | Bookbub | 
Add To: Goodreads
We are introduced to the family that we will be following. We are seeing Eli's point of view at the moment.
We know the boys are home, and Eli see thus father walk away? But why? Will Eli go looking for his father? Will he stay and help his mother and brother?
We seem to be seeing how each member feels or struggles when someone walks away. Will Danny and Eil keep looking for their father? Will Eli go off and leave his brother, Danny, with their mother?

Eli seems determined to go search for their father. Danny seems to have either dreams or nightmares. Are his headaches due to them?
Now there m I ther is looking for both her sons. Will she find them? What will she do if and when she finds them?

It looks like the boys are searching for their father. After finding out some information about him, they realize they do not know him. Will they decide to head back home? Will they follow, hoping to find their father? Will their father return, and will they all be together? Will it just be Gretta and her sons that remain?

What adventures does Eli go on, and will he let his father learn a lesson, or will Eli do something to help his father heal and help a man who lost his whole family? Will his father feel better?
Was his guilt too much to consider dying, and will this Magpie and his family understand, and what is the result of giving one son for another? Will the Inians see that his son might be struggling, and is that what he wanted for a son he so wanted to teach and have help hunting? Did these Indians decide that what they did would not help, or did it make more sense to see the world as it changed to?

 
Please read my NRC Policies Page
By  No comments

Book Review: Bound to Happen

Book Title: Bound To Happen
Author: Annie R McEwen
Publisher: Harbor Lane Books, LLC.
Publisher Date: February 4, 2025 (386 Pages, Paperback)
Genres: Mystery, Time Travel, Paranormal, Romance, Paranormal Romance
Series: Bound #2
The women in her family have a history of falling in love with ghosts. Aoife’s positive she’s the exception to the rule.
She’s wrong.

Aoife ‘Fee’ Gowdie is exploring a derelict London music hall when she discovers a seventeenth century theatre below. The problem? It’s got a seventeenth century ghost in it. And he has a pet—Fee’s mouse, the one she buried that morning.

Gilbert ‘Gil’ Sorley—orphan, thief, actor, playwright—was born in 1613 and died… The jury’s still out on that. He remembers the moment. The fight, the blade, the blood. It’s been a gray wasteland since then. Until the miracle of her. And the mouse.

The old theatre has protected Gil for centuries, but now it’s slated for demolition. To stop time and death, Fee and Gil have nothing except desperate, impossible love. Is it enough?

BOUND TO HAPPEN by Annie R McEwen is perfect for fans of Discovery of Witches and Practical Magic, the A Stitch in Time books, Ghost, and The Ghost and Mrs. Muir.
Disclaimer: I bought this book, and this is my own honest review
Want To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bam | Bookbub |
Add To: Goodreads
We meet up with Fee. She is about studying or researching, not playing—her flatmates help her bury her mouse.

I am curious about her parents and, if she has any, her siblings. Suppose this is the same Fee that is mentioned at the end of book one. Her name is Aoife, but friends call her "Fee". Wonder what she's doing in London and who she works for.

We meet Gil, and we see his point of view. He seems interested in a woman who was on stage. What happened to him? What caused his death and exile to a theater in London? He has come alive this year when an ung woman came to visit and explore the stage.

Fee thinks she can pass on her leaking as if it were a choice. But what if she's soul, and she really does have a choice?

Will she help Gil? Her mother warned her, but she didn't take it seriously.

Where she is now, she has to forget her family, such as her brothers and parents. However, we have some memories of her mom and Papa, and of her brother, Michael, and the twins. Will her siblings have Souler, or is it just women in the family?

It's getting more and more interesting as the story goes on. Will Fee finally know that she found her healing? Did he see her?

Why can souls travel centuries? But somewhat struggling in the 21st century with life once they run into their leeches?

Will Fee and Gil have a few children at some point? Will they be souls as well?

Will Fee free her leating? Will she join him once she does? She's trying to learn her soul's past. But is it a family business, or something else? Did her mother not get all the help, or did she not know how to bring her ghost to her, and that is why Fee and her sibling were living in Paris, France, in the 1700s?.


 
Please read my NRC Policies Page

January 10, 2026

By  No comments

Book Review: Spring Thaw: A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery Novella and Other Mystery Short Stories

Book Title: Spring Thaw: A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery Novella and Other Mystery Short Stories
Author: Lauren Carr
Publisher:  Independently Published
Publisher Date: 23 October 2018 (250 Pages, Paperback)
Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Murder Mystery, Short Stories,
Series: A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #1.5
In today's hectic world, many whodunit fans don't have time to get their mystery fix diving into a whole novel. Lauren Carr's SPRING THAW AND OTHER MYSTERY SHORT STORIES is for these fans-but that doesn't mean whodunit fans who do have time can't dive in as well.

A novella, Spring Thaw features retired federal agent Chris Matheson from Lauren Carr's newest bestselling cold case series. When his late father's former friend is indicted for the seven-year-old murder of a church bishop, Chris renews old broken friendships to thaw out the cold case.

Featuring Mac Faraday from Lauren Carr's popular Mac Faraday Mysteries, an estate auction turns into a deadly affair after Gnarly's antics cause Mac to purchase a gem of a dress, which isn't his color in Killing Bid. (Previously published in Lauren Carr's BEAUTY TO DIE FOR.) Beauty to Die For features the Lovers in Crime, Joshua Thornton, and Cameron Gates in a race against the Angel of Death to clear the name of a dying woman's son, who was framed for murdering Miss Pennsylvania. (Previously published in BEAUTY TO DIE FOR.)

Countdown to Murder returns to the Lovers in Crime where Cameron and Joshua try to solve the murder of a young pregnant widow before it happens. (Previously published in BEAUTY TO DIE FOR.) Mystery fans will see that every dog has his day, especially if that dog is Gnarly.

In Lucky Dog, Gnarly helps Mac Faraday to solve the murder of a wealthy society girl. (Previously published in BEAUTY TO DIE FOR.) Dog Loving Mystery Fans will get a special treat when they read The Gnarly Rehabilitation Program. In this Gnarly Mystery Short, Bert and Ernie learn the hard way that crime does not pay when they dognap Gnarly. (Previously published as a bonus feature with A WEDDING AND A KILLING.)

Gnarly, the rambunctious German shepherd, is also featured in Lauren Carr's Christmas short, A Gnarly Christmas. It is Christmas day and Gnarly has been up to his old tricks again. Now he's in the doghouse--or rather the boathouse--after stealing the Christmas feast! Moments after Archie and Mac leave Spencer Manor, Gnarly hears a call for help from Rocky, the Maltese down the street. Four assassins for hire have invaded the home of Rocky's elderly owners. While the home invaders wait for instructions from a mysterious caller, Gnarly must plot to stop them. Can Gnarly save Christmas with only the help of an 8-pound Maltese dressed in an elf suit? (Previously published as a single short story by the same name.)

Disclaimer: I bought this book, as I am a big fan of Lauren Carr. I really wanted to read this book to catch up with all her series. This is my honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Want To Buy: Amazon | BH Publishing Group | Lifeway |
Add To: Goodreads
Spring Thaw:
A Chris Matheson Cold Case
We are introduced to Chris and his family when we get a premonition of what is going on six years earlier.

Who came into the church and started shooting up the church while trustees were in a meeting.

Was it a trustee or was it someone else? Was it Duance McCall? Why stick it to him? Why investigate him? Why does he have a mystery that was unsolved in the case of why he cut off his family and friends when the church split?

Chris got some information about what might be going on, but not much. Though we hear Kirk and what was going on around the time of the shooting. 

Though we get more of Kelly's father's story. Why all of a sudden do we have new witnesses come about, and now a murder weapon? 

A 6-year-old cold case seems to be reopened again, but why? Is someone covering for their own family member?

Lauren Carr can do it with short stories, too.  She hooked me with this one as it was only just starting. I am only a few pages in.

Well, we get more information, and now we don't know who did it. Was bishop really the target? Lauren Carr put twists and turns even in the middle of the story. Who is lying and why?

Killing Bid:
A Mac Faraday Mystery Short 
We are introduced to Mac and Artchie through Mac's perspective, primarily through his troubles with bag snatching. 

We are also introduced to Ben and Catherine's Flemings, who are Archie's friends.

While shopping, they talked about Celeste Taylor and the Estate auction Mac was invited to. 

When they get an auction or a lease, look at the jewelry left here. Archie and Catherine come up to respect their husbands' statement that all of Celeste Taylor's jewelry is fake.

Is this true or is it not? La Chat is mentioned in the book. Did he do it or not? Who is La Chat?

A Beauty to Die For:
A Lover In Crime Mystery Short
We meet up with Joshua and Cameron. It all starts with a 2 am phone call from his cousin Tad Macmillan.

This is the start of a series of secrets. But clarify one person's name for a dying person so she can have peace. 

Who is covering up murders, but especially Rachel Burke? Who framed Billy and murdered him? But made it look like something else and cover it up?

There are twists and turns, and even more to unravel this mystery.

Cameron and Joshua seem ready to prove that the dying mother's son did not do it, but to catch the real ones? But who did we seem to have found another murder along the way? 
 
Please read my NRC Policies Page
By  No comments

Calling All Mystery Fans! Join to get a Free copy of An Invitation to Murder (Lauren Carr' Mailing List Promotion)

* Exclusively for Followers who join Lauren Carr's Mailing List, become Mystery Club Members
A cryptic invitation arrives at the homes of Lauren Carr's most beloved detectives: an all-expenses-paid weekend of luxury at the five-star Spencer Inn—penthouse suites, black-tiedinners, and Sunday brunch included. It sounds too good to be true… or like the world’s mostelaborate time-share trap.

Mac Faraday, Chris Matheson and the Geezer Squad, Joshua Thornton and Cameron Gates, and Murphy Thornton and Jessica Faraday can’t resist. But this isn’t a vacation.

Mac has founded an exclusive club for the sharpest minds he knows—and their first challenge isto help a retired captain finally solve the forty-year-old murder that has haunted him since hisvery first case.

Over gourmet meals, spring gardens, and one chaotic dog-led treasure hunt, rivalries flare, old secrets surface, and a single silk scarf reveals a betrayal no one saw coming.

Packed with Lauren Carr’s signature humor, heart, and four-legged mischief, An Invitation to Mystery is the debut novella in the exclusive Deep Creek Detectives Club series—where luxury meets cold justice, and the past refuses to stay buried.
*Exclusive for Mystery Lovers’ Club members—join today for your invitation!

Become a Mystery Lovers Club Member - An Invitation to Murder

*All Followers who joined Lauren Carr's Mailing List to become Mystery Club Members, you get this Novella in exchange for joining and clicking the BookFunnel link above
Please read my NRC Policies Page

January 1, 2026

By  No comments

2025 Yearly Wrap up


Well, 2025 is left in the blink of an eye. When I first started the year, I wanted to get more done and stay on track. I could get mostly caught up on what was needed for my Instagram and here. Monthly wrap-ups took a hit, but my reading improved slightly. That's with only a few books over my 2025 goal. My goal was only 12 books for the year. I read over that in a few books.

But as my year wraps up, I aim to complete more of the reviews in 2026. But mainly, my Grandma needs my mom and me for the summer of 2025. Family came first, then reading. Though I did okay. I hope to resume monthly wraps starting next year. A New Graphic will be made once I post this, or if I have time before the year is out, I will create one.

I had a reading goal of 12. I read 15 books this year. Congrats to me. I have read 3 books so far this year, exceeding my 2025 goal. My first book of 2025 was The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie's Biscuits by Wanda E. Brunstetter and Martha Bolton, and my last book of 2025 was Bring Her Home by David Bell.
The Fall and Rise of Miss Frannie's Biscuits Book Cover
First Read of 2025
Bring Her Home Book Cover
Last Read of 2025

My mood read for the year was up and down. I read every month, but my pages were all over the place, and they were up and down. I had a reading goal of 12 and read 15 books in total. I had a goal of 1000 pages and read over 3,231 pages.



The genre I spent the most time with is 2025, as shown in the graph below.


Here is my mood in what I read according to StoryGraph. Which was up and down, looking bumpy at times, but mostly lighthearted throughout 2025.

I hope you all have a wonderful year of books and reading in the year 2026. Hopefuly it not a crazy one again.




 
Please read my NRC Policies Page







December 31, 2025

By  No comments

Book Review: Bring Her Home

Book Title: Bring Her Home
Author: David Bell
Publisher: Berkley Books
Publisher Date: 11 July 2017 (464 Pages, Paperback)
Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, 
Series: 
In the breathtaking new thriller from David Bell, bestselling author of Since She Went Away and Somebody I Used to Know, the fate of two missing teenage girls becomes a father's worst nightmare....

Just a year and a half after the tragic death of his wife, Bill Price's fifteen-year-old daughter, Summer, and her best friend, Haley, disappear. Days later, the girls are found in a city park. Haley is dead at the scene, while Summer is left beaten beyond recognition and clinging to life.

As Bill holds vigil over Summer's bandaged body, the only sound the unconscious girl can make is one cryptic and chilling word: No. And the more time Bill spends with Summer, the more he wonders what happened to her. Or if the injured girl in the hospital bed is really his daughter at all.

When troubling new questions about Summer's life surface, Bill is not prepared for the aftershocks. He'll soon discover that both the living and the dead have secrets. And that searching for the truth will tear open old wounds that pierce straight to the heart of his family...
Disclaimer: I received this book free from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. This is my honest review.
Want To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bam | Bookbub | 
Add To: Goodreads
We meet Bill. Who is looking for, or has received a call about, this daughter? He wonders where and if his daughter is Alive.

He met with Detective Hawkins. He is told about his daughter, Summer, and her injuries. He also finds out about her friend Haley.
Detective Hawkins asks a few more questions. Bill's sister arrives to support her brother and niece. She tells Bill that Summer called her.

What is happening? Does Bill really know his daughter? What actually happened to Summer?
It seems that both Summer and Bill are still grieving. Bill grieves for his wife, and Summer grieves for her mother. Will there be healing?
We find out that the girl in the hospital may not be Bill's daughter, Summer. It takes a few days and some clues from the girl for them to realize this. Is Summer dead, or where is she? Is the girl really Summer?

Is Adam a friend, or could he be involved in Summer's disappearance? It seems odd that Adam is often around, even though he is supposed to be on his way to see his son.
We are getting some of the story and some answers about what happened that day, and everything seems to be happening. Will they find Summer alive or at all?

 

Please read my NRC Policies Page

December 12, 2025

By  No comments

Book Spotlight: Mommy Is Here! after a Long Day at the Hospital by Nathalie P Suarez Moscoso



Book Title: Mommy Is Here! after a Long Day at the Hospital by Nathalie P Suarez Moscoso (Author), Edison Cano Cevallos (Illustrator)
Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7), 26 pages
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Publisher: Stat Parenting
​Publication Date: September 2025.
Content Rating: G: Children's Book

"Mommy Is Here! After a Long Day at the Hospital" is a heartwarming bedtime story that captures the magical reunion between Mommy Otter and her baby after a long day apart.

Mommy Otter has been busy caring for patients at the hospital, but now she's home, ready for hugs, stories, and one very curious little otter.

Mommy's shift may be over, but her most important job has just begun!

Enjoy this paperback version of the book. This book honors the resilience and special bond between parents working in the medical field and their children. It offers a space for comfort, laughter, and connection for little ones learning that love doesn't sign off.

BUY THE BOOK:

AMAZON ~ B&N

Add to Goodreads


Meet the Author:

Nathalie P. Suarez Moscoso is a physician and mother who understands the challenges and joys of raising a child while caring for patients. Her experiences as both a doctor and a parent inspired her to create stories that honor the resilience of medical families and the deep bonds between parents and children.

Edison J. Cano Cevallos is a physician and father whose greatest joy comes from the moments of connection he shares with his family after long days at the hospital. Inspired by those tender reunions, he writes stories that reflect the resilience of medical families and the unbreakable bond between parent and child.

Connect with the authors: website ~ instagram ~ goodreads
Tour Schedule:
Nov 24 - Locks, Hooks and Books – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Nov 24 – @adriftinfictionalworld – book spotlight / giveaway
Nov 24 - @bearyintobooks – book spotlight / giveaway
Nov 25 - FUONLYKNEW - book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Nov 25 – @anjiscape – book spotlight
Nov 25 - @reader_ceygo – book spotlight
Nov 26 - Sandra's Book Club – book spotlight / giveaway
Nov 26 - Books1987 – book spotlight / giveaway
Nov 26 – @youngpink_bibilophile – book spotlight / giveaway
Nov 26 - @michellegodardricher – book spotlight / giveaway
Nov 28 - @bubbleswrapherbooks – book spotlight / giveaway
Nov 28 – A Mama's Corner of the World – book spotlight / giveaway
Nov 28 - Faith and Books – book spotlight / giveaway
Dec 1 - @readsandmusic – book spotlight
Dec 1 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Dec 1 - Cover Lover Book Review – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Dec 2 – fundinmental – book spotlight / giveaway
Dec 2 – Country Mamas With Kids – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Dec 3 – Cheryl's Book Nook – book spotlight / giveaway
Dec 4 – Kim's Book Reviews and Writing Ahas – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Dec 4 - Library Lady's Kid Lit - book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Dec 9 – @Leannebookstagram – book spotlight
Dec 10 – Liese's Blog – book spotlight
Dec 11 – @nissa_the.bookworm – book spotlight / giveaway
Dec 12 – @my_fair_fiction – book spotlight / giveaway
Dec 12 - @this.human.reads – book spotlight
Dec 12 - Nighttime Reading Center - book spotlight / giveaway
Prize: An Autographed copy of Mommy Is Here! after a Long Day at the Hospital by Nathalie P Suarez Moscoso (Author), Edison Cano Cevallos (Illustrator), PLUS $25 Amazon Gift Card (one winner) (USA only) (ends Dec 13)
MOMMY IS HERE! Book Tour Giveaway


Check out my Recommendation Page
Please read my NRC Policies Page

November 29, 2025

By  2 comments

On Tour: A Daughters Choice by Kelly Irvin #ADaughtersChoice

A Daughter's Choice by Kelly Irvin
Book Title: A Daughter's Choice
Author: Kelly Irvin
Publisher: Barbour Publishing
Publisher Date: November 1, 2025 (256 Pages, E-book)
Genres: Romance, Fiction, Amish Fiction, Christian Fiction
Series: The Heart of the Amish #10
Henrietta Is Set Against Love
Full of faith, hope, and romance, this series takes you into the Heart of Amish Country.

Henrietta Miller loves animals—especially her goats. She wants to marry and have children someday, but right now her goal is to have her own business selling snacks made from goat's milk and goat's soaps. Against her the wishes of her father--who's also the bishop—she applies for a job as a veterinary assistant to earn money. Then newcomer Nicholas Byler snatches the job out from under her—or so it seems to Hen. Now Nicholas is treating Hen's beloved animals as if he knows more than her. Hen turns her frustrations toward expanding her business to include wool-producing goats, even while her aunt hatches matchmaking plans—with Nicholas Byler, no less.

The Heart of the Amish Series Includes:
The Flower Quilter by Mindy Steele
Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise by Anne Blackburne
The Quilt Room Secret by Lisa Jones Baker
Courting an Amish Bishop by Mindy Steele
Mary’s Calico Hope by Anne Blackburne (On My TBR) - Review Request
Serenity’s Secret by Lisa Jones Baker
A Stolen Kiss by Mindy Steele
Lizzie’s Little Mouse by Anne Blackburne (On My TBR) - Review Request
Hunting for a Husband by Mindy Steele
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from Celebrate Lit Book Tour Team and through Netgalley for an honest review and Book Tour

Want To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bam | Bookbub |
Add To: Goodreads
We meet  Henrietta. And her family is somewhat mentioned at the beginning of this book. We also met her dad. A new veterinary assistant has come to check on the Millers' horse, Jack. Could there be a romance in the making as Nickloas and his sister come to town to help their grandfather?

We also meet Rosy, and she is seeing someone special, who is a friend. Will they get married or not? However, this book appears to be centered on Hen, a nickname for Henrietta. But Will Nickolas and Henrietta happen to fall in love? Bylers need some help and some friends in the area. Will Leorna find love for what she does, and will Nickolas find love with the fiery girl?

Leorna wants to make some friends in the new area, and Hen may be one of them. Is there a reason for Hen's father to be so disappointed or harsh with his oldest daughter?

We see Nickolas cross paths with Hen quite a bit. But will they seem to understand each other? 
Adam thinks he knows what's best for his daughter, Heneretta. But does know her. Or does he think he knows Hen and make her happy?
Hen seems to be missing her mom, and she seems to be clashing with her father.



 Prize: A Daughter's Choice, $25 Amazon Gift card


Award-winning author Kelly Irvin has published more than 30 novels and a dozen novellas. The bestselling novelist worked as a newspaper reporter before spending 22 years in public relations. She now writes fiction full time. She and her husband live in Texas. They are the parents of two kids, four grandkids, and an ornery senior cat.

More from Kelly

Research for A Daughter’s Choice leads to goats nips and cow cuddles

By Kelly Irvin

Each time I come up with a new story concept, I’m super excited about it. When a publisher lets me know the “pub” committee has approved a contract for the story, I get even more excited. Then I sit down at my computer, open a document, and zoom, my fingers take off on the keyboard . . . . nope . . . not exactly.

What really happens is that I suddenly realize this fabulous story idea will require a ton of research. In the case of A Daughter’s Choice, featuring goat lover Henrietta “Hen” Miller, I needed to be an “expert” on raising goats and tending to a horse with colic and making candy from goat’s milk, and delivering a foal that isn’t positioned correctly (and treating a crotchety cat!). The story also required a deep dive into several other kinds of livestock, veterinarians’ clinics and vet assistants, and facets of the Amish faith that I wanted to make sure I addressed properly.

Much of this information is easily available on the Internet and in the many reference books about the Amish I’ve acquired over the years. But on-line research doesn’t allow me to get up close and personal with key characters in my story—the animals. I especially wanted to hang out with some goats. To my surprise, I had trouble finding a place in the San Antonio area where I could interact with these frolicking creatures.

Then my daughter-in-law came to the rescue. She found Cavalry Farm, a nonprofit organization that takes in and cares for all sort of livestock animals in little Adkins, Texas, just south of San Antonio. They have frequent open houses where—for a nominal fee—the public can visit, pet, feed, and yes, cuddle some of the animals. My response? ROAD TRIP!

The farm is home to a small herd of pygmy goats as well as larger dairy goats. I have never been close to a goat, so I didn’t know what to expect. They were as curious about me as I was about them. They crowded around me, climbed up my rollator, chewed on my purse strap, nibbled at the zipper on my shorts’ pocket, and prodded my hands with their noses. I had a fabulous time!

The volunteer who stayed with us in the goat pen shared all sorts of tidbits about the care of goats. My grandson, who’s two and a half, chatted with them. I took lots of photos for marketing purposes. Most importantly, I gained an understanding of why Hen is so enamored of goats. They’re lively, friendly, and determined to learn all about their visitors.

Of course, Hen isn’t simply a “goat whisperer.” She also loves horses, which leads to her first encounter with vet assistant Nicholas Byler, a newcomer to Smicksburg, PA, and many other animals, including cats and dogs. At Cavalry Farm, I also was able to visit with

Research/Kelly Irvin/2

horses, pigs, donkeys, alpacas, chickens, turkeys, and cows. I’m from Kansas so I’ve had my share of livestock sightings. However, I’ve never been offered an opportunity to snuggle a cow. Who knew that is a thing? My farmer family members will find it humorous, I’m sure.

The cows lounge on the grass just waiting for a visitor to come along, sit beside them, and snuggle up. It’s so stinking cute!

No cow snuggling occurs in A Daughter’s Choice. However, I can assure readers there is plenty of fun with a runaway puppy up for adoption, goats on the loose tearing through a wedding prep tent, and more. The story also moves beyond the humorous as Hen overcomes past losses and grief , allowing her to make important choices about her future. Nicholas too has to make hard choices about his occupation and his life as a faithful Amish believer. What they decide will determine if they find their happily-ever-after!

If you’d like to know more about Cavalry Farm and their mission, check out the website www.cavalryfarms.org.

Blog Tour Schedule:



Simple Harvest Reads, November 24 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

She Lives to Read, November 25

lakesidelivingsite, November 25




Stories By Gina, November 29 (Author Interview)




Fruitfully Planted, December 1

The Avid Reader, December 2


Vicky Sluiter, December 4


Mary Hake, December 5


Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...