Murder, Plainly Written by Mindy Steele // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Sadie Lynch is excited to start fresh after inheriting her Amish aunt's candle store in Amish country. But business is slow and the locals are not keen to frequent the shop of an Englisher. 

A little bit of a slower start as Sadie gets settled in her new home, and we meet many community members. I liked that there were a variety of people from different plain communities, and it was fun to meet the many different characters as Sadie learns more about her heritage, and finds new friends. I liked her friendship with Wanda and how they bond over writing. Wanda is a lovely woman, and I admired her for being honest about her disappointments, but not letting them hold her down.

A fun read that sets up the series well for future books, with a full cast of characters and secrets are revealed as Sadie gets to know her new community. I liked her growing friendship with August. 

Overall, an enjoyable read that builds as the story goes along. I liked that Sadie connected with people even though they lived their lives differently and bonded over their faith. A very enjoyable read with great characters and lovely community. I'm excited to read more in the series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Dastardly Deeds Down on the Farm: 4 Cozy Farmyard Mysteries by Cynthia Hickey, Linda Baten Johnson, Teresa Ives Lilly, Janice Thompson // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Hog Wild by Cynthia Hickey

Shelby goes in search of her prized hog that goes missing right before the county fair. Secret rivalries and second chances in this cozy novella. Led by a likable protagonist and her close friends, this story has a lot going on, and a well paced plot. I liked getting to know Shelby and her friends. Highly enjoyable. 

The Dark Side of the Moo by  Linda Baten Johnson

Liv Olson comes home to the farm to find herself thrust into solving a murder than happened on their property. But as more strange things begin to happen, Liv knows that she must get to the bottom of things before its too late. Devoted to her family, Liv, is determined to do everything she can to help her parent's dairy farm. Good pace, great characters. I learned some about dairy cows too!

Fowl Deed by Teresa Ives Lilly

April has done a lot to save her from real estate developer Jeff Barr, when he is found dead on her property she must solve the murder to once again save her farm. Engaging cozy mystery, with fun characters, and a wonderful heroine. Highly enjoyable!

Searching for Sunshine by Janice Thompson

Jessie Kingston is on the hunt for her missing mare, when she disappears in the care of the breeder, Jessie is determined to bring her horse home. Jessie teams with the breeder's son, to track down her horse. Heartwarming, with good mystery and strong themes of faith. Great interaction, with a full cast of characters. I liked how Jessie bonded with another family over their shared faith. Thoroughly enjoyed!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.