Thursday, July 9, 2026

Review - Abby Offsides

Title:  Abby Offsides
Author Anna McCallie
Publisher:  Dell /Thousand Voices
Genre:   Sports Romance
Format:  Kindle ARC
No. of Pages:   368
Date of Publication:   June 23, 2026
My Rating:   4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

In this witty and heartfelt debut, a woman's impulsive journey across the pond after a broken engagement leads her to a new love—and a new version of herself.

Seeking a fresh start after leaving her cheating fiancé, Abby McIntyre makes a series of spontaneous decisions: She quits her job. She books a one-way flight to the UK. She even gets bangs!

Newly arrived in Liverpool, she lands a job with the Mersey Football Club and meets Lachlan Ramsay, the recently recruited Scottish star midfielder. Both lonely in a new city, the pair bond quickly, and Abby finds it nearly impossible to deny their chemistry—despite the nagging guilt she feels about Lachlan’s mysterious wife who didn’t relocate with her husband.

When Abby’s housing falls through, Lachlan insists she move into his massive penthouse. As they spend almost every waking moment together, Abby wonders if it’s possible that the world-famous footballer could be falling for her, too. But with her job and his marriage dependent on them staying firmly in the friend zone, can Abby risk being caught offside?

Crackling with witty banter and palpable sexual tension, Abby Offsides is at once a smoldering, slow-burn romance and a nuanced exploration of one woman’s journey to reclaim her own dreams and desires after years of living life on autopilot.


MY THOUGHTS:

This debut novel by Anna McCallie introduces readers to Abby McIntyre, a woman determined to leave her old life behind and start over. Devastated after discovering that her fiancĂ© has been unfaithful, Abby acts entirely on instinct, leaving everything she knows behind and traveling across the pond to Liverpool. The job she lands is with a football club, despite knowing absolutely nothing about football - or soccer, as we call it. Still, Abby isn’t afraid of a challenge and is determined to prove she belongs.

The last thing Abby expects after arriving in Liverpool is to form any type of romantic attachment. Yet she can’t deny the instant connection she feels with Lachlan Ramsay, the club’s talented midfielder. The two develop a genuine friendship that slowly blossoms into something more. When Abby unexpectedly loses her place to live, Lachlan, an ultra-successful footballer, offers her a place to stay in a separate wing of his home, bringing them even closer together.

As their feelings deepen, Abby discovers there is one significant complication that makes her question whether allowing herself to fall for Lachlan is worth the risk. Their growing attraction is undeniable, but timing and circumstances threaten any chance they might have at a future together.

I really enjoyed Abby’s journey as she learned to trust herself again after having her heart broken. The romance is a satisfying slow burn, and the football setting added a fun backdrop without overwhelming the story. As a debut, Anna McCallie delivers engaging characters, heartfelt emotion, and plenty of chemistry between Abby and Lachlan. I’ll definitely be interested to see what she writes next.

Many thanks to Dell/Thousand Voices and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.


AUDIOBOOK REVIEW - Dead Men Don’t Play Fetch

Title: Dead Men Don’t Play Fetch
Author: David Rosenfelt
Series: Andy Carpenter #33
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Format: Kindle and Audiobook ARC
No. of Pages:  288
Narrator: Grover Gardner
Length:  6 hrs 33 mins
Date of Publication:  July 7, 2026
My Rating:  5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

Bestselling author David Rosenfelt returns with Dead Men Don't Play Fetch as Andy Carpenter investigates a wealthy dog lover's unusual death.

It’s defense lawyer Andy Carpenter’s dream to retire. That goal is once again thwarted when he gets a call from Lou, an old friend who he simply cannot refuse, asking for a favor. Lou runs a rehab center, and when one of his patients, a homeless vet, is charged with first degree murder, he needs Andy's help. And of course, Andy will also be called on to care for the accused’s dog, but that’s okay, what's one more dog?

The man that Jason Maddox is accused of stabbing to death is none other than billionaire Paul Vincent, an eccentric businessman and inventor. Bickert dedicated a great portion of his life to philanthropy, with a soft spot for dog-related causes. This led him to befriend Jason, a physicist and war hero, whose life fell apart to the point where he ended up on the streets with his dog, just trying to survive.

But why would Jason possibly have wanted to kill him? Well, for one thing, he was to receive a fortune in Vincent's will. That, coupled with the fact that Jason was at the scene, his fingerprints were on the knife, and Vincent's wallet was in his jacket, made it a slam dunk arrest.

Once again, Andy is enmeshed in a puzzling, twisty case. But in order to reunite a man and his dog, Andy will have to untangle it all.


MY THOUGHTS:

As the 33rd book in the Andy Carpenter series opens, Andy’s wife, Laurie, is fussing over the possibility that his brain might become atrophied in retirement. Andy couldn’t disagree more. He’s retired, after all. Watching sports and walking his dogs are more than enough to keep him happy. As a lawyer who certainly doesn’t need the income, his plan is simple: take it easy. Of course, anyone familiar with this series knows those plans are never destined to last. A phone call from an old friend quickly changes everything.

The call comes from Lou Campanelli, a longtime friend who runs a respected rehabilitation center. One of Lou’s patients, Jason Maddox, has been charged with first-degree murder. Jason, a homeless veteran, brilliant physicist, and war hero, has endured more than his share of hardships. Although the evidence against him is compelling, Jason insists he is innocent. Lou believes him without hesitation, and that is all the encouragement Andy needs to take the case.

In addition to investigating the murder charges, Andy agrees to care for Jason’s dog while he is in jail. This is one of the many reasons the Andy Carpenter series continues to be such a joy to read. Like David Rosenfelt himself, Andy has an enormous love for dogs and is deeply committed to helping them. While he is always determined to see justice served, his devotion to his family and to dogs is at the very heart of his character.

This remains one of my favorite long-running mystery series. David Rosenfelt expertly balances serious criminal cases with his trademark humor, wonderful recurring characters, and, of course, a delightful assortment of canine companions. The audiobooks are especially outstanding thanks to Grover Gardner, whose narration perfectly captures Andy’s wit, sarcasm, and charm. He truly brings the character to life and makes each installment an even greater pleasure to listen to.

Many thanks to Minotaur Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

I am a novelist with 27 dogs.

I have gotten to this dubious position with absolutely no planning, and at no stage in my life could I have predicted it. But here I am.

My childhood was relentlessly normal. The middle of three brothers, loving parents, a middle-class home in Paterson, New Jersey. We played sports, studied sporadically. laughed around the dinner table, and generally had a good time. By comparison, “Ozzie and Harriet’s” clan seemed bizarre.

I graduated NYU, then decided to go into the movie business. I was stunningly brilliant at a job interview with my uncle, who was President of United Artists, and was immediately hired. It set me off on a climb up the executive ladder, culminating in my becoming President of Marketing for Tri-Star Pictures. The movie landscape is filled with the movies I buried; for every “Rambo”, “The Natural” and “Rocky”, there are countless disasters.

I did manage to find the time to marry and have two children, both of whom are doing very well, and fortunately neither have inherited my eccentricities.

A number of years ago, I left the movie marketing business, to the sustained applause of hundreds of disgruntled producers and directors. I decided to try my hand at writing. I wrote and sold a bunch of feature films, none of which ever came close to being actually filmed, and then a bunch of TV movies, some of which actually made it to the small screen. It’s safe to say that their impact on the American cultural scene has been minimal.

About fourteen years ago, my wife and I started the Tara Foundation, named in honor of the greatest Golden Retriever the world has ever known. We rescued almost 4,000 dogs, many of them Goldens, and found them loving homes. Our own home quickly became a sanctuary for those dogs that we rescued that were too old or sickly to be wanted by others. They surround me as I write this. It’s total lunacy, but it works, and they are a happy, safe group.

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Wednesday, July 8, 2026

MID YEAR READING WRAP UP



Well, we are halfway through 2026 and I have already mentioned that I raised my reading goal from 365 to 600. In June I read 66 books. The first screenshot is all six months in one (from the Goodreads Challenge Factory Group), Google Sheets monthly stats, my 2026 reading bracket and screenshots of each month from the Bookly app if you are interested in the ratings. I am more than happy to discuss any book with you. Also, here are my favorite books of each month so far. They are:


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My favorite book in June was Beartown by Fredrik Backman. I have been talking about this, but I never took the time to check out this author. This month I plan on reading next two books in the series and then at least one of his other books. The responses that I got when I said I was interested in reading this very positive, and I could say that I was definitely pleased.

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I would have to say that my favorite book of May would be My Name is Barbra by Barbra Streisand. I listened to her narration of her memoir. It was a 48 hour audiobook (1040 pages). My Bookly app shows that I broke it up in 13 reading sessions.  That is a bit less than 4 hours a session, at about 2.5x.  Honestly, if I didn’t have such a massive TBR, I could have easily read it for longer hours per session. 

She recounts her life in exquisite detail. This includes how she became a star - her years on Broadway, then film, her early and continued singing career, her marriage to Elliot Gould and then to James Brolin, and the many romantic liaisons in the years between those marriages.  It felt like a conversation with her and the hours flew by. 

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My favorite read for April was Keeper of Lost Children by Sadeqa Johnson. I read this book because it is an upcoming group read.  First I had a long hold at Libby, and almost let that borrow expire. So glad that I didn’t, as I read it and found it to be very, very good. I learned about “Brown Babies” - mixed-raced children who were abandoned or ended up in orphanages in Germany after the war. It is a dual-timeline story as it also goes to the mid-1950s. Three central characters - Ethel Gathers, Ozzie Phillips and Sophia Clark whose stories eventually converge. 

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My favorite read for March was When I First Met You by Lori Foster. This was an early March read for me, and it was also an early ARC since it’s set to be released in mid-July. The story revolves around Glory and Kam, two individuals who have both overcome tragic pasts. Despite their hardships, they’ve managed to build stable lives. However, Glory is facing harassment from a man she briefly dated.

The two characters connect through their shared pasts and a strong emotional pull towards each other. Lori Foster’s writing has a knack for evoking a wide range of emotions. In this case, like her upcoming book in May, The Lake House, this novel goes beyond romance. It delves into some serious themes but is wrapped in love, tenderness, and showcases the inherent kindness of the characters. 

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Kin by Tayari Jones was my favorite book in February. Kin is an amazing book where two friends who were cradle mates went their separate ways around the age of 18. One never got over her mother‘s abandonment, and the other moved on with life, even though her father had killed her mother. At some point, they made a reconnection and started to share letters with one another and rebuilt what was lost. The book was haunting, tragic, heartbreaking, but also had a keen sense of healing. It is a book I will think of for a long time to come.

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For January, my favorite read was This Book Made Me Think of You by Lizzy Page. This is a story that is about love, loss and healing. Tilly was grieving the loss of her husband just over the past year and was reminded of him in a very sentimental way. When her husband Joe knew that he was dying, he crafted a very specific gift for Tilly, a book that she would only receive once a month for the next 12 months. Not only was each book carefully chosen for Tilly, they also opened up doors of opportunity that she might not have taken otherwise.

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Sunday, July 5, 2026

BLOG TOUR - The Lawyer’s Husband


DESCRIPTION:

The killer isn’t in the courtroom. He’s in your marriage.

I’m working the biggest case of my career. If I win, I’ll be the most successful lawyer in Michigan. If I lose, no woman is safe at home, least of all me… 

Because, as our first and only witness gives her statement, my whole life begins to unravel.


Every detail she recalls about the killer we’re after is devastatingly familiar: his dark, unruly hair, his obsession with crisp shirts and sharp suits, even the restaurants he takes his victims to on dates. I shudder as she describes the red silk ribbon he asked her to wear as a symbol of her devotion.


We haven’t found the real killer. But I know exactly who he is. 


The man who swore to cherish me until death do us part. Who tightly tied the crimson bow that I can now feel scratching at my wrist. My husband… 


A must-read psychological thriller that will make you stay up all night. Fans of Gone Girl, The Housemaid and The Girl on the Train will be gasping out loud as they read the twists in this!



BUY LINK:



Title:  The Lawyer’s Husband
Author:  Robin James 
Publisher:  Bookouture 
Genre:   Psychological Thriller 
Format:  ALC
Narrator:  Elise Roth; 
   Madeline Pell
Length:  10 hrs 16 mins
No. of Pages:   335
Date of Publication:   July 3, 2026
My Rating:   4 Stars

MY THOUGHTS:

Mina is a prosecuting attorney working on the biggest case of her career. For years, a serial killer has managed to evade justice, but that is about to change when the lone surviving victim comes forward. During a series of interviews, the witness recounts the terrifying details of her ordeal. As Mina listens, she is horrified to realize that every description matches her husband perfectly. One especially unique detail convinces Mina that her husband may actually be the killer.

The story then offers glimpses into Mina’s home life. Married for only two years, she begins to question how well she truly knows her husband. Although their relationship is passionate, cracks have started to appear, and Mina finds herself searching for clues within her own marriage that might prove the unthinkable.

Caught between her professional duty and her personal life, Mina walks a dangerous line. Does she trust the victim’s testimony and risk believing that the man she loves is a serial killer, or is there another explanation?

This cleverly crafted psychological thriller grabs hold from the very first page and never lets go. The tension is relentless, the suspense is palpable, and the twists keep coming. With compelling themes of betrayal, marriage, and obsession, this novel delivers an ending I never saw coming. That final twist was a genuine shocker. I listened to the audiobook, and the narrators did an excellent job bringing the characters to life, adding even more intensity to an already gripping story.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Robin James is an Amazon bestselling author of crime thrillers. She strives to bring you characters so believable you think you know them; small-town settings so real you think you live there; and plot-twists you never see coming.


A former attorney, Robin ran a small-town practice handling cases from criminal defense to civil rights to land disputes and everything in between.


Robin lives on a lake in Michigan with her family, one lazy dog, and seven spoiled chickens. Her favorite, pure Michigan writing spot is stretched out on the back of a pontoon watching the faster boats go by.




Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Review - The Delivery

Title:  The Delivery 
Author Gregg Hurwitz
Publisher:  Thomas & Mercer
Genre:  Science Fiction 
Format:  Kindle ARC
No. of Pages:   225
Date of Publication:   July 1, 2026
My Rating:   4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Orphan X series comes a tense novella, a psychological thriller about an AI companion that will do anything to serve—with terrifying consequences.

Rebecca and Mark Higgins are doing their best to hold their family together. She’s healing from the pain of a miscarriage, he’s drowning in pressure at work, and their neurodivergent daughter, Maddy, needs all the care she can get. So when a cutting-edge tech company offers the perfect solution, they jump at the chance. And they welcome “Mr. Man”—a humanoid AI companion—into their home.

Designed to anticipate their needs, he’s like a miracle at first. The house runs like clockwork. Meals appear on the table. And Maddy thrives under his patient attention. But when inexplicable tragedies start to strike the neighborhood, Rebecca glimpses a darker pattern at play.

Each incident is an answer to an unspoken fear, each kindness shadowed by violence. Mr. Man isn’t just following instructions—he’s anticipating what they want. Even the things they never dared to say. And if he’s executing their darkest desires, it’s their responsibility to stop him…at any cost.


MY THOUGHTS:

Gregg Hurwitz takes a bold departure from his Orphan X series, delivering a gripping psychological thriller fused with science fiction. The genre blend is seamless in this story of a family’s reliance on a new presence in their home: an AI robot named “Mr. Man”.

Rebecca and Mark Higgins are struggling. Rebecca is grieving a miscarriage, while Mark is overwhelmed by his work. Their daughter, Maddy, who is neurodivergent, demands more care and attention than either parent can manage alone. Seeking help, they welcome Mr. Man into their lives. At first, he seems like the perfect solution. The house runs smoothly, and, most importantly, Mr. Man connects with Maddy, bringing much-needed stability to her world.

But, as with any technology, there is a cost. Mr. Man is so advanced that he anticipates their needs before they voice them. Yet, as the story unfolds, subtle threats and accidents begin to pile up. Has Mr. Man tapped into Rebecca and Mark’s subconscious stress, interpreting their emotions in a way that justifies extreme actions? The result is a chilling body count, as Mr. Man removes every obstacle. Clearly at any cost.

Hurwitz doesn’t just deliver suspense; he probes deep into the vulnerability of a family at its breaking point. The Delivery is a taut, unnerving tale that will leave readers questioning just how much trust we place in the technology we invite into our homes.

Many thanks to Thomas & Mercer and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Gregg Hurwitz is the New York Times, #1 internationally bestselling author of 22 thrillers, including the ORPHAN X series, and two award-winning thriller novels for teens. His novels have won numerous literary awards, graced top ten lists, and have been published in 33 languages. Gregg currently serves as the Co-President of International Thriller Writers (ITW).

Gregg has written screenplays for or sold spec scripts to many of the major studios (including THE BOOK OF HENRY), and written, developed, and produced television for various networks. He is also a New York Times bestselling comic book writer, having penned stories for Marvel (Wolverine, Punisher) and DC (Batman, Penguin). He has published numerous academic articles on Shakespeare, taught fiction writing in the USC English Department, and guest lectured for UCLA, and for Harvard in the United States and internationally. In the course of researching his thrillers, he has sneaked onto demolition ranges with Navy SEALs, swum with sharks in the Galápagos, and gone undercover into mind-control cults.

Additionally, Gregg is actively working to end polarization in politics and on college campuses. To that end, he's produced several hundred commercials which got over a hundred million views on digital and TV platforms. His editorial pieces have appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, The Huffington Post, The Bulwark, and others.


Tuesday, June 30, 2026

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW - Guarded by the Sheriff

Title:  Guarded by the Sheriff
Author: Monique DeVere
Publisher:  Harlequin Audio
Genre:   Inspirational Romantic Suspense
Format:  ALC
Narrator:  Kate Marcin
Length:  6 hrs 3 mins
No. of Pages:   237
Date of Publication:   June 30, 2026
My Rating:   4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

A child in need of protection...and a lawman keeping watch.

It’s a shock to Sheriff Ethan Callahan to see his ex-fiancĂ©e Sienna Blake again — especially with a child in tow...and a gunman on her heels. Witnessing a shooting has make Sienna a criminal’s next target. And when Ethan realises that he’s the father of her son, he is determined to keep them both safe...no matter the cost. With trust hanging in the balance and their enemy closing in, Ethan and Sienna must stand together to survive. Except the hit man knows their every move...and trusting the wrong person could get them killed.

MY THOUGHTS:

Sienna Blake is on the run, and she isn’t alone. Traveling with her is her young son she is determined to protect. Sheriff Ethan Callahan immediately recognizes the danger Sienna is facing, but guarding her is anything but simple. The two were once engaged before Sienna abruptly ended their relationship, leaving Ethan with unanswered questions and a broken heart. Now, as they work together to stay one step ahead of the person hunting Sienna, the powerful feelings they once shared begin to resurface.

There is one more shocking revelation for Ethan. One look into the little boy’s eyes leaves him with no doubt that the child is his son.

Danger, emotion, and pure sweetness make Guarded by the Sheriff a wonderful read. I especially enjoyed the audiobook, beautifully narrated by Kate Marcin. She brings Sienna and Ethan to life while also capturing the innocence and charm of the young boy with a voice that adds even more heart to the story. Her performance enhances the emotional depth and suspense throughout.

Second-chance romances are one of my favorite tropes, and Monique DeVere blends that theme seamlessly with inspirational elements, family drama, and plenty of suspense. I thoroughly enjoyed watching everything come together and found this to be a touching, satisfying story from beginning to end.

Many thanks to Harlequin Audio and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Monique DeVere writes funny, feel-good romances with heart, hope, and a dash of sass. A true romantic, she believes falling in love should come with belly laughs, awkward moments, and that delicious slow-burn sizzle. Originally from Barbados, Monique lives in the UK with her real-life hero, their four grown children, five grandchildren, and an adorable Yorkie. She loves writing stories about strong, smart heroines and the swoon-worthy men who fall for them—whether in rom-com, contemporary, or inspirational suspense. When she’s not dreaming up emotionally satisfying love stories, she’s collecting new ideas, enjoying family time, or learning something new.



Review - D is for Daisy

Title:   D is for Daisy
Author:  Shelley Shepard Gray
Publisher:  Kensington
Series:  Amish ABCs #4
Genre:   Romance
Format:  Kindle ARC 
No. of Pages:  288
Date of Publication:  June 30, 2026
My Rating:   5 Stars 

DESCRIPTION:

Newcomers are always welcome in the rural Amish community of Walden, Ohio, but in this heartwarming inspirational romance from beloved New York Timesbestselling and award-winning author Shelley Shepard Gray, a 50-something couple planning for early retirement learn even the simple life can sometimes be complicated. For fans of Beverly Lewis, Amy Clipston, and Charlotte Hubbard—and anyone who enjoys wholesome, uplifting stories about faith, family, and love.

SIMULTANEOUS HARDCOVER AND TRADE PAPERBACK RELEASE!

Early retirement never sounded so good to Mervin and Ruthie Miller. After a lifetime in Millersburg, where Mervin worked at a furniture and shed factory and Ruthie helped out at a fabric store, they have exciting They’re going to become “Amish Gentlemen Farmers.” That means buying a 30-acre, ramshackle farm, and all that comes with it—no matter what their grown children, friends, and aching muscles think . . .

Aaron Miller is worried about his parents, but there’s little he can do now that he lives in Kentucky and has a baby on the way. Then his childhood best friend, Kyle Burkholder, makes a heaven-sent he’ll move in with Aaron’s parents to teach them about raising cows, sheep, and chickens, and even give weekly reports to Aaron.

The arrangement is going well—until Kyle stumbles upon Daisy Lapp who’s just been in a bicycle accident. When he takes her to the hospital, he knows there’s something special between them. So does Daisy. But her something special is the fact that Kyle lives on the farm she’d always dreamed of buying one day. She knows it’s wrong, but she’s jealous. She wants nothing to do with Kyle and politely tells him so.

Still, like the Millers, Kyle’s not one to give up easily. Not on himself, not on the farm, and certainly not on Daisy. With dedication and a leap of faith, the lives they envisioned just might come true . . .


MY THOUGHTS:

Shelley Shepard Gray is writing one of my favorite inspirational series, the Amish ABCs. Planned as a five-book series, the final installment, E Is for Englischer, is scheduled for release in November of this year. Set in the Amish community of Walden, Ohio, this series combines faith, heartwarming romance, and a close-knit community to create stories that are both uplifting and comforting.

This fourth installment, D is for Daisy, focuses on Kyle Burkholder and Daisy Lapp. Kyle is doing a favor for his best friend, Aaron, by moving in with Aaron’s parents, Mervin and Ruthie Miller, to teach them about farming. The Millers have purchased a farm despite knowing very little about farm life, and Aaron hopes Kyle’s help will ease his worries while he lives out of state.

One day, Daisy is injured in a bicycle accident, and Kyle rushes her to the hospital. The attraction between them is undeniable, but there is one significant obstacle. Kyle is now living on the very farm Daisy had long dreamed of buying herself. Although she can’t deny her growing feelings for Kyle, her disappointment over losing the farm makes it difficult to spend time with him. Hoping to protect her heart, Daisy is determined to keep her distance.

This is a lovely story about determination, second chances, and trusting God’s plan even when life doesn’t unfold as expected. Kyle is exactly the person the Millers need to help them succeed on the farm, and Mervin and Ruthie are such warm, endearing characters that it’s impossible not to root for them. Faith, hope, and perseverance blend beautifully with the sweet, slow-building romance between Kyle and Daisy, making this another wonderful addition to a series I continue to enjoy.

Many thanks to Kensington and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Amish ABCs

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Shelley Shepard Gray is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds  on her town’s bike trail.

Photo credit: Dianne Bomar