Happy Friday! Today I am featuring a suspense/thriller from Jessica R. Patch. The Girl Upstairs looks like a creepy-good read, and I am looking forward to diving in! Have you read it yet? What did you think?
Here’s the first line:
She can breathe easy since she feels no consequences.
She bought this house to save her marriage. Unearthing its secrets might just claim her life.
Gwen McDaniel’s life is broken. But she knows the perfect place to fix it. Cold Harbor, Maine, an idyllic small town with views of Acadia National Park, is where she used to vacation with her parents as a child. Here, she and Steven can start over, renovating their cliff-side fixer-upper while patching up their marriage. Soon, everything will be better.
Except from the moment they arrive, Gwen sees and hears things, and it’s more than just the drafts and shadows that are part of any old house. Steven downplays her fears, warning her not to fixate on problems as she has in the past. But Gwen spent years as a homicide detective, and her instincts don’t lie. Somethinghappened here. Proof comes when she rips up the attic’s carpet to discover a chilling message carved into the wood underneath.
As Gwen delves into the history of the house and the Cold Harbor community, she begins to piece the fragments together. And gradually, a terrifying picture emerges: A missing girl. A house of horrors. And a dark, decades-old nightmare that is more haunting than Gwen ever imagined . . . .
Jessica R. Patch is a New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than thirty novels. Known for her pulse-pounding plots, emotionally charged characters, and signature twists, Jessica’s stories explore themes of justice, resilience, and the unshakable power of hope.
Whether weaving inspirational stories of danger edged with romance or crafting chilling thrillers that probe the shadows of the human heart, Jessica delivers fiction that thrills while shining light in the darkest places.
She makes her home in Northwest Mississippi, where she enjoys life with her family, a good cup of tea, and dreaming up her next edge-of-your-seat story usually over tacos and queso.
Ambush by Colleen Coble was my book club’s selection this month. We love romantic suspense, so this one was a good choice. The setting was so much fun — a wild animal preserve located in coastal Alabama. Placing the action there set up a lot of dangerous situations for the main characters — animal attacks, severe weather — and kept them on their toes. There were also hostile sheriff’s deputies, revenge seekers, and a past undiscovered murderer that made me trust no one! While wildlife sanctuary owner Blake Lawson and veterinarian Paradise Alden are mostly on their own to discover just where the many threats are coming from, they also have a lot of past baggage to unpack. The chemistry is definitely there, but there are big ifs when it comes to a second chance romance for them. I had my suspicions of just whodunit, but the ending was mostly a surprise to me — that’s a plus. There was one thing that bugged me about this book that most readers won’t pick up on. My husband is a veterinarian and I worked as his bookkeeper for a long time, so I am very familiar with medical procedures and office protocol specific to veterinary practices. Coble missed the mark on a few things. While it took me out of the story for a bit, I was able to overlook it and get back to all the good suspense. While most of the characters have strong relationships with God in spite of the hardships they have faced, Paradise struggles with trusting God and extending forgiveness. Her growing faith is a good subplot to the book.
Ambush — great for readers of romantic suspense with a faith element. There are some loose threads left dangling at the end, setting up the next books in the series.
Recommended.
Audience: Adults.
(I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Paradise Alden’s childhood in Nova Cambridge, Alabama, was idyllic until the night her parents were murdered. Since then, life has left her scarred. The abuse she suffered in the foster care system, her first love’s betrayal, and the jaguar attack that nearly destroyed her career have led to an unshakable distrust–in men, in God, and maybe in even in herself.
After fifteen years, returning to her hometown is a last resort to finding her life again. She’s hoping the wildlife refuge where she’s accepted a veterinarian job will be the perfect place to heal from her recent traumas and unlock her memories about the night her parents died. But the day she arrives at The Sanctuary, a body is discovered on the grounds. And soon, a series of deadly events threatens not only her future, but the man who, despite all odds, still makes her pulse stutter. Arson, a shooting, a break-in, and multiple instances of animals being freed from their enclosures all point back to him, but Paradise knows Blake Lawson isn’t responsible. Not the man who has been helping his mother manage The Sanctuary these past six months and care for his stepbrothers in the wake of their father’s death . . . even if his betrayal years ago cost her everything.
Someone dangerous is lurking beneath the town’s moss-draped trees, and Paradise refuses to let another murderer disappear into the shadows.
USA TODAY and Publishers Weekly bestselling author Colleen Coble has captivated readers with over 6 million books in print, earning #1 spots on Amazon. Her novels blend suspenseful plots, emotional depth, and faith-filled redemption that keep fans turning pages late into the night.
Colleen also teamed up with attorney Rick Acker. Together they launched the high-octane Tupelo Grove series which infused her signature coastal intrigue with Rick’s courtroom-sharp twists. Multiple high concept novels continue to flow from their fun and exciting collaboration including I Think I Was Murdered, a ripped-from-the-headlines AI suspense novel.
A passionate mentor to aspiring writers, Colleen has served on the American Christian Fiction Writers board for 20 years, helping foster a warm and supportive community. A life-long Hoosier, she and her husband recently moved to Arizona where she continues to spoil her grandchildren and craft stories in the sunshine.
If you can only read one book during the Easter season, then let it be On Living Stone by Heather Kaufman. I found this Biblical fiction focusing on Salome, the mother of Jesus’s disciples James and John moving and extremely relatable. It spoke to me in profound ways. Find out more below.
Every stone sings as it finds its purpose. This is the lesson restless Salome learns from her father as she grows up by the Sea of Galilee. Known as the wild girl with the quick tongue, Salome is determined to silence the critics who claim she has no future. An unexpected romance and the gift of two sons, James and John, leave her hopeful and resolved to prove herself as a mother.
Salome’s dreams are challenged, however, when her sons answer the call to follow Jesus of Nazareth. As James and John are drawn deeper into Jesus’ ministry, opposition to his message intensifies, leaving Salome with a choice. Can her family continue down the path of discipleship when it might cost them everything? With threats abounding, Salome must confront her fears, even as she discovers her own worth in this most unexpected rabbi.
Heather Kaufman lives in the Midwest with her husband and three children. She holds a BA from McKendree University and an MA from the University of Missouri—St. Louis. When not reading or writing, she can be found drinking copious amounts of coffee and exploring new parks with her family.
My Impressions:
On Living Stone, the third book in Heather Kaufman‘s Women of The Way, was my choice to read in the weeks leading up to Easter. The first two books, also read during the previous two Lenten seasons, touched my heart and made me think about my own relationship with Jesus. I have recommended them to so many people. But this book . . . wow! This book is exceptional. I identified with Salome, the focus of the book, in so many ways — feeling like I don’t fit in, having doubts about my life’s purpose, and the role I play in my children’s lives. There is a short number of verses in Scripture that feature Salome, the most notable when she asks Jesus if her two sons can sit on Jesus’s right and left in His kingdom. We know she was present during the crucifixion and was one of the first at the empty tomb. Kaufman fills in around these events in convincing ways. Yes, this is fiction, but all of it rings true — what it must have been like to be a woman in the first century AD, what it looked like to actually know Jesus, what it meant to give your adult sons to God. I could not put this book down as I traveled in Salome’s shoes. She probably witnessed so many of Jesus’ miracles, His triumphant entry into Jerusalem, and His excruciating death. Salome experiences profound emotions — joy, despair, and deep love. I laughed and cried during the reading of this book, but mostly I felt a deep awe for what Jesus has done and is doing for me. Of the themes explored in On Living Stone, two stood out to me. One is the cost of following Jesus. Over and over, the characters decided that the cost was great, but Jesus was greater. The second, is that Jesus really sees me. Salome felt unseen for most of her life, but when Jesus looked at her he saw who she really was. It’s a bit terrifying to be viewed in that way. No hiding allowed. But as Salome discovered there is great freedom in being known. I am grateful that Jesus sees us all — who we are and who we can be in Him.
All the books in this series are powerful depictions of not just those around Jesus, but of Jesus Himself. I love that even if fiction is not real, it certainly can be true. You will find truth in On Living Stone. This book is great at any time of the year, but I found it especially good as I focus about Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection.
Very Highly Recommended.
Great for Book Clubs.
Audience: Adults.
(I purchased the ebook from Amazon. All opinion expressed are mine alone.)
Spring has been around for weeks in my area of the country, but it has been erratic! We’ve had record high temps, severe weather threats, and even a bit of snow! So crazy! But the flowers are blooming, the trees are budding, and my husband is mowing the grass! LOL! Today’s TTT topic is Spring TBR Lists. I am embarking on a novel approach to my reading life — choosing to read what I want, when I want. Even the few review titles are those I really, really want to read. It’s been a while, folks! I am having a blast! I had to really think about today’s post because past seasonal TBRs have been filled with required reading (books for review.) Today’s list features book club picks and mood reads, which are hard to plan for. But I think I have a great list planned. Let me know what you are reading this season.
Welcome to the Blog Tour for Through Smoke and Secrets by Rebecca Hemlock, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About The Book
Title:Through Smoke and Secrets Series:Dangerous Heirlooms #1 Author:Rebecca Hemlock Publisher: Independently published Release Date: January 21, 2026 Genre: Mystery Suspense
A century-old secret. A relentless enemy. One Locket that was never meant to be found.
When antiques dealer Annie Whitaker buys an unremarkable locket at a routine estate sale, she expects nothing more than a quiet ride home through the Smoky Mountains. Instead, a shadowy vehicle sends her car skidding off a cliffside road—and she realizes the attack was no accident. Hidden inside the locket is a key, a cryptic letter, and the first thread of a mystery tied to the disappearance of Eleanor Blackwood, a woman who vanished over a hundred years ago.
Someone has killed to keep that secret buried.
And now they’ve set their sights on Annie.
Her shop is ransacked. Her inventory destroyed. Her building intentionally set ablaze. With no phone, no transportation, and nowhere safe to go, Annie is forced to seek refuge in the only place left: the remote mountain ranch of Detective Jack Calloway, a man who once shared her obsession with cold cases—and who may be the only person she can trust.
As Jack digs into the evidence Annie uncovered, the danger spirals. Break-ins, threats, shadows stalking the ranch at night—each clue reveals a darker truth. The locket isn’t just a forgotten keepsake; it’s the final piece in a long-buried murder. And someone with power, reach, and generations of secrets will do whatever it takes to silence the truth forever.
With Annie marked as the next victim, Jack races to unravel a century of lies before time runs out. Every revelation tightens the noose around them both—and with Annie constantly in his line of fire, Jack’s focus fractures between the case and the woman he’s never been able to forget. The closer they come to exposing the killer, the more Jack realizes he may lose her long before the truth sees daylight. And every step forward draws them toward a final, deadly confrontation neither of them may survive.
Excerpt
The shadow moved again. Annie’s breath caught as the figure slipped behind a display case near the back corner of the shop. That wasn’t Uncle Eric. The man was tall and broad-shouldered, dressed in dark clothing with his face hidden beneath a mask. Papers scattered as he searched through her desk with frantic purpose. What was he looking for? Annie edged backward toward the stairs, her phone slick in her palm.
The intruder’s head snapped toward her. For one frozen second, their eyes met. Then he lunged. Annie spun and ran. She grabbed the stair railing and hauled herself upward, heart pounding so loudly she could barely hear the heavy footsteps chasing behind her. The apartment felt impossibly small as she searched for something—anything—to defend herself. The knife block. Her fingers wrapped around the largest knife just as rough hands seized her shoulders. “Where is it?” the masked man growled. “Where is what?” His grip tightened painfully. “The locket,” he demanded.
Rebecca Hemlock is an award-winning Christian Fiction author whose love for mysteries began in childhood when she first fell in love with all things Nancy Drew. That early spark grew into a lifelong passion for crime-solving stories, complex puzzles, and characters who must fight for truth even when the world around them is dark and uncertain.
Her novels are known for realism, emotional depth, and suspense that stays tightly wound until the final pages. Rebecca creates characters who face danger, trauma, and moral crossroads — moments that either test their faith or ignite a brand-new relationship with God. At the heart of every story lies her guiding verse and creative compass, Romans 12:21: “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Before writing fiction full-time, Rebecca spent four years as a freelance journalist, where she honed her ability to spot the thread of a story, ask the right questions, and build tension from real-world details. That experience sharpened her voice and laid the foundation for the 15 books she has now published, ranging from romantic suspense and mystery to historical-tinged thrillers. She also writes children’s fiction under the pen name R.C. Burch.
Rebecca is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Sisters in Crime, and she’s passionate about uplifting stories that blend danger, courage, heart, and hope. With a Bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing — plus an Appalachian Studies certificate — she brings layered settings, emotional authenticity, and cultural richness to her work. She continues to pursue further writing education, always seeking to grow as a storyteller.
When she’s not writing, Rebecca enjoys traveling, reading mysteries, exploring historical places, and spending time with her family. Her work is written for readers who love suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat — and faith that keeps you anchored through the storm.
Connect with Rebecca by visiting rebeccahemlock.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a book-themed prize bundle, including a tote, a mug, a kindle dust protector, a bookmark, and a $25 Amazon Gift card!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 23, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 30, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Happy Friday! I am having such a good time reading books as the mood strikes! This past week I finished a historical mystery set in the 14th century (The Easter Sepulchre by Mel Starr) and began the Biblical novel, On Living Stone by Heather Kaufman. I have spent so many years with my reading life dictated by book review schedules and have finally given myself permission to read what I want, when I want. It’s fun and freeing! On Living Stone features, Salome, the mother of James and John, disciples of Jesus. I loved the first 2 books in Kaufman’s Women of The Way series, and am already drawn into this story.
Here’s the first line:
Their footsteps are slow, sluggish, — like the steps of my children after blundering a task, coming to me with half-frightened eyes.
Every stone sings as it finds its purpose. This is the lesson restless Salome learns from her father as she grows up by the Sea of Galilee. Known as the wild girl with the quick tongue, Salome is determined to silence the critics who claim she has no future. An unexpected romance and the gift of two sons, James and John, leave her hopeful and resolved to prove herself as a mother.
Salome’s dreams are challenged, however, when her sons answer the call to follow Jesus of Nazareth. As James and John are drawn deeper into Jesus’ ministry, opposition to his message intensifies, leaving Salome with a choice. Can her family continue down the path of discipleship when it might cost them everything? With threats abounding, Salome must confront her fears, even as she discovers her own worth in this most unexpected rabbi.
A journey of faith unfolds in this New Testament-inspired story of Salome, mother of Jesus’ apostles James and John. This compelling biblical fiction book explores themes of family, sacrifice, courage, and redemption, making it a stirring read for fans of The Chosen, Francine Rivers, Tessa Afshar, and Angela Hunt.
Heather Kaufman lives in the Midwest with her husband and three children. She holds a BA from McKendree University and an MA from the University of Missouri—St. Louis. When not reading or writing, she can be found drinking copious amounts of coffee and exploring new parks with her family.
I love a good mystery, and the historical series by Mel Starr featuring bailiff and surgeon Sir Hugh de Singleton is always a good choice. I chose book 13 in the series, The Easter Sepulchre, because of the title. I thought the book would be set during Holy Week, and it started there on Good Friday and continued quickly to Easter Sunday, but the majority of the sleuthing done was in the following weeks and months. With a lack of modern forensics, Hugh has to take his time solving these 14th century felonies. I love the historical detail that Starr brings to this series. Everyday life in medieval England is well-researched and presented in a way that the modern reader feels that they can be a part — minus the plagues and lack of antibiotics. LOL. The novel is narrated by Hugh himself as he chronicles the puzzling case. I guessed the culprit about midway through the book, but that didn’t spoil the plot. I loved how Hugh doggedly pursued every clue and theory.
I think anyone who loves a good whodunit will enjoy The Easter Sepulchre, but those who love a good dose of history with their mystery will be intrigued and swept away to the life and times of Hugh. Please note: while this book is 13th in a long-running series, anyone new to series will not have any issues jumping right in. I do recommend starting at the beginning though — the books are great!
Highly Recommended.
Audience: Adults.
(I purchased the ebook from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Mel Starr was born and grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He graduated from Spring Arbor High School in 1960, and Greenville College (Illinois) in 1964. He received an MA in history from Western Michigan University in 1970. He taught history in Michigan public schools for thirty-nine years, thirty-five of those in Portage, MI, where he retired in 2003 as chairman of the social studies department of Portage Northern High School.
Mel married Susan Brock in 1965. They have two daughters, and seven grandchildren.
Anna believed choosing Andrew meant gaining a home. Instead, she finds herself on the dusty roads of Galilee, under the watchful eyes of hostile Pharisees, walking ever closer to miracles that both heal and unsettle.
As a healer traveling with Jesus’s ministry alongside Andrew, Anna takes her place among the women who follow, forming bonds that offer strength as the journey grows harder. While crowds press close to hear the Teacher’s words, a different kind of attention gathers. In Jerusalem, her father Joseph of Arimathea, walks an impossible line within the Sanhedrin, and with each miracle Jesus performs, the net draws tighter around them all.
The cost of discipleship, Anna discovers, is not counted in miles walked or comforts surrendered. It is measured in the space between what she hoped following Jesus would be and what it actually demands.
Some journeys test what you believe.
Some reshape who you become.
Anna’s does both.
This is Book 2 of The Arimathea Chronicles. Begin Anna’s journey from the beginning with Book 1, Anna of Arimathea, where a scarred, isolated young woman discovers healing, first love, and purpose in the footsteps of Jesus.
Anna of Bethsaida is perfect for readers who love:
Deeply researched biblical fiction with authentic period detail
The untold stories of women in the early church – Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and the community that sustained Jesus’s ministry
Love stories tested by faith and dangerous callings
Political intrigue woven through spiritual transformation
Character-driven narratives where personal loss intersects with world-changing events
Excerpt
The sun had set, and Mary disappeared into the house.
When she returned, she carried an alabaster jar. Small, no larger than her palm, carved from translucent stone that glowed honey-gold in the lamplight. She held it with both hands, crossing slowly toward where Jesus reclined at the head table. Every eye followed her. Even the street sounds faded until only the soft shuffle of her feet on stone remained, the whisper of her robe against the ground.
She kneeled at his feet.
Then she broke it.
The crack echoed through the courtyard, and the scent hit — nard, pure nard, the kind carried by traders who crossed deserts and mountains to bring it west. The air grew thick with it, coating the inside of my mouth and lungs. The smell of exotic spices and resin, of distant places I would never see, of wealth so extravagant it felt obscene.
Mary tilted the jar over Jesus’s feet. The oil poured out in a thick stream, coating his skin, running between his toes, pooling on the stone floor beneath them. The scent grew stronger, filling every corner of the courtyard until I could taste nothing else.
Jesus sat very still, watching her. Tears gathered in his eyes.
Mary set the empty jar aside. Then she reached up and unbound her hair. It fell around her shoulders in dark waves, tumbling down her back to her waist. She bent forward until her hair brushed the floor, and wiped his feet with it.
The gesture was so intimate, so tender, that part of me wanted to look away. This was not a servant washing a master’s feet. The sound of her hair against his skin whispered through the courtyard.
No one spoke. No one moved. We all sat watching what we did not fully understand but knew in our bones was sacred.
Susanne Blumer lives her life surrounded by stories—some she writes, and some she sells. As the CEO and Founder of Sassafras on Sutton LLC, she is the owner of three magical indie bookstores nestled in the North Carolina mountains of Black Mountain and Waynesville and Beaufort, South Carolina. One even has a full coffee bar. Oh, happy day!
She is the author of The Arimathea Chronicles, a series set in first-century Judea and centered on the life of Anna, the daughter of Joseph of Arimathea. The first two books, Anna of Arimathea and Anna of Bethsaida, are available now. The third book, Anna of Calvary, will be available later this year. She’s also written several children’s books, including the award-winning Bell Tower Bible Adventure series she co-wrote with her husband. Her new children’s picture book series, The Story of You, will release its first book late Spring 2026 called Before Your Story Had A Name.
When she’s not writing or doing other entrepreneurial tasks, you can usually find her hanging out on the floor of one of her stores, drinking coffee and learning the stories of her customers or spoiling her eight chickens. Susanne splits her time between Waynesville, NC in her beloved mountains and Beaufort, SC on the enchanting Lowcountry coast.
Connect with Susanne by visiting susanneblumer.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a $25 Bookshop gift card and a signed copy of Anna of Bethsaida!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 17, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 24, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Welcome to the Blog Tour for When They Met Again by Leslie Gould, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About The Book
Title:When They Met Again Series: Letters from Lancaster County Author:Leslie Gould Publisher: Bethany House Release Date: March 17, 2026 Genre: Fiction / Romance / Amish / Contemporary
A gently humorous just friends romance from Leslie Gould, threaded with heart-deep characters and the timeless traditions of simple Amish life.
It’s love at first sight for Adam Slaybaugh, yet while Joanna Grebel finds him attractive and is intrigued when he declares his interest, she’s less certain of the potential for a romantic future together. Instead, she proposes they be “just friends,” but Adam’s not willing to settle for anything less than a romantic relationship. In response, he leaves Lancaster County for Florida, and soon after, Joanna begins courting Jacob Byer–someone she deems a much more suitable match.
When Adam returns to Lancaster County years later to pursue a career in his grandparents’ successful home renovation business, he finds Joanna suffering from a broken heart. Misunderstandings and matchmaking schemes begin a tender journey of healing and romance–but is Adam’s love enough to finally win Joanna over?
For readers of Beverly Lewis, Wanda E. Brunstetter, and Shelley Shepard Gray, a sweet Amish romance with matchmaking grandmas and themes of enemies to lovers, he falls first, and love at first sight versus “just friends.”
Excerpt
Mandy and Miriam’s grandfather, Daniel, was the bishop of their district, and he and Elaine were hosting the ice cream social.
Joanna noticed a stranger—a man— who was tall, muscular, and handsome with sandy hair and deep brown eyes.
She didn’t recognize him, and she tried not to stare.
After the singing, the guys took turns cranking the ice cream freezer and showing off their muscles. The stranger had a five o’clock shadow and appeared a few years older than most of the Youngie. As they all stood around in groups eating the ice cream, Caleb introduced him to Joanna and Mandy. “This is Jacob Byer,” he said. Miriam stepped into the circle. Caleb continued. “Jacob is new to our—”
“Hallo!” Miriam said, interrupting Caleb. “Welcome to Strasburg Township.”
Jacob took a step backward but then smiled. “Denki. And who are you?”
“Miriam.” She grinned and then swept her hand toward Mandy. “This is my twin.” She nodded toward Joanna. “And our friend Joanna.”
Forcing herself to be outgoing, Joanna asked Jacob, “Where are you from?”
“Ohio. Holmes County.” Jacob took a step closer to Joanna. He towered over her, even though she was five eight. “I have an uncle who lives here. Enoch Byer.”
Joanna spoke as confidently as she could. “Are you visiting
Lancaster County or do you plan to stay?”
Jacob’s eyes twinkled as his gaze met hers. “I’m staying.”
Someone called out, “Joanna!” She turned. Adam sauntered toward them. “Are you ready to leave?” She wasn’t.
“I hope I’ll see you soon.” Jacob gave her a charming smile that left her feeling flustered. Miriam was now standing beside him.
Joanna gave Jacob, and everyone, a wave and turned around slowly. She didn’t want to hurry and make Jacob think she was courting Adam. Nor did she want to go too slowly and risk having Adam say something embarrassing in front of Jacob. Her heart beat faster. Perhaps she hadn’t met the right person yet—u ntil now.
On the way home as Adam chatted away about the ice cream, about Mandy and Caleb, and about his grandparents’ business that he was excited to learn, Joanna thought about Jacob. About how tall he was. And how handsome with his square jaw and deep brown eyes. And his charming smile. Compared to Adam, who seemed to be an open book, Jacob was quiet and mysterious. She couldn’t stop thinking about him.
When they reached Mammi Lu’s, Joanna thanked Adam for the ride and started to open the buggy door.
“Wait!” Adam set the brake and jumped to the ground. “I need to do that for you.”
Joanna waited, a little impatiently. When Adam appeared at her door he extended his hand to her as he grinned.
She took his hand and jumped down. “Denki.” She started toward the back door. Mammi Lu had left a battery- operated lantern hanging to light her way.
“Wait,” he said again but not as enthusiastically as before. “Aren’t you going to ask me to stay? Lemonade on the porch? Maybe a cookie.”
Joanna turned toward him at the bottom of the steps. “I’m tired. From the trip and everything.”
“Oh.” He took off his hat and ran his hand through his dark hair. “I wanted to talk about the trip. About sitting in the back of the van together. Don’t tell me you didn’t feel something.”
Annoyed, Joanna said, “I didn’t feel anything.” But she had. Although it paled when compared with what she was feeling for Jacob.
His face fell. “Well, I’ll see you tomorrow. At the office, right? You’re coming by to talk to Mammi about a job.”
“Jah.” Joanna momentarily regretted not asking him to stay. But not enough to change her mind. “See you tomorrow.” If she got the job, she and Adam would have a chance to get to know each other. Perhaps she’d want to court him eventually— unless Jacob Byer asked her out first.
Leslie Gould is a Christy Award-winning and #1 bestselling author of more than fifty novels, including multiple Amish fiction series. She holds a bachelor’s degree in history and an MFA in creative writing. She enjoys church history, research trips, and hiking in the Pacific Northwest. She and her husband live in Portland, Oregon, and have four adult children and two grandchildren. Learn more at LeslieGould.com.
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a $25 B&N gift card plus a copy of The Shop Down the Lane and When They Met Again!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 16, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 23, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Happy Tuesday and happy St. Patrick’s Day! Today TTT bloggers are sharing books with green covers. I am hitting the review archives and my TBR shelves to bring books featuring greens of all shades. Some of the covers have more green than others, but I felt that green is what first strikes the eye.
Today’s topic is fitting not only for the holiday, but because my yard is GREEN! It’s cold today (for central Georgia) but flowers are in bloom and the trees are full of new leaves. Such a beautiful day! I hope you have one too, plus some reading inspiration.
Many of the books I review are provided to me free of charge from publishers, authors, or other groups in return for a review. The opinions expressed in the reviews are mine and mine alone. No monetary consideration is given. This disclaimer is in accordance with FTC rules.
I am an Amazon.com affiliate, which means that I earn a small percentage of the sales from products purchased through links on my site. I NEVER recommend a book in order to receive a profit. Proceeds from affiliate sales help to defray operating costs of the blog.
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