Murder Freshly Baked | Vannetta Chapman

 

Today I am reviewing Murder Freshly Baked, the third novel in the Amish Village Mystery Series by Vanetta Chapman.
 
Here is a brief synopsis:

When delicious baked goods become lethal, it’s time to find a killer.

Kindness is a virtue
Meanness is a sin
Better watch your bakery pies
For poison I’ve slipped in

The Amish Artisan Village in Middlebury, Indiana, has been decorated with every color of balloon and flower for the Race for a Cure.

As manager of the Village, Amber Bowman is thrilled to see the turnout — and relieved to have something to distract her from the “Poison Poet” — an individual who has been sending notes containing bad poetry to warn of poisoned baked goods.

Then Ryan Duvall crosses the finish line of the race — and falls down dead, murdered in broad daylight. But who did it? And why? The police suspect Preston Johnston, but Amber refuses to believe her employee could do such a thing.

Amber once again looks to her young Amish friend Hannah Troyer to help her find the killer — and to determine if it’s the same person leaving the cryptic poems and pies.

Can they help the police before the Poison Poet strikes again? Both Amber and Hannah will need to draw on their faith as they fight to preserve the peaceful community they’ve built at the Amish Artisan Village.

 
Who is putting poison in the bakery pies? Who will die next? Read “Murder Freshly Baked” by Vannetta Chapman! — Tweet this!
 

MY THOUGHTS:

One word… AWESOME!

After reading Murder Freshly Baked, my first thought was… “I have got to read this again.”

My next thought was… “I have got to read all three books in the series again… one right after another!”

They’re that good – they’re really that good!

The characters in this series are amazing! Vannetta captures so many different personalities and puts them together in the village — including English and Amish folk working side by side — and it’s perfect!

Amber and Tate, Hannah and Jesse, Pam, and Preston — who is a particularly interesting person (ahem, I mean character). Along with a few others, they make up a good part of the characters at Amish Artisan Village. Of course, you wouldn’t think putting them together to solve a mystery would work, but it does.

This sequel is especially exciting to me… it seems to be all about “forbidden love” among an English man and several ladies — including Amish ladies. Well, things aren’t always the way they seem, but sometimes trouble just seems to follow some people — and it certainly seems like trouble, in the form of murder, seems to follow the village!

I cannot say anything more that might give something away — you’ll have to read the story for yourself. I refuse to ruin it for you! And don’t be put off because much of the action is in the first of the book — that just makes you pay attention. Believe me, it just keeps getting better and better!

If you read and enjoyed Murder Simply Brewed and Murder Tightly Knit, you’re really going to love Murder Freshly Baked!

 
Don’t miss this AMAZING mystery! “Murder Freshly Baked” by Vannetta Chapman! – Tweet this!
 
You can find more about Vanetta Chapman on her website… HERE

God bless you!

Review © 2015 DJ Mynatt

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NEW books for 2015-2016… | Melanie Dickerson Marathon

Here’s a look at what we have to look forward to from Melanie Dickerson:

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MELANIE DICKERSON has several exciting books COMING SOON!

The next book in her series about the people of Hagenheim we have come to know and love: The Golden Braid is set to release November 2015!

Her first regency romance is set to release February of 2016!

And the Next story in Thornbeck is scheduled for a Spring 2016 release!

 

 

 

The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest introduces us to the people of Thornbeck. It releases May 12th!

 

Robin Hood collides with The Swan Princess in The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest! Coming May 2015! – CLICK TO TWEET!

 

This series will continue next year with a Princess and the Pea retelling named The Beautiful Pretender

 

Can a servant pass herself off as a Princess in “The Beautiful Pretender” – Coming Spring 2016! – CLICK TO TWEET!

 

 

The next book scheduled to release from Thomas Nelson is The Golden Braid – which takes us back to Hagenheim for a Rapunzel retelling!

 

A Rapunzel story – with several twists… Coming November 2015! – CLICK TO TWEET!

All we know about Melanie’s first Regency romance is that it is tentatively titled A Spy’s Devotion, and is set to release in February of 2016.

Melanie Dickerson is currently working on her first Regency romance – COMING February 2016! – CLICK TO TWEET!

 

 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

 

I know I’m not the only one who can’t wait to read and review Melanie’s new releases!

 

 

And don’t forget to click below to find out how you can enter Melanie’s GIVEAWAY contest!

Melanie Dickerson Marathon | Giveaway!

God bless you!

 

Copyright © 2013-2015 DJ Mynatt

 

NEW books for 2015-2016… | Mary Ellis Marathon

 

 
Here’s a look at what we have to look forward to from Mary Ellis:

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MARY ELLIS has a NEW series coming out: Secrets of the South Mysteries

The first book in Mary’s NEW series is Midnight on the Mississippi

COMING in August 2015!

 

Midnight on the Mississippi begins the new Secrets of the South Mysteries from bestselling author Mary Ellis. These complex crime dramas follow an investigator’s quest to make the world a better place… solving one case at a time.

 

New Orleans—Hunter Galen, a stock and securities broker, suspects his business partner, James Nowak, may be involved in embezzling their clients’ money, but he’s reluctant to jeopardize their friendship based on suspicion alone. After James turns up dead, Hunter realizes his unwillingness to confront a problem may have cost James his life.

Nicki Price, a newly minted PI, intends to solve the stockbroker’s murder, recover the missing millions from the client accounts, and establish herself in the career she adores. As she ferrets out fraud and deception at Galen Investments, Hunter’s fiancée, Ashley Menard, rubs Nicki the wrong way. Nicki doesn’t trust the ostentatious woman with an agenda longer than the Mississippi River. Ashley seems to be hiding something, but is Nicki’s growing attraction to Hunter—a suspected murderer—her true reason for disliking Ashley?

As they encounter sophisticated shell games, blackmail, and murder, Nicki and Hunter’s only option is to turn to God as they search for answers, elude lethal danger, and perhaps discover love along the way.

Blackmail… Embezzling… Murder… Don’t miss this NEW Southern Mystery series from Mary Ellis! Coming August 2015. – CLICK TO TWEET!

 

 

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The second book in Mary’s NEW series is What Happened on Beale Street

COMING February 2016!

 
What Happened on Beale Street continues the new Secrets of the South Mysteries from bestselling author Mary Ellis. These complex crime dramas follow an investigator’s quest to make the world a better place… solving one case at a time.

 

WORDS – CLICK TO TWEET!

 

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I know I can’t wait to read and review each new story Mary releases!

 

 

And don’t forget to click below to find out how you can enter Mary’s GIVEAWAY contest!

Mary Ellis Marathon | Giveaway!

God bless you!

 

Copyright © 2013-2015 DJ Mynatt

JUST SAY NO! to 50 shades… | My 1st un-review

 

Please… please don’t go to see the “50 shades” movie this weekend…

NEVER… that’s when you should see it… never.

Don’t see the movie… and don’t read the books.

 

There is a massive facebook/twitter campaign going on right now against the heinous 50 shades… movie and books.

 

#NoGreyNoWay

 

Please stand with me as I spread the word to my family, friends and readers. 

Please do everything possible to protect others from the damaging and devastating effects of this series!

 

 

I have not – and I will not – read the books – or watch the movie!

I know that there are times that Christian leaders feel the need to read or watch what they are begging their followers to oppose – so that they have all the information they need to present a case.

But in my opinion, that is a very bad idea! Exposing your mind to ANYTHING of this nature is inviting the devil to create a foothold in your very soul – which he will then use to push more sin into your life.

 

 

Allowing this story into your head allows it into your heart, your mind, your soul!

You think you can handle it. You tell yourself that you need to be able to make an informed argument. You tell yourself that you need to have ammo to feed that argument. You tell yourself that you can’t really argue against something you haven’t read or watched personally…

But this series is FAR TOO DANGEROUS to adhere to these rationales.

 

“THINK ON THESE THINGS”

 

We need to send a strong message to the makers of the movie.

They NEED TO KNOW we are serious!

They NEED TO KNOW that they will not tear down strong women… men… families… marriages!

They NEED TO KNOW that we will not lay down and let them roll right over us!

We NEED to stand up for our daughters, our sisters, our mothers, and our friends!

 

No one has the right to treat you like a thing!

No one has the right to treat you like trash!

No one has the right to degrade you and drag you down!

 

 

The greatest trick the devil ever played on women was to make them think submission equals abuse… and then to make them think that choosing to be abused is not abuse but is instead, empowerment – that it is fun, exciting, sexy…

 

Choosing it does not make it LOVE!

Choosing it does not make it RIGHT!

Choosing it does not make it ENJOYABLE!

It doesn’t matter if it’s consensual or not. It doesn’t matter if it’s by choice or not. It doesn’t matter if it’s “fiction” or not!
 
Abuse and degradation are nothing to take lightly or as something that is OK as long as we’re talking about two adults or even as long as we are talking about fiction!

It is NEVER OK – not in a fictional story, not in a movie, and certainly not in reality!

 

Please say NO to 50 Shades… this Valentine’s Day! – CLICK TO TWEET!

 

Stand with us – Make Valentine’s Day a day of TRUE romance! – CLICK TO TWEET!

 

Remember the true meaning of Valentine’s Day this year – Say no to 50 Shades! – CLICK TO TWEET!

 

Thank you, Rachel Miller, for sharing your blogpost and pictures. I appreciate your support and I hope my readers do, too.

 

Copyright © 2013-2015 donnasbookshelf.

 

Be careful…

 
 

 
 

Always use your own thoughts… and your own words… whenever you can.
 
 
If you want to cite work from another source, please be careful to give proper credit to the source if you use somebody else’s work (see below).
 

 

Copyright © 2013-2015 donnasbookshelf.

NEW books for 2015-2016… | Angela D. Meyer Marathon

 

Here’s a look at what we have to look forward to from Angela D. Meyer:

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Where Healing Starts

Life at Applewood Hill series — book 2

Where Healing Starts focuses on Joanna and Blake.

Joanna, full of bitterness over the past, can no longer ignore the growing storm inside her and is bent on self-destruction as she seeks to ease her pain. But the refuge she seeks is always out of her reach.

Blake must choose between what has always been safe and what he has always wanted, but never found. One mistake after another leads him down a dangerous path.

The one for all, all for one sibling bond can’t help them now. They are both determined to hang onto their anger, never forgetting. Never forgiving. They see no reason to trust God.

After so many years of turmoil, will the Hannigan siblings find refuge in the God who loves them? Or will they get lost along the way?

  ** An official synopsis has not been released yet, but Angela has graciously provided an unofficial look at book 2…

 

Don’t miss Where Healing Starts – book 2 in Angela D Meyer’s Life at Applewood Hill series. – CLICK TO TWEET!

 

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Where Joy Starts

Life at Applewood Hill series — book 3

 

Where Joy Starts continues the story of the Hannigan siblings…

Book 3 is still in the editing stages — even though I am unable to give you more information, I wanted to include it, since it is part of the series… be sure to watch Angela’s website or subscribe to her newsletter to read more about this sequel.

 

 

 

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If you’d like to know more, I invite you to check out the Life at Applewood Hill  blog site. Karen has just begun blogging about her wonderful bed and breakfast — she would love for people to stop by and check it out!

 

I would like to encourage you to sign up for Angela’s NEWSLETTER for book updates, author news and between-the-books short stories – as she continues to give us insights into her characters and their journeys!

 

I know I can’t wait to read and review each new story Angela releases!

 

And don’t forget to click below to find out how you can enter the…

Angela D Meyer Marathon | Giveaway!

God bless you!

 

© Donna J. Mynatt 2015

NEW books for 2015… | Rachel Muller Marathon

 

Here’s a look at what we have to look forward to from Rachel Muller in 2015:

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JUST RELEASED!

Maggie’s Mission – Book 2 in the Love & War series

A buried vow and a broken past meet face to face on enemy territory…

Lieutenant Maggie Johnson has overcome many obstacles in her life, including her parents’ disapproval of her enlistment in the Army Nurse Corps and the sudden death of her GI boyfriend, Danny Russo.

A sudden blow that forced her to leave behind a promise once made. But Germany introduces more hurdles that hinder her life. Like Army nurse lieutenant, Peggy Blizzard — a woman as cold as her name.

While trying to avoid a war breaking out within her own barracks, Maggie pushes through Germany’s harsh winter, and Peggy’s cold shoulder, and aims to do her job — saving lives. But when tragedy strikes the field hospital, it’s Maggie’s life that needs saving instead.

Maggie’s harrowing rescue will haunt her for months to come when a ruggedly handsome soldier comes to her aid and resembles the face of a man she once loved . . . a man who is dead.

Is war playing mind games with Maggie, or is she facing the ghosts of her past?

 

Maggie’s Mission – a wonderful sequel you won’t want to miss! – Tweet this!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

     … 2015

Phillip’s War – Book 3 in the Love & War series

The war is over for Corporal Phillip Johnson, and no one could be happier than his wife, Libby.

But after the homecoming festivities have calmed, Libby senses something is wrong.

Questioning Phillip only angers him and thrusts him deeper into his melancholy. She takes extra strides to accommodate this unfamiliar side of her husband, but when his despair turns volatile she needs an escape.

Will Libby and Phillip find healing and restoration of their marriage or will their love sink in the midst of Phillip’s inward war?

 

Watch for news about book 3 – Phillip’s War! – Tweet this!

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I’m told Rachel has several more projects in mind but nothing she can share yet. Keep watching though… She is bound to let us in on more soon!

And you can always find more about Rachel Muller… HERE

I can’t wait to read and review each new release!

 

Don’t forget to click below to find out how you can enter the…

Rachel Muller Marathon | Giveaway!

God bless you!

 

© Donna J. Mynatt 2015

NEW books for 2015… | Jennifer Beckstrand Marathon

 

 

Don’t miss these fantastic Christmas reads – available for purchase NOW! – Tweet this!

 

And now… here’s a look at what we have to look forward to from Jennifer Beckstrand in 2015:

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February 2015

Huckleberry Spring – Book 4

Ever since the Helmuths’ grandson, Ben, abruptly broke his engagement and moved to Florida, Emma Nelson has kept busy tending her vegetable garden and raising award-winning pumpkins. She can put her heartache aside to help Ben’s mammi with her own pumpkin patch.

At least until Ben shows up to lend support to his ailing dawdi…

Gardening side by side with pretty, nurturing Emma is a sweet kind of torture for Ben. She could have her pick of suitors who can offer what he can’t, and he cares too much to burden her with his secret. Leaving once more is the only option.

Yet Emma’s courage is daring him to accept the grace that flourishes here, and the love that has been calling him back to Huckleberry Hill.

 

 

 

Huckleberry Spring – a wonderful misadventure you won’t want to miss! – Tweet this!

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May 2015

Huckleberry Harvest – Book 5

Mandy Helmuth doesn’t like Noah Mischler.Not one little bit. First he breaks her best friend’s heart, and then he has the nerve to chastise her for being a busybody.

She feels quite justified in her dislike until Noah does something heroic, like save her life, and she’s forced to bestow her grudging respect even as she determines to keep her distance. But when she unwittingly stumbles into his family troubles, she catches a glimpse of the person Noah so successfully hides from others.

Will Mandy be able to look past Noah’s rough and unyielding exterior to see the man she is destined to love?

Much to Noah Mischler’s annoyance, uppity Mandy Helmuth thinks she has the right to tell him how to live his life. If he weren’t helping Mandy’s grandfather install a stove and fix his roof, Noah wouldn’t be within a mile of Huckleberry Hill or that nosy girl who gives him a lecture every time she opens her mouth.

But when Mandy discovers the horrible truth about his father, Noah is forced to reveal humiliating secrets that he’s never shared with anyone. He trusts her with his secrets, but can he trust her with his heart?

 

Watch for Huckleberry Harvest in 2015! – Tweet this!

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I’m told there are more to come in this wonderful series but no information is available yet. Keep watching though… Jennifer is bound to let us in on more soon!

I can’t wait to read and review each new release!

 

And don’t forget to click below to find out how you can enter the…

Jennifer Beckstrand Marathon | Giveaway!

God bless you!

 

© Donna J. Mynatt 2014

Berenstain Bears and the Biggest Brag | Mike Berenstain

Today I am reviewing The Berenstain Bears and the Biggest Brag, a living lights story by Mike Berenstain.

Here is a brief synopsis from Goodreads:

In this newest Berenstain Bears Living Lights 8×8 book, The Berenstain Bears and the Biggest Brag, Grizzly Gramps teaches Brother and Sister a valuable lesson about bragging and boasting.

When he happens to overhear the cubs bickering about who can see the most unusual cloud formations, Gramps puts a stop to the argument.

He reminds them that being proud of a special talent from God is one thing, but bragging about it is foolish.

“Pride goeth before a fall!”

MY THOUGHTS:

Title: The Berenstain Bears and the Biggest Brag
Series: The Berenstain Bears Living Lights
Author: Mike Berenstain
Publisher: Zonderkidz – December 2014
Genre: Children
Format: Paperback / e-book

Grizzly Gramps teaches Brother and Sister a valuable lesson about bragging and boasting in this narrative of The Berenstain Bears and the Biggest Brag.

When Gramps happens to overhear the cubs bickering about who can see the most unusual cloud formations, he puts a stop to the argument by reminding them that being proud of a special talent from God is one thing, but bragging about it is just plain foolish.

“Pride goeth before a fall!”

This story is perfect for early readers, including my granddaughter — and it’s a good lesson for children who get caught up in a “bragging contest” when they start bragging about what they can do and try to outdo others in their bragging.

I love how the story doesn’t make the reading too simple, yet is easy for a new reader. The pictures are delightful and entertaining, while the message is always a good one to learn. When my own children were growing up, they read the stories by Stan and Jan Berenstain while growing up… now my grandchildren are reading the stories by their son, Mike. The biblical aspect is one I really appreciate, too!

Even better… now activities and questions are included on the last page!

You can read more reviews and more about this story on Goodreads HERE

You can find more about Mike Berenstain… HERE

God bless you!

 

I received this book free from the BookLook Bloggers program.

© Donna J. Mynatt 2014

A Woodland Miracle | Ruth Reid

Today I am reviewing A Woodland Miracle, the second book in the Amish Wonders Series by Ruth Reid.

Here is a brief synopsis from Goodreads:

For a disadvantaged young woman and a displaced young man, a lasting love is going to take more than chance–it’s going to take a miracle.

Muscle weakness has left Grace Wagler with a broken body–and her childhood best friend has left her with a broken heart. She can hold her own in the timber camp (and do everything else the other women in Badger Creek can do), but in an Amish district where women outnumber men three to one, marriage is an unlikely prospect for a girl with bad legs.

Ben Eicher just arrived in Michigan from Pinecraft, Florida. When his most recent shenanigans proved too much for his “daed”‘s patience, Ben was sent to the Upper Peninsula to work in the lumber camp–and he’s neither proud of his behavior nor thrilled about his new home.

But when Ben meets Grace, the struggling young woman quickly piques his curiosity. Of course, the last thing Grace wants is another friendship with a man who pities her. Tired of physical pain and romantic dead ends, Grace is ready to leave Badger Creek for the muscle specialist in Ohio, even if it contradicts her father’s wishes . . . and Ben’s.

Meanwhile, two dangerous men have found their way into the district. It isn’t long before their unsavory plans ensnare Grace and Ben in a chase that will not only endanger their lives . . . but test their love.

MY THOUGHTS:

Ruth Reid is so much more than just amazing… she’s awe-inspiring!

I was absolutely astounded by the degree of pain that Grace had to endure in this story – yet that makes the story what it is… an amazing account of not one, but two lives that have had more than their share of pain, sorrow, fear and turmoil. Without these experiences, the happiness, joy and love wouldn’t be felt as strongly.

Although I wanted to shake some sense into Grace a time or two, she couldn’t deny her feelings, even the ones she had for Gordon. And she was much stronger than she ever suspected, when push came to shove (ha – a play on words, but pushing and shoving is exactly what she did have to endure for a while).

I’ve been unable to let go of the story – from the time I began reading during my lunch break today – until tonight when I finally reached the end of it.

It’s a very powerful story, with characters so convincing I felt as if I knew them. I have to say, I am very thankful I don’t know some of them. How does Ruth write such negative, violent scenes without the harsh cursing and unrealistic actions that so many authors add to their stories?

Well, that’s no secret – she’s just supremely talented!

If you enjoy reading Amish novels, read A Woodland Miracle… you’ll be as amazed as I was!

This book has the perfect title — a woodland miracle is just what Grace receives!

You can find more about Ruth on her website… HERE

I received a copy of this book from the author.

God bless you!

 

©Donna J. Mynatt 2014