Lizzie's Little Mouse by Anne Blackburne

 Lizzie's Little Mouse

About the Book

Book: Lizzie’s Little Mouse (The Heart of the Amish Series Book Eight)

Author: Anne Blackburne

Genre: Amish/Christian Fiction

Release date: April, 2025

Lizzie Has Dreams That Won’t Be Deterred

Full of faith, hope, and romance, this new series takes you into the Heart of Amish country.

Ever Ever since attending a wedding in Louisiana, Lizzie Miller has been fascinated by French baked goods.  With permission of her parents and bishop, she did a two-year internship in a French bakery in New Orleans.  When a local Amish bakery became available, she bout it and opened her own French inspired bakery.

But now someone wants her out of business. During her grand opening, a strange man accosts her, then a brick is tossed through her window wrapped in a note telling her to leave. Someone breaks into her apartment above the bakery, and her cat chases the intruder out.

With the help of her friends, Lizzie will get to the bottom of why someone wishes her to fail. And at the same time, she’ll realize that sometimes dreams can be fulfilled with what—or who—was always close at hand, just waiting to be noticed.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Anne Blackburne lives and works in Southeast Ohio as a newspaper editor and writer. She is the mother of five grown children, has one wonderful grandchild, and a spoiled poodle named Millie. For fun, when she isn’t working on Amish romance or sweet mysteries, Anne directs and acts in community theater productions and writes and directs original plays. She also enjoys reading, kayaking, swimming, searching for beach glass, and just sitting with a cup of coffee looking at large bodies of water. Her idea of the perfect vacation is cruising and seeing amazing new places with people she loves.

 More from Anne

I’m so excited that once again, the amazing bloggers who work with Celebrate Lit are going to do a blog tour for my brand new book in Barbour’s “Heart of the Amish” series, “Lizzie’s Little Mouse”!

Lizzie’s story is available now to readers in print and online wherever fine books are sold, and I feel so blessed to have the help of the Celebrate Lit folks in launching this wonderful story.

If you read either of my previous two books in the series, “Ruth’s Gingersnap Surprise” and “Mary’s Calico Hope”, you’ll remember Elizabeth Miller, their sassy friend with the darling Haflinger pony named Goldie who gave Mary a ride one morning before church services. Elizabeth, or Lizzie, was also mentioned in Ruth’s story as one of the lucky recipients of a kitten from their elderly friend, Lydia’s, cat’s final litter.

Lizzie’s cat is a gray kitty she named Petit Souris, which is French for Little Mouse. Why Little Mouse? Because as a tiny kitten, the darling reminded Lizzie of a mouse!

And why the French name? Well, our heroine is not your typical Amish miss. After attending a wedding in New Orleans as a teen and tasting the amazing baked goods for which the city is renowned, Lizzie began dreaming of opening her very own New Orleans style French bakery – in Ohio’s Amish country!

She loves everything to do with New Orleans, and learned to speak their dialect of French while doing an internship in a bakery there when she was 18. Upon returning home she went to work at the local bakery to learn more about the business, and to save up for her dreams.

As the story opens, we find that Lizzie’s dream has come true! It’s opening day of The Plain Beignet, Lizzie’s bakery in Willow Creek, Ohio. Everyone comes out to wish her well, including friends you’ll recognize from my first two books!

But when something unexpected and frightening happens during the grand opening, it becomes apparent that not everyone is as happy as Lizzie and her friends about her success.

Along with some help from her pals, and her best friend Jane’s handsome big brother, John, Lizzie will get to the bottom of the mystery of who wants to put her out of business, and why!

They discover, among other things, that Lizzie’s bakery was the site of a murder a hundred years before! What could this historic crime have to do with Lizzie’s current problems?

As she, John and their friends search for clues, Lizzie will discover that there’s more baking than her latest batch of beignets!

Could it be romance?

Thank you for taking the time to learn about Lizzie’s story! This book is my third in Barbour Publishing’s series, “The Heart of the Amish”. Look for other great reads in the series from authors Mindy Steele and Lisa Jones Baker.

I’m currently writing my fourth book for the series, which will feature a young woman you’ve met in all my other stories, Jane Bontrager.

Just like her friends, Jane received a kitten from their friend, Lydia; a little brown tabby. Her story, “Plain Jane’s Secret Admirer”, is due out in early winter 2026. 

I hope you’re having as much fun reading about these remarkable young women – and their kitties! – as I’m having writing about them. Thanks for being part of our journey!

As for me and mine, we are all well and enjoying spring in southeast Ohio. In other words, enjoying the sunshine, but carrying a sweater and an umbrella, just in case!

God bless you and yours!

Joyfully,

Anne Blackburne

My Thoughts

Lizzie’s Little Mouse by Anne Blackburne is a heartwarming Amish mystery.  I like Anne Blackburne’s writing style.  It is friendly and engaging.  I liked the main characters as well as the secondary characters.  John and Lizzie’s romance progressed slowly over the course of the story, which I liked.  I enjoyed the humor sprinkled throughout the story.  The mystery was interesting.  I enjoyed joining Lizzie and John as they asked questions and came upon clues.  It was a fun mystery to solve. I liked that there was some action and suspense.  It was cute how Lizzie’s cat helped them.  

I thought the theme for Lizzie’s bakery was unique.  I was surprised that she was allowed to apprentice in New Orlean’s for two years.  The residents of her community were happy that she did because they loved her pastries.  Lizzie’s Little Mouse is the eighth book in The Heart of the Amish series.  It can be read as a standalone, but I have enjoyed reading each book in the series.  I enjoyed catching up with the characters from the other books. Lizzie’s Little Mouse is a sweet story with a grand opening with a bang, scrumptious pastries, apprehensive parents, a shop with a past, a surprising romance, and a cat to the rescue!

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Anne is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon eGift card and a copy of the book!!  Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54209

Lizzie's Little Mouse is available from Amazon.  You can find the other books in The Heart of the Amish series here.  You can follow Anne Blackburne on Amazon, and they will send you an email when she has a new book release. Thank you for joining me today.  My bedroom closet is still a work in progress.  I removed all the items, but it is taking me time to sort through the items and return them to the closet in an orderly manner (aka find room for them all).  I wish my closet was a tad bigger (the guest room closet is bigger than the master, but I was unable to finagle a little space from my mother).  It will all work out in the end.  on Thursday, May 1, I am featuring Their Surprise Reunion by Shelley Shepard Gray. Don't forget to enter the giveaway and leave a comment for an extra entry.  I hope that you have an inspiring day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, April 30

lakesidelivingsite, April 30

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 1

Carla’s Book Crush, May 1

Life on Chickadee Lane, May 2

Vicky Sluiter, May 2

Simple Harvest Reads, May 3 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Texas Book-aholic, May 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 5

Holly’s Book Corner, May 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 6

Stories By Gina, May 7 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, May 7

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 8

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 9

For Him and My Family, May 10

Jeanette’s Thoughts, May 10

Bizwings Book Blog, May 11

Lily’s Corner, May 12

Little Homeschool on the prairie, May 12

She Lives to Read, May 13

Cover Lover Book Review, May 13

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Her Amish Refuge by Pamela Desmond Wright

 Her Amish Refuge

Book Summary

Could her safe haven in a storm

Be a path back to her faith?

Caught in a blizzard pregnant and alone, former Amish woman Florene Schroder stumbles upon an unexpected sanctuary on an Amish farm. She never expects her rescuer to be Gil Kestler, a gentle giant from the community she left behind years ago. Forced together as they brave the storm, their wounded hearts slowly begin to warm toward one another. But as the snow starts to melt, can they conquer their fears to embrace love…or will the secrets they harbor keep them apart?

My Thoughts

I enjoyed Her Amish Refuge by Pamela Desmond Wright.  I was quickly drawn into the story, and I kept reading until I finished reading it.  I liked that the story had romance, family drama, and suspense.   Gil was a unique main character.  He is a tall fellow (around seven feet tall) which would make him stand out in an Amish community.  I felt for Gil and how an incident from childhood shaped his life.  I wanted to strangle Gil’s brother, Eli, and his wife.  Talk about a selfish pair of individuals.  They did not seem to appreciate the wonderful life that they had on the farm.  My heart went out to Florene. I liked that she could look past Gil’s size to see the wonderful man inside.  

Faith was beautifully woven into the story.  I marked several passages that spoke to me.  I was especially drawn to the area where Florene speaks to Pastor Michael. I was amazed at the strength of Gil’s faith.  I wish mine was as strong as his. While Her Amish Refuge is part of the Schroder sister’s series, it can be read as a standalone.  It was great to catch up with all the Schroder sisters.  Her Amish Refuge is a tender tale with a raging blizzard, a gentle giant, an injured lady, a narcissistic couple, a bawling baby, a compassionate mother, and a hopeful future.

Her Amish Refuge is available from Amazon as well as other major booksellers (you can find it at Walmart too).  The other Schroder Sister books are Bonding Over the Amish Baby, Her Surprise Amish Match, and The Cowboy's Amish Haven. You can find Pamela Desmond Wright's other books here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  On Wednesday, April 30, I am a stop on the Celebrate Lit Tour for Lizzie's Little Mouse by Anne Blackburne.  It is the eighth book in The Heart of the Amish series.  I hope that you will join me.  I am off to work on my bedroom closet.  I am not sure how it happened, but it is a mess (I can barely step inside my closet to look at my clothes).  I need to remove everything which will allow me to organize, straighten, and get rid of anything that I do not need.  I am in for a tedious afternoon, but the results will be worth it.  I hope that your afternoon will be more entertaining than mine!  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Smoky Mountain Escape by Rhonda Starnes

 Smoky Mountain Escape

Book Summary

Two killers on the loose

and threats around every corner…

Sheriff Heath Dalton accidentally stumbles upon two gunmen trying to hide a body in the Smoky Mountains and barely escapes with his life. And when traveling nurse Kayla Eldridge finds herself stranded in the stormy wilderness with Heath, she now has a target on her back. They must work together to navigate the treacherous terrain and evade the criminals who are tracking their every move. Can they outrun their merciless hunters before they both lose their lives?

My Thoughts

Smoky Mountain Escape by Rhonda Starnes is an engaging suspense novel.  I like that the action started at the beginning.  I was drawn into the story, and, for the most part, my attention was held.  There were some slow parts here and there.  I liked the main characters, especially Heath Dalton.  He is a strong, caring, and thoughtful man.  I could tell that there was more to Kayla Eldridge’s story.  After checking out the author’s other books, I discovered that Kayla was in another book along with a couple of the other characters.  I wish the books were listed as a series (it would make them easier to find plus it would allow me to read the books in order which is my preference). 

I felt for Kayla who fell for the wrong man and suffered for it. I could understand why being in the forest would be difficult for her. The author’s picturesque descriptions allowed me to envision the settings.  I like how faith was integrated into the story.  Smoky Mountain Escape is a suspenseful story with a hiking holiday, a deceased chap, kinsmen with guns, an accidental car accident, a waterfall shelter, and fighting fear. 

Smoky Mountain Escape comes out Tuesday, April 29 and it can be preordered from Amazon.  You can find Rhonda Starnes other books here.  Thank you for joining me today.  I enjoyed working in my garden yesterday.  I look forward to seeing what pops up in the coming weeks.  I will return on Tuesday, April 29 with Her Amish Refuge by Pamela Desmond Wright.  I hope that you have a happy and relaxing weekend.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Written in Stone by Paige Shelton

 Written in Stone

Book Summary

Written in Stone, the tenth installment in the Scottish Bookshop series by Paige Shelton, set in a specialty bookstore in Edinburgh called The Cracked Spine.

When Delaney wins a special Hidden Door Festival invitation to artist Ryory Bennigan's studio, she isn’t sure quite what to expect. What she finds is an elusive fellow obsessed with the Picts—complete with his own versions of their blue tattoos and vibrant red hair—recreating the stones they left behind. She also meets a visiting paleontologist, Dr. Adam Pace, from the University of Kansas attempting to sell an artifact that might just explain what the Picts' language really sounded like.

Or at least that’s what he claimed the artifact was for. Before the deal can close and Ryory can get a closer look at it, Dr. Pace is found dead.

With the police dragging their feet in the investigation, Delaney takes it upon herself to dig into Dr. Pace's past. Her research goes murky as she quickly discovers Pace’s shady background—selling fake dinosaur bones and running into some 3D-printing trouble back in Kansas. Could his past have come back to bite him in Edinburgh? And what does his questionable background mean for the mysterious Pictish artifact he was trying to sell to Ryory? Delaney will have to dust off her magnifying glass to uncover the truth behind this case… or risk becoming a pile of bones herself.

My Thoughts

Written in Stone by Paige Shelton has Delaney Nichols meeting a new artist, delving into the history of the Picts, and digging into a new mystery.  It was great to catch up with Delaney, Tom, Rosie, Edwin, Hector, and the rest of The Cracked Spine crew.  I found the artist Ryory Bennigan fascinating.  I wish we had learned more about this mysterious artist (maybe in a future book).  I enjoyed hearing about the local history and about the Picts (what little we know about them) plus there are beautiful descriptions of the local architecture (Delaney is so lucky).  The mystery was the weak link in the story.  It was not at the forefront.  I felt that the motive was shoved into the shadows and the author hoped that no one would notice that the killer’s intent was not fully addressed.  The ending was abrupt and left me with lingering questions.  

Written in Stone is the tenth A Scottish Bookshop Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series.  While I liked parts of Written in Stone, it is my least favorite book in the series. I loved the special gift Delaney received from her boss.  I am quite envious.  Written in Stone is a Scottish cozy mystery with a reclusive artist, colorful tattoos, a sick assistant, Pict history, a curious crime, an exceptional present, a printing production, and a special bookstore.

Written in Stone is available from Amazon.  You can find the other A Scottish Bookshop Mysteries here.  You can find Paige Shelton's other novels here.  Thank you for dropping by today.  I have been busy getting tasks outside before the heat and humidity settle in for the summer (it is already in the 80s).  My California poppies are dying out (because of the heat), so I  adding new plants and seeds to my raised garden beds. 

California Poppies still blooming in my garden

I have begonia's, sunflowers, marigolds, salvia, Mexican heather, coleus, and a couple of other flowers in bloom.  I am adding other varieities of marigold and coleus (I found some unique types) as well as cosmos, vinca, zinnia's. I am adding Clary Sage this year.  I enjoy working in the garden.  I get to spend time with the neighborhood cats (they all come down to visit, gets pets, and treats) plus it is relaxing.  The doctor says it is good exercise. Do you enjoy gardening?  What are your favorite flowers?  I look foward to hearing from you!  I will return tomorrow with Smoky Mountain Escape by Rhonda Starnes which will be out on Tuesday, April 29.  I hope that you have a pleasurable day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

The Summer of You and Me by Denise Hunter

 The Summer of You and Me

Book Summary

Maggie Reynolds is finally ready for love again—until the past shows up in the form of someone who may or may not be the late husband she thought she'd lost.

Five years after her husband's death, Maggie is finally ready to let go of him and the dreams she had for their future. A summer at Seabrook, where she and Ethan first became childhood sweethearts, seems the perfect time and place to find closure. Plus, she gets to spend time with his family, the Reynoldses, whom she loves like her own.

Unbeknownst to Maggie, her brother-in-law, Josh Reynolds, has been in love with her since they first met all those years ago. But his brother ultimately won Maggie's heart, and Josh's unrequited love has ruined all his relationships. If Maggie is ready to move on, then Josh is ready to lay it all on the line and come clean about his true feelings for her.

But his plans soon get put on hold when, shortly after Maggie returns to Seabrook, she runs into a man who could pass for Ethan's twin. But he disappears into the amusement park crowd before she can confront him.

The event rattles Maggie, stirs up impossible questions, and sends Josh and her on a quest to discover the man's true identity. But their search ends up raising more questions than answers—and soon Maggie isn't sure she wants those answers after all.

My Thoughts

The Summer of You and Me by Denise Hunter has Maggie Reynolds and her daughter returning to Seabrook Island, South Carolina for the summer.  I found the premise for The Summer of You and Me interesting, but the book failed to draw me in.  The story was overly dramatic in places and unbelievable in others (I rolled my eyes more than once).  It is an emotional story.  Maggie’s feelings ran the gamut as she deals with the grief over her husband’s death (he has been dead for five years) and the new feelings for Josh, her brother-in-law and friend.  I wanted to tell her to pull it together (she has a daughter who needs her and knows when her mother is upset).  I felt the drama with Maggie’s mother was unneeded (there was enough going on). Maggie’s mother behaved like a child, and I do not know why Maggie fell for her mother’s schemes each time.  

The storyline with the deceased husband’s double was predictable thanks to a tidbit the author tossed in that did not flow with the rest of the story.  I tried but I was unable to connect with the characters and it did not help that the story moved at a leisurely pace. The Summer of You and Me is a clean, Christian story (attending church, prayer, no swearing or intimate situations).   I did not feel that the title fit the story because it was not just Maggie and Josh.  There was Maggie’s daughter and Josh’s family (Maggie is staying in her in-law’s home).  I have been branching out to try different authors and genres to get me out of my reading rut.  Unfortunately, The Summer of You and Me was not my cup of tea. While it did not suit me, if the premise appeals to you, I encourage you to download a sample to check it out for yourself.

The Summer of You and Me is available from Amazon.  You can find Denise Hunter's other novels here. The images today are of Seabrook Island, SC where The Summer of You and Me was set.  Denise Hunter has The Second Story Bookshop coming out October 7. Thank you for joining me today.  I hope everyone had an enjoyable Easter. My mother and I had a quiet day. She loves her Snoopy Easter Bunny that does the bunny hop and the little woodstock in a decorated egg costume.  Tomorrow, I will be sharing my thoughts on Written in Stone by Paige Shelton.  It is the tenth novel in A Scottish Bookshop Mysteries. I hope that you have a an uplifting day.  I am heading out to run a couple of errands. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.