Amish Country Killer by Mary Alford

ABOUT THE BOOK

An unsolved mystery…

Seeking the truth could be fatal.

Reopening the investigation of her mother's disappearance puts chief of police Diana Fisher in someone’s lethal sights. As she delves deeper into the mystery, a murderer resurfaces, targeting the Amish community. Detective Micah Nissley, whose fiancée went missing a decade ago, joins forces with Diana to stop the threats and bring the killer to justice. But can they uncover the connection between Diana and the culprit before she becomes the next victim?

AMAZON

MY THOUGHTS.....

"Don't go back there, Diana. There's nothing in Rachel's Crossing but ghosts."

Wow! Just wow! I'm a long-time fan of this author, but this exceeded all of my expectations! The page-turning story kept me fully engaged from the opening paragraph until the satisfying prologue! Was it because it was set in Kentucky, my home state? How about a riveting plot that included cold cases, a serial killer, and a young woman trying to discover why her mother left her at an early age? Could it be the twists, turns, and multiple clues that kept me guessing? Or the identity of the demented killer that had me shaking my head!

I enjoyed watching Diana and Micah's relationship as they struggled to find the person targeting young women. It was clear that they admired each other professionally, but was there something deeper waiting to be explored? I loved their slow-burn romance and the very special bond between Diana and her K-9 companion, Kit. Amish Country Killer is a well-written story with compelling characters, intense danger, and an inspiring faith message. It is now my favorite Mary Alford book, and I recommend it to all who enjoy romantic Christian suspense!

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mary Alford is a USA Today bestselling author who loves giving her readers the unexpected, combining unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots that result in stories the reader can't put down. Her titles have been finalists for several awards, including the Daphne Du Maurier, the Beverly, the Maggie, and the Selah. She and her husband live in the heart of Texas in the middle of 70 acres with two cats and one dog. 

Learn more by visiting her Website   Facebook    Twitter     Instagram     Pinterest

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The Good for Nothing Puddle: Finding Hope When You're Stuck in Sadness by Jana Jackson

ABOUT THE BOOK

In this powerful picture book about a girl experiencing loss, The Good-for-Nothing Puddle helps children explore the nature of grief and loss and leads them to find hope and redemption from pain.

When a girl loses the thing she loves the most, her tears gather into a puddle around her feet that follows her everywhere she goes. At first, she tries her best to make it go away, but it is inescapable. She even cries out to God to take it away. Eventually, a puppy, a farmer, and an artist stumble upon the girl and her puddle. Each one finds the puddle extremely useful in their own way and slowly the girl begins to understand that her “good-for-nothing” puddle might just be good for something after all! As she learns to accept her grief, she begins to find happiness again. Filled with moments of sorrow and joy, The Good-for-Nothing Puddle is a powerful metaphor for dealing with difficult emotions and navigating grief while holding onto faith.

The Good-for-Nothing Puddle:

• Is for children who have experienced loss of any kind, big or small
• Was reviewed and endorsed by a Christian counselor specializing in child therapy
• Teaches children as well as adults how to find hope in darkness
• 
  is filled with lively and dramatic illustrations
• Is great for families as well as Sunday school classes and church libraries, and anyone struggling to find God amid sadness
• 
  

PURCHASE YOUR COPY HERE

MY THOUGHTS.....

Once there was a girl...who lost someone she loved very much,

The Good for Nothing Puddle tells the story of a young girl who is sad and depressed after losing a loved one. As her pain intensifies, she cries out for help, but it doesn't come as fast as she wants, and it isn't in the form that she thought. And then, she slowly begins to see light shining through her darkness. She finally believes that "God had been listening all along."

This isn't your usual children's book featuring bright, colorful illustrations and rhyming text. The text is kept at a minimum, but it clearly depicts her hopelessness and frustration, and the black and gray illustrations perfectly exemplify the girl's escalating pain and grief.  The mood isn't light, the book isn't fun, but ... it is a resource that is needed! 

The illustrations aren't bright or cheerful. They perfectly depict  the  painful emotions that this young girl is feeling!

Have you ever prayed and waited, 

prayed and waited?

But nothing happened.

I remember library patrons requesting books to help a child cope with death and grief. Reading this as a family would pave the way for discussing faith, prayer, and God. The Good for Nothing Puddle would also be a terrific addition in schools, churches, and public libraries.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher via FrontGate Women's Blogger Network. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

And in her puddle, 

where she once saw only sadness,

she suddenly ssw so much more.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Jana Jackson is a writer and UpStreet Production Director for North Point Ministries. She creates content and environments that inspire children to develop a faith of their own. She lives on the Chattahoochee River just outside Atlanta, GA, with her four daughters and dog Bleu. The Good-for-Nothing Puddle is her first book.

Learn more by visiting her Website

Abby Jartos is an illustrator and designer with over two decades of experience. She currently leads an environment and experience design studio, as well as serving as creative director for a Southeast-based content creation company. She lives outside of Atlanta with her two children. The Good-for-Nothing Puddle is her first book.

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