Green Pastures by Patricia Johns

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Green Pastures by Patricia Johns, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Green Pastures
Series: The Amish of Shepherd's Hill #1
Author: Patricia Johns
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: March 18, 2025
Genre: Amish Romance

Tabitha Schrock's return to Lancaster County shakes the foundations of her family and community. After her departure during rumspringa and a recent divorce, Tabitha faces the challenge of reintegrating into Amish society while pursuing her dream of working as a veterinarian. Meanwhile, her sister Amanda, whose own prospects were dimmed by Tabitha's leaving Shepherd's Hill, decides to seize her chance at love by pursuing a man with a shadowed past. And their youngest sister, Rose, despite her beauty and romantic hopes, faces the harsh realities of matrimony, grappling with the weight of vows made before Gott and her community. 

As the sisters navigate the intricacies of love, faith, and tradition, they are bound by their commitment to uphold their Amish way of life. But as they strive to keep their promises, how much are they willing to sacrifice to remain true to themselves and their community?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Baker Publishing Group | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

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About the Author

Patricia Johns is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than 50 books. She writes Amish fiction with tight communities, outspoken heroines, and the handsome, rugged men who fall in love with them. She lives in Alberta, Canada, with her husband and son.

Connect with Patricia by visiting patriciajohns.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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My Thoughts

Green Pastures by Patricia Johns revolves around the three Schrock sisters: Tabitha, Amanda, and Rose. The characters are developed and realistic. I appreciate seeing that Amish people are not perfect. The Amish struggle with the same issues as Englischers (alcoholism, stubborn fathers, gossipy relatives, negative thoughts, infertility, yearning for love, and more) and some problems that are unique to the Amish.  The story is well-written and engaging. I liked that the story had a female Amish veterinarian (a rarity). I do not know how she performed her duties in a dress with an apron and a kapp (I would not have lasted a day in a dress). 

I liked the different story arcs and how they all tied together into one satisfying story. I wish, though, that one sister’s storyline had a better resolution (I cannot tell you because that would be a spoiler). I hope that this sister will be featured in an upcoming book and get the happy ending that she deserves. I like how faith was threaded throughout the book. I finished the story with a smile on my face. Green Pastures is the first installment in The Amish of Shepherd’s Hill series, and I cannot wait for Still Waters to come out at the beginning of November. Green Pastures is a heartwarming tale with a veterinarian sister, marital miseries, a suffering horse, an endearing runt, a bothersome brother, and learning that God is our friend. 

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Excerpt

Tabitha was home, an Amish woman in good standing once more. Most lapsed Amish who left the faith didn’t return, so Tabitha knew she was a reason for celebration. And even though this work of setting a broken bone was exactly the same as she’d done on Englischer farms in her last two years as a veterinarian, squatting here in her cape dress, her gray work apron smeared with dirt and mud, she felt like she’d shrugged off a blanket of constant low- level anxiety and she could finally breathe. Her heart was in the lush green pastures, the simple Amish kitchens, the earnest belief in Gott’s goodness,  and the low sound of a cappella singing on Service Sundays. Her faith had begun out here in Amish country, and exploring the outside world hadn’t brought any of the satisfaction that she’d hoped to find. Freedom had proved reckless, and home was a safe haven where rules protected them and the community pulled close together to take care of one another.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a print copy of Green Pastures!

(1) additional winner will receive a print copy of Green Pastures!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 18, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 25, 2025. Winner 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.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Green Pastures is available from Amazon as well as other major retailers (Barnes & Nobles, BAM!, Kobo).  The next book in  The Amish of Shepherd’s Hill series is Still Waters which will be out on November 4. Patricia Johns has An Amish Baby in Her Arms coming out July 29.  It is the first book in Amish Chocolate Shop Brides series.  You can find Patricia Johns other novels here.  

Thank you for joining me today. I am busy taking down my St. Patrick's Day decorations, so I can get my Easter decorations set up.  Painting Easter eggs is the theme for my front yard decorations which I thought was appropos since eggs are too expensive to decorate this year. I have an adorable inflatable arch.  I will share pics as soon as all the decorations are in place. Do not forget to enter the giveaway before you depart. Good Luck! I will return on Tuesday, March 25 with Seeking Evil by Mary Alford. It is the third book in the Hallowed Halls series.  I hope that you have an upbeat day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*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.

A Map to Paradise by Susan Meissner

 A Map to Paradise

Book Summary

1956, Malibu, Something is not right on Paradise Circle.

With her name on the Hollywood blacklist and her life on hold, starlet Melanie Cole has little choice in company. There is her next-door neighbor, Elwood, but the screenwriter’s agoraphobia allows for just short chats through open windows. He’s her sole confidante, though, as she and her housekeeper, Eva, an immigrant from war-torn Europe, rarely make conversation.

Then one early morning Melanie and Eva spot Elwood’s sister-in-law and caretaker, June, digging in his beloved rose garden. After that they don’t see Elwood at all anymore. Where could a man who never leaves the house possibly have gone?

As they try to find out if something has happened to him, unexpected secrets are revealed among all three women, leading to an alliance that seems the only way for any of them to hold on to what they can still call their own. But it’s a fragile pact and one little spark could send it all up in smoke…

My Thoughts

I look forward to reading Susan Meissner’s latest novel each year. I picked up A Map to Paradise to see where the author would take us this year.  I was transported back to 1956 when Hollywood actors, writers, and producers were terrified of being put on the Hollywood blacklist.  A Map to Paradise is a character driven story that moves at a leisurely pace.  The characters are developed with flaws.  I like when the characters are realistic.  The three women (June, Eva, and Melanie) have had ups and downs in their lives (some more than others).

The story was interesting, but it was somewhat predictable with repetitive details.  When someone is digging in a rose garden in the middle of the night, it is obvious what they are doing.  I wish there had been more suspense and action (something to liven up the story).  The story felt flat (reminded me of a flat line on a heart monitor).   At times, the dialogue felt forced (felt like the author was trying too hard).  I liked that June and Eva became friends.  I found the epilogue to be a letdown.  I have read all of Susan Meissner’s books (I have been hooked since I read “A Lady in Waiting”, and A Map to Paradise was not a hit with me (if I ranked Susan Meissner's books from favorite to least favorite, this book would be at the bottom of the list).  While A Map to Paradise was not a home run with me, I look forward to reading Susan Meissner’s next novel.  

A Map to Paradise is available from Amazon. Check out Susan Meissner's other novels here. Thank you for stopping by today.  Tomorrow I am featuring Green Patures by Patricia Johns.  There will be a giveaway for you to enter!  The weather has been odd in my area (Tampa Bay area of Florida).  Normally, we have some mild spring weather (low 70s if we are lucky).  This week, I wear jeans and a sweater one day (low 60s yesterday), capris the next, shorts for two days, and then back to jeans.  I will enjoy the cool weather while it lasts because the heat will soon arrive.  I hope that you have a happy spring 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.

A Fresh Start for the Country Nurse by Kate Eastham

A Fresh Start for the Country Nurse

Book Summary

July, 1936

After an unexpected heartbreak and a nasty accident on a busy Liverpool street, Lara Flynn is desperate to start afresh and leave painful memories behind her. She takes on a new job as a district nurse and midwife at a country practice, in the remote Lancashire village of Ingleside.

But instead of the friendly rural idyll she pictures, Lara finds she must cycle vast distances to visit locals who harbour an innate suspicion of a newcomer from the city – as well as dealing with unpredictable livestock, an erratic senior doctor and often challenging medical cases. She also rubs up against handsome local vet, Leo, when she helps to deliver a calf!

With time, Lara learns that healing is a two-way street: just as she helps her patients recover from illness and injury, her new life in Ingleside starts to heal her own wounds. But will this tight-knit farming community ever truly take this city girl to its heart?

My Thoughts

A Fresh Start for the Country Nurse by Kate Eastham takes us back to 1936 when Lara Flynn transfers from Liverpool to Ingleside to be a district nurse and midwife at a country practice.  Lara needs a change of pace after a terrible accident.  I found the story to be easy to read.  The characters are relatable, developed, and likeable.  I enjoyed the descriptions of the Lancashire countryside.  I found the story to be a cross between “All Creatures Great and Small” and “Call the Midwife” (without the nuns).  The medical issues were realistic and explained in an easy-to-understand manner.  The author really captured the attitudes of people in a small town as well as how they gossip. 

An incident could happen at an outlying farm, and everyone in town would know by the time Lara made her way back to the practice.  There is a touch of romance as well.  I like how the people who lived and worked at the practice became a family.  I enjoyed the first installment in Diary of a Country Nurse, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.  A Fresh Start for the Country Nurse is a heartwarming tale with a new nurse, a reserved doctor, a hospitable housekeeper, rampant rumors, an alarming accident, an attractive vet, and a delightful future. 

A Fresh Start for the Country Nurse is available from Amazon (available through Kindle Unlimited).  You can find Kate Eastham's other novels here.  Thank you for popping by today.  I will return on Tuesday, March 18 with A Map to Paradise by Susan Meissner.  I am off to look for more contractors who work on carports.  The person that I thought was going to fix mine ended up being another no show (number eight on the no show or no estimate list).  I have two people coming on Thursday (I scheduled them back to back to save time--that is if they show up).  I did receive one estimate (just took five months) and it was outrageous.  Of course, the costs are only going to increase with the new tariffs.    

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.

Propaanda Girls by Lisa Rogak

 Propaganda Girls

Book Summary

The incredible untold story of four women who helped win WWII by generating a wave of black propaganda.

Betty MacDonald was a 28-year-old reporter from Hawaii. Zuzka Lauwers grew up in a tiny Czechoslovakian village and knew five languages by the time she was 21. Jane Smith-Hutton was the wife of a naval attaché living in Tokyo. Marlene Dietrich, the German-American actress and singer, was of course one of the biggest stars of the 20th century. These four women, each fascinating in her own right, together contributed to one of the most covert and successful military campaigns in WWII.

Marlene Dietrich helped off ship by soldiers

As members of the OSS, their task was to create a secret brand of propaganda produced with the sole aim to break the morale of Axis soldiers. Working in the European theater, across enemy lines in occupied China, and in Washington, D.C., Betty, Zuzka, Jane, and Marlene forged letters and “official” military orders, wrote and produced entire newspapers, scripted radio broadcasts and songs, and even developed rumors for undercover spies and double agents to spread to the enemy. And outside of a small group of spies, no one knew they existed. Until now.

In Propaganda Girls, bestselling author Lisa Rogak brings to vivid life the incredible true story of four unsung heroes, whose spellbinding achievements would change the course of history.

Hitler Toilet Paper (World War II)

My Thoughts

I enjoyed reading Propaganda Girls by Lisa Rogak.  I found the story to be interesting and easy to read.  I could tell that the author did her research.  I was happy to discover that the book was not dry.  The book is told from four women’s point-of-view who served in the OSS during World War II.  The work that Betty MacDonald, Zuzka Lauwers, Jane Smith-Hutton, and Marlene Dietrich did to aid the war effort was fascinating. They worked to undermine the morale of Axis soldiers. It is shame that they did not receive the same pay, rank, or acknowledgement as men.  Jane, Betty, and Zuzka’s contributions were just as important as Marlene Dietrich’s. The women were clever, and they came up with unique ideas.  Those curious about inimitable jobs women did during World War II will enjoy Propaganda Girls.

Propaganda Girls is available from Amazon.  You can find Lisa Rogak's other books here.  Thank you for joining me today.  I have been doing work in my garden.  It is currently overflowing with California Poppy's (pretty orange blossoms).  I know they will die out when the heat appears (which will be soon), so I am spreading other seeds throughout my raised planters (cosmos, zinnias, sunflowers, coleus, daisies--to name a few). I am also laying a soaking hose throughout the planters (plus cleaning out the dead plants and clipping off dead limbs).  I will just need to turn on the hose and my flowers will be watered without me standing out there holding the hose.  I hope next year to have other varieties of poppies.  I planted about seven different varieties, but they will not appear for another year. 

I will return tomorrow with A Fresh Start for the Country Nurse by Kate Eastham.  I am off to put together a welcome basket for my newest neighbor.  He moved in a few days ago, and I want to give him a warm welcome to the village (I do it anonymously by leaving a gift bag on his doorknob). I hope that you have a glorious 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.

Amish Home Remedy for the Heart by Debra Torres

Amish Home Remedy for the Heart

Book Summary

Blindsided by a heart-wrenching pain she didn't see coming, Leanna King, home remedy columnist for the Amish View newspaper, is thrust into a life that's suddenly shattered.

When her husband of fifteen years leaves and says he's never coming back, Leanna is left alone with seven young children looking to her for answers. Leanna must find a way to fight through her grief or lose all that remains precious to her.

Swept off into the fast pace of the Englischer world, Milo King is finally living the dream. With no fields to plow, no Amish bishop to answer to, and free from a wife he says he never loved, Milo is finally in a place where he feels he can become his true self. But when the unthinkable happens, Milo is set on a path spiraling out of control, making him wonder if anything will ever be right again.

Desperate to fix their shattered lives, Leanna searches for an Amish home remedy for the heart, only to discover her answer lies along a path she'd promised herself she'd never go.

My Thoughts

Amish Home Remedy for the Heart by Debra Torres is a story that will touch your heart.  I thought the story was well written with developed characters.  I liked that the characters were not perfect, and the family was not portrayed as a happy group.  I felt for Leanna who is left to take care of the house, farm, and seven children after her husband takes off. Leanna must deal with her grief, and she sets out to find a remedy for a hurting heart. Of course, I understood how Milo felt as well.  He had never planned to become baptized in the Amish faith and he felt he was forced into it.  We get to see Milo navigate the Englisher world.  He will have to discover for himself that the grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence.  The one thing that both Leanna and Milo discover is that they do not know God despite their upbringing.  I enjoyed the scripture in the story (I marked several verses).   I enjoyed this special story about forgiveness, second chances, and that Jesus is always there for us. 

I liked reading about Leann’s home remedies.  I will be adding some new plants to my garden this year.  Amish Home Remedy for the Heart is a poignant tale with a hampered husband, a weeping wife, a compassionate sister, seven offspring, finding God, a heart remedy, and an unexpected future for the family.

Amish Home Remedy for the Heart is available from Amazon.  The book can be read for free if you are a member of Kindle Unlimited. The next book in Amish Newspapers of Mercer County series is The Great Amish Baking Battle which comes out February 6t, 2026.  You can follow Debra Torres on Amazon, and they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return on Tuesday, March 11 with Propaganda Girls by Lisa Rogak.  I hope that you have a relaxing weekend. I know that I could use a nap (actually, I could use a vacation--does anyone want to volunteer to watch my mother for a few days?😁).  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.

Secrets, Lies and Fireflies by Angie Fox

 Secrets, Lie and Fireflies

Book Summary

Verity’s grandmother returns to help Verity and Frankie solve a mystery that reveals a shocking family secret, as well as the heartwarming history of Verity’s home. This is one family reunion you don’t want to miss!

My Thoughts

Secrets, Lies and Fireflies by Angie Fox is a humorous story.  I always look forward to my yearly visit to Sugarland, Tennessee.  I can count on laughing often thanks to Verity and Frankie’s antics.  I like Angie Fox’s casual writing style which makes her stories easy to read.  There are great characters that include Verity, Frankie, Melody, Ellis, and the darling Lucy.  I could just envision Lucy in her costume, and I cracked up when I read about Ellis’s.  I loved reading about Verity interactions with her grandmother.  It was obvious how much Verity loved her.  We also get an opportunity to see what the house looked like before Verity had to sell off everything.  

The mystery was entertaining.  I liked that it involved the history of Sugarland. I found the fire devastating (the loss of books and historical documents).    I wish, though, that the guilty party had been less obvious.  This did not lessen my enjoyment (I devoured this story in a couple of hours).  There is a scene with Verity, Verity’s grandmother, and Frankie that had me laughing out loud.  The descriptive details allowed me to envision a certain person in my head which just made me laugh harder (I still giggle when I think about it—I do not want to spoil it for you by saying more).  Secrets, Lies, and Fireflies is the fourteenth book in The Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries.  While it can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading this entertaining series in order because it will allow you to get to know Verity and Frankie (and understand their unique relationship). I was hoping that Didi, Verity’s grandmother, would have insights on how to free a certain gangster from Verity’s property.   Secrets, Lies and Fireflies is an amusing story with a blazing library, a gregarious ghostly grandmother, a curious key, peaches a plenty, a snazzy sweater, a costumed skunk, an updo hairdo, and an interesting history.  

Secrets, Lies and Fireflies is available from Amazon (make sure you have nowhere to go before you begin). Angie Fox has the 15th book Garters, Ghosts and Wedding Toasts coming out February 27, 2026.   You can find the other books in The Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries here.  If you follow Angie Fox on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for popping by today.  I will return on Saturday, March 8 with Amish Home Remedy for the Heart by Debra Torres.  I hope that you have a day filled with joy.  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.

Welcome to the Honey B&B by Melody Carlson

Welcome to the Honey B&B 

Book Summary

When life feels like it's closing in around you, sometimes the solution is to open the doors wide and invite others in . . .

Jewel McKerry is on the brink of unraveling as she heads home to Oregon to help care for her father who has early-onset dementia. Her thirteen-year-old daughter is upset about the move. Her beekeeper dad is a humorous handful. Her mom is overworked and overwhelmed. Finances are stretched tight. And, according to her father, the neighbors are nothing but trouble.

Despite all of these challenges, Jewel takes on one more when she convinces her parents to turn their decrepit farmhouse into a B&B in order to make some needed money. Her old high school flame turned contractor steps in to help, but Jewel isn't sure she can really trust him. And those "troublesome" neighbors? The handsome widower and his teenage daughter just might be the key to making all this work.

Get ready for a summer filled with family, good humor, and new beginnings!

My Thoughts

Welcome to the Honey B&B by Melody Carlson is a heartwarming story. I felt for the family who is caring for CT who has frontotemporal dementia (FTP—Bruce Willis has been diagnosed with this disease).  They need to keep an eye on him constantly (he is wily and can disappear in an instant).  I cannot imagine what it would be like to have your father (or grandfather, mother, etc.) not recognize you (heartbreaking).  I was surprised that the family did not utilize items with modern technology that would help them keep better track of CT (baby monitor, tracking device, security cameras around the farm, sensor alarms).  I felt for Jewel who was discovering the severity of her father’s condition.  I thought it was wonderful how she worked to find ways to help her parents.  

I like the fact that the characters were realistic with flaws.  I liked all but one side character (I wanted to toss this guy off a cliff).    The romance was the slow burn type which suited the story (it did not need to be rushed).  I was not a fan of a certain man causing problems though (same guy that I want to toss off a cliff).  My favorite character was Jewel’s daughter, Cooper.  It was great how she cared for her grandfather and learned to care for the bees.  I appreciated the author’s note at the end in which she explains why she wrote the novel and her experiences with a loved one who has frontotemporal dementia.  Welcome to the Honey B&B is a touching tale with a father with FTD, a green haired granddaughter, picking paint colors, buzzing bees, a pesky contractor, fun at the fair, friendly neighbors, and a loving family. 

Welcome to the Honey B&B is available from Amazon.  Melody Carlson has Once Upon a Christmas Carol coming out September 2.  I look forward to reading her Christmas story each year. You can find Melody Carlson's other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return tomorrow with Secrets, Lies, and Fireflies by Angie Fox. It is the 14th book in The Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries.  I hope that you have peaceful day (I could use one of those).  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.