About the Book

Book: Blueberry Bungalow

Author: Konnie K. Viner

Genre: Fiction (Christian mystery/romance)

Release date: November 10, 2021

It’s been a year since Maci Driscoll’s husband passed unexpectedly, and she is stuck in lonely despair. As an established painter, she finds her inspiration and artistic spark is gone. In a desperate attempt to step out of her funk, Maci sells her seaside home and moves inland to a sleepy little town in Maine.

But peace and inspiration aren’t the only things she finds in Laurel Hill. The century home she buys has secrets to divulge, a long-lost couple to reunite, a murder to solve, and maybe even new love.

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My Review:

I enjoyed this story of a second chance at love as Maci leaves the life she has always known to begin a new life after the death of her husband. Moving to a small town, Maci finds more than she ever thought she would as she meets good people, busy bodies, and uncovers and solves several mysteries.

Learning about the life and faith of Ginny, the woman who lived when the house was first built, had me reflecting on what it means to be a blessing to others. She had much sorrow and tragedy in her life, but she chose to become a mentor and encourager to other women instead of letting life's circumstances embitter her. I thought sharing her story through a journal was a perfect way of seeing what she went through. Ginny's legacy continued on as Maci read her journal and found comfort and strength for what she was experiencing.

I recommend reading the story of Maci's journey. You will be in for a treat as long lost secrets are brought to light and the past can be put to rest for several people so joy can be restored.

I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Konnie Viner is also the author of Amaryllis Journey, a 2020 Golden Scroll fiction book of the year award winner. She writes to encourage women with the assurance of God’s love and faithfulness in difficult life experiences. Her first published book is Rested Soul, Resilient Heart, Finding Hope in the Storms of Abuse and Betrayal (2017),. She holds a BS in Education from the University of Kansas and an MS in Business Management from the University of Redlands, CA. Konnie cherishes time with her three grandchildren. Her hobbies include photographing God’s beautiful creation, quilting, and reading.

More from Konnie

Blueberry Bungalow, a 2022 Selah Award Finalist, is a cozy mystery set in the blueberry fields of Maine, Recently widowed and struggling, Maci Driscoll moves from the seaside of Maine to quiet little Laurel Hill to escape the past and figure out who she is without her beloved husband. Never did she expect to find a long-lost letter, solve a decades-old murder, or fall in love, but she does.

Maci’s Blueberry Pie Recipe

Crust

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons salt

1 cup unsalted butter, cold

½ cup water

Filling

4 cups blueberries

2 tablespoons sugar

¼ cup all-purpose flour

Glaze

1 egg, beaten

coarse sugar

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425º and place a rack in the middle of the oven. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add the butter and mix it into the flour using two knives or pastry blender. Slowly add the cold water, a little at a time, and mix until the dough just comes together. Remove the dough from the bowl and shape into 2 equal balls, flattened into discs. Wrap each in plastic and refrigerate for at least an hour or overnight. When ready, unwrap the dough and allow it to warm up for a minute or two. Lightly flour your surface, then roll one disc into a circle until it's large enough to fit into the pie plate with an inch of overhang. Fold the dough into fourths, then place carefully in the pie dish. Unfold and smooth into the dish, dressing the crust however you choose (crimping, fluting, or my favorite, just pressing into it with a fork). Fill with the blueberry filling, then roll out the remaining disc of dough and cover the blueberries entirely, making sure to cut a few slits in the top crust for steam to escape. Lightly brush the top crust with a beaten egg, then sprinkle with coarse sugar.

Bake for 20 minutes, then reduce heat to 350º and bake for an additional 45-55 minutes.

Keep an eye on the pie. If the crust begins to brown too quickly, tent the pie with foil. If the filling begins to bubble, you may also wish to place a baking sheet on the rack below the pie to catch any drips.

Remove from the oven and set on a wire rack to cool.

Serve warm.