Jessica Samuelsen's Blog, page 24
November 29, 2016
ARC Review of Plaid and Plagiarism by Molly Macrae
Plaid and Plagiarism (Highland Bookshop Mystery #1) by Molly MacRae Published by Pegasus Books on December 6th 2016
Genres: Cozy Mystery
Pages: 288
Source: Netgalley
I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
GoodreadsAmazon
A murder in a garden turns the four new owners of Yon Bonnie Books into amateur detectives, in a captivating new cozy mystery novel from Molly MacRae.
Set in the weeks before the annual Inversgail Literature Festival in Scotland, Plaid and Plagiarism begins on a morning shortly after the four women take possession of their bookshop in the Highlands. Unfortunately, the move to Inversgail hasn’t gone as smoothly as they’d planned.
First, Janet Marsh is told she’ll have to wait before moving into her new home. Then she finds out the house has been vandalized. Again. The chief suspect? Una Graham, an advice columnist for the local paper—who’s trying to make a name for herself as an investigative reporter. When Janet and her business partners go looking for clues at the house, they find a body—it’s Una, in the garden shed, with a sickle in her neck. Janet never did like that garden shed.
Who wanted Una dead? After discovering a cache of nasty letters, Janet and her friends are beginning to wonder who didn’t, including Janet’s ex-husband. Surrounded by a cast of characters with whom readers will fall in love, the new owners of Yon Bonnie Books set out to solve Una’s murder so they can get back to business.
A delightful and deadly new novel about recognizing one’s strengths and weakness—while also trying to open a new book shop—Plaid and Plagiarism is the start of an entertaining new Scottish mystery series.
In an Oyster Shell – It was a slow going low action mystery.
The Pearls – The fact that this was a cozy mystery set in Scotland was a selling point for me. It was a nice portrayal of a small town in Scotland.
The characters were very prominent. They helped moved the story along. The fact that they were business owners trying to make it while a murder was being investigated, added to the intrigue.
The Sand – The action was very low and the pacing was extremely slow.
3 Pearls!
About Molly MacRae
Molly MacRae spent twenty years in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Upper East Tennessee, where she managed The Book Place, an independent bookstore; may it rest in peace.
Before the lure of books hooked her, she was curator of the history museum in Jonesborough, Tennessee’s oldest town.
MacRae lives with her family in Champaign, Illinois, where she connects children with books at the public library.
November 28, 2016
Review The Rebels of Cordova by Linda Weaver Clarke
The Rebels of Cordovia by Linda Weaver Clarke Published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform on April 17th 2013
Genres: Fantasy, Romance
Pages: 220
Source: Author
I received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
GoodreadsAmazon
There was a time when swashbuckling men and brave women engaged in daring and romantic adventures, those who fought with bravery and valor. These courageous men and women were looked up to because they defended the people. A group of men and women who called themselves Robin's Rebels realize they must help the people survive this oppression. In this battle for freedom, a love story begins to blossom. Daniel, a rogue and a leader of the Freemen, doesn't realize that the sweet feminine woman he has met and is falling for happens to be the leader of Robin's Rebels. Realizing the importance of uniting all the rebel groups, Daniel tries to recruit Robin's Rebels but they refuse. Now he has to find a way to convince them. When he finds out the leader is actually a woman, what will his reaction be?
In an Oyster Shell – A sweet story.
The Pearls – The concept of the book was interesting. I liked the idea of Robin’s rebels being referred to something like Robin hood. The twist is that Robin is a woman! It was an interesting twist indeed.
The romance takes top tier in this book. The head of two rebel groups coming together is an epic romance indeed. It was clean and enduring. All of Clarke’s romances are like that. It’s nice to know what to expect from her in this department.
The world building was spot on. The reader could feel drawn into Cordovia.
The Sand – There could of been more conflict for the main characters.
4 Pearls!
About Linda Weaver Clarke
Linda Weaver Clarke travels throughout the United States, teaching a “Family Legacy Workshop,” encouraging people to write their family history and autobiography. She is the author of the historical romance series, “A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho,” which includes: Melinda and the Wild West – a semi-finalist for the “Reviewers Choice Award 2007,” and a new mystery series, “The Adventures of John and Julia Evans.”
November 23, 2016
ARC Review – First Degree Mudder by Kate Dyer-Seeley
Published by Kensington on November 29th 2016
Genres: Cozy Mystery
Pages: 304
Source: Author
I received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
GoodreadsAmazon
When a mud marathon champion bites the dust, Meg Reed has to go the distance to make sure a killer comes clean . . .
Back home in Portland, Oregon, Meg is ready to take her career as an outdoor writer for Extreme magazine to the next level. Lesser journalists sling mud—Meg plans to run through it. To train hard for Mud, Sweat & Beers, an extreme 5K mud run, she’s signed on with the Mind Over Mudder team, run by ten-time mud marathon champ—and former drill sergeant—Billy the Tank. But when Meg finds her tenacious trainer dead in the locker room, she has a sinking feeling someone may have been pushed too far. Digging through the hidden secrets at Mind Over Mudder is a dirty job, but somebody’s got to do it. Meg will have to tread carefully, though—or she may soon be running for her life . . .
Meg is back in the PNW and ready to tackle her next writing assignment. Her next adventure is to train to do a mud run. She finds her trainer murdered the assignment takes on a whole new level. She tries to figure out what happened while juggling the other mysteries in her life like romance and her dad’s death. Will Meg find the answers she is looking for?
In an Oyster Shell – Another great installment of the Pacific Northwest Mystery series.
The Pearls – The mystery in this book is astounding. Not only do you have the mystery of the murder but there are other mysteries going on as well. Like the death of Meg’s dad. That subplot becomes quite prominent in this book. I feel like this book was more personal because of the dad mystery.
The romance in this story is intriguing. Meg has her one love interest the guy who has been her best friend for years. She can’t quite get a gauge on how he feels. Then comes another one, one of the detectives on her current case. It makes for an interesting read.
The biggest theme of this book seems to be change. Change is happening for Meg in all aspects of her life, career, family, friends, and romance. It was nice to see the tension that this added to the book. It gave it a nice layer of complexity that made for an enjoyable story.
The Sand – It was a good book.
4 Pearls
About Kate E. Dyer-Seeley
Kate Dyer-Seeley writes the Pacific Northwest Mystery Series for Kensington Publishing, featuring the rugged landscapes of the PNW and a young journalist who bills herself as an intrepid adventurer in order to land a gig writing for Northwest Extreme.
The first two books in the series, SCENE OF THE CLIMB and SLAYED ON THE SLOPES, are available now. SILENCED IN THE SURF and FIRST DEGREE MUDDER coming in 2016.
November 22, 2016
Review – Forget Me Not by Angela Parkurst
Forget Me Not by Angela Parkhurst Series: , #2
Published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform on June 28th 2016
Genres: YA, Fantasy
Pages: 337
Source: Xpresso Book Tours
I received this book for free from Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
GoodreadsAmazon
“I’ve never been to a ball or followed the yellow brick road, and I sure as hell never imagined myself living in a world of fairytale characters. Most of which want me dead. So when they come, because they will, I need to be ready.”
“And you think you could kill someone?”
“I know I could.”
When the academy in Nottingham burns down, sending in a new slew of fairytale classmates, Norah Hart comes face to face with new challenges, enemies and friendships. But the longer she is in this world, the more she realizes there is no getting out, leaving her with only one option--be prepared.
FORGET ME NOT is the second book in the Forgotten Fairytale series.
Norah Hart is back in this second book of the Forgotten Fairytales. She is at the boarding school for fairytale characters. After a fire in Nottingham new characters show up at the school. Jaxson is there to help tutor her for combat training class. With prophecies that are to be fulfilled Norah does her best to do her part.
In an Oyster Shell – Another great installment of the Forgotten Fairytales.
The Pearls – The concept of fairytale characters who have a council they follow to bring order is interesting. Norah being a hybrid shakes things up a bit. She doesn’t necessarily need to follow the rules like everyone else, that’s what the council is afraid of. There is a lot of push and pull between Norah and the council. Makes for an interesting conflict.
The romance changes a bit in this book. A different kind of love triangle, Norah has a new interest this book.
The theme of what is evil really is interesting. Though there are named villains in the story. Some of the good guys seem more capable than they are of bad things. Just because you don’t have the villain label, doesn’t mean you are not capable of evil things .It was an interesting twist.
The Sand – There were more question than answers by the end of the book. I would have liked to have seen a little more resolution.
3.5 Pearls!
About Angela Parkhurst
I am the author of the Forgotten Fairytales series.
I love reading YA and NA books. I have 2 toddler boys, 2 mini doxins & I’m married to my high school sweetheart. I have an obsession with books, Disney, and am fueled by a wicked coffee addiction.
November 21, 2016
Review – The Forgotten Fairytales by Angela Parkhurst
The Forgotten Fairytales by Angela Parkhurst Series: , #1
Published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform on February 10th 2014
Genres: YA, Fantasy
Pages: 360
Source: Xpresso Book Tours
I received this book for free from Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
GoodreadsAmazon
A psychotic, couture-clad, shoe obsessed Princess.A not-so-charming, alcoholic Prince.A hot Big Bad Wolf that she absolutely cannot fall for—no matter how well he kisses.
Seventeen-year-old, Norah Hart had no clue when she walked into boarding school, she'd be surrounded by reincarnated fairy tale characters, let alone learn she was one herself. In a world where the lines between good and evil blur, Norah struggles to find her place. When her actions throw off the balance of the fairy tale world and happily ever afters, enemies surface, ready to destroy her at any cost.
Norah Hart is going to a boarding school in Germany. She thinks this is a way to bring some stability to her and her sister’s life. She learns after she arrives that the school is for reincarnated fairytale characters. Every student is a fairytale character including her. Norah struggles to find her place in this new bizarre world.
In an Oyster Shell – An imaginative fun read about fairytales.
The Pearls –The author had an interesting take on fairy tales. That the fairy tales we know now are a rendition of a darker tale that’s been rewritten. It was fun to follow Norah through her adventures as she tries to figure out who’s who. I like how though there were designated villains in the story the line was blurred on good and evil.
The setting was beautiful. Set in an enchanted castle in Germany. The descriptions of the place made you feel as if you were right there.
The romance was interesting. A little bit of a love triangle at first. Norah has to decide between Wolf and Prince Charming. It was an entertaining aspect of the story.
The Sand – It was a good book.
4 Pearls!
About Angela Parkhurst
I am the author of the Forgotten Fairytales series.
I love reading YA and NA books. I have 2 toddler boys, 2 mini doxins & I’m married to my high school sweetheart. I have an obsession with books, Disney, and am fueled by a wicked coffee addiction.
November 16, 2016
Blog Tour with Review – A Composition of Murder by Larissa Reinhart
A Composition in Murder (A Cherry Tucker Mystery #6) by Larissa Reinhart Series: Cherry Tucker Mystery #6
Published by Henery Press on November 15th 2016
Genres: Cozy Mystery
Pages: 293
Source: Netgalley
I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
GoodreadsAmazon
“Cherry Tucker is a strong, sassy, Southern sleuth who keeps you on the edge of your seat.” – Tonya Kappes, USA Today Bestselling Author
“Anyone who likes humorous mysteries will also enjoy local author Larissa Reinhart, who captures small town Georgia in the laugh-out-loud escapades of struggling artist Cherry Tucker.” – Fayette Woman Magazine
“The tone of this marvelously cracked book is not unlike Sophie Littlefield’s brilliant A Bad Day for Sorry, as author Reinhart dishes out shovelfuls of ribald humor and mayhem.” – Mystery Scene Magazine (on Portrait of a Dead Guy)
“The hilariously droll Larissa Reinhart cooks up a quirky and entertaining page-turner! This charming mystery is delightfully Southern, surprisingly edgy, and deliciously unpredictable.” – Hank Phillippi Ryan, Agatha Award-Winning Author of Truth Be Told (on Still Life in Brunswick Stew)
“Artist and accidental detective Cherry Tucker goes back to high school and finds plenty of trouble and skeletons…Reinhart's charming, sweet-tea flavored series keeps getting better!” – Gretchen Archer, USA Today Bestselling Author of the Davis Way Crime Caper Series (on Death in Perspective)
At Halo House, Cherry Tucker finds the tea deadly sweet…
With a new art teaching gig at Halo House—Halo, Georgia’s posh independent living home—and Halo society scrutinizing her family and her love life, Cherry Tucker needs to stay out of trouble. However, her sleuthing skills are sought out by Halo House’s most famous resident: Belvia Brakeman, the ninety-year-old, blind CEO and founder of Meemaw’s Tea. Belvia confides in Cherry that the family tea empire is in jeopardy. The CEO suspects her daughter, the COO, has been murdered and she might be next. Her offer is hard to refuse, but will have Cherry treading on Forks County Sheriff toes, namely her personal Deputy Heartache, Luke Harper.
Amid her town troubles, can Cherry put her reputation, romance, and life on the line for the final request of a sweet tea tycoon? While she juggles senior citizen shenanigans, small-town politics, and corporate family scandals, Cherry finds the sweet tea business cutthroat in more ways than one.
A Composition in Murder Book Tour
A Cherry Tucker Mystery Book 6
By author Larissa Reinhart
Tour Dates: November 15th – 21st, 2016
Blurb:
With a new art teaching gig at Halo House—Halo, Georgia’s posh independent living home—and Halo society scrutinizing her family and her love life, Cherry Tucker needs to stay out of trouble. However, her sleuthing skills are sought by Halo House’s most famous resident: Belvia Brakeman, the ninety-year-old, blind CEO and founder of Meemaw’s Tea. Belvia confides in Cherry that the family tea empire is in jeopardy. The CEO suspects her daughter, the COO, has been murdered and she might be next. Her offer is hard to refuse, but will have Cherry treading on Forks County Sheriff toes, namely her personal Deputy Heartache, Luke Harper.
Amid her town troubles, can Cherry put her reputation, romance, and life on the line for the final request of a sweet tea tycoon? While she juggles senior citizen shenanigans, small town politics, and corporate family scandals, Cherry finds the sweet tea business cutthroat in more ways than one.
Buy the Book:
Review –
Cherry Tucker is trying to stay out of trouble while teaching art classes at the Halo House. On occasion, she gets wrapped up in the murder mystery which puts her at odds with the sheriff’s department deputy Luke. This book is no different when resident sweet tea tycoon Belva Brakemen asks Cherry to look into the possible murder of her daughter. With the chance to help her brother at stake Cherry takes the job. She is thrown into a series of murders. Will she be able to figure it out before anyone else gets hurt?
In an Oyster Shell – A fine mystery that will keep you guessing.
The Pearls – The mystery was fun and kept you on your toes. There was not just one murder but three murders. It was fun to follow Cherry on the journey of figuring out what was going on. The conclusion was a surprise, which as a reader I always welcome.
The setting was fun. The retirement home Halo house. You never know what those retirees will be up to. They definitely give Cherry a run for her money. The description of the place is nice and creative. It sounds like a retiree’s dream place.
The romance was cute and also kept you on the edge of your seat. Being from two families that are in a feud it makes for an interesting relationship. It was entertaining to read Cherry get through the conflict her romance caused.
The Sand – It wasn’t all that humorous, and the reviews said it would be. There were a lot of intended one line zingers that I just didn’t understand.
3.5 Pearls!
About the Author:
Larissa Reinhart
Bio:
A 2015 Georgia Author of the Year Best Mystery finalist, Larissa writes the Cherry Tucker Mystery series. The first in the series, PORTRAIT OF A DEAD GUY (2012), is a 2012 Daphne du Maurier finalist, 2012 The Emily finalist, and 2011 Dixie Kane Memorial winner. The sixth mystery, A COMPOSITION IN MURDER, is expected to release November 15, 2016. Her family and Cairn Terrier, Biscuit, now live in Nagoya, Japan, but still calls Georgia home. Visit her website, LarissaReinhart.com, find her chatting on Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads, or join her Facebook street team, The Mystery Minions.
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon
Check out all the Tour Stops:
November 15th
Steamy Book Momma – Book Promo Post
Imaginary Book Club – Book Review
Hello…Chick Lit – Book Excerpt Post
November 16th
EmmaTheLittleBookworm – Author Guest Post
Writing Pearls – Book Review
Judging More Than Just The Cover – Author Q&A
November 17th
Novelgossip – Author Q&A
The Belgian Reviewer – Author Guest Post
November 18th
Jena Books – Book Review/Excerpt
November 19th
Corinne’s Garden – Book Excerpt/Promo Post
November 20th
Live Laugh and Love Books – Book Review
November 21st
Book Lover in Florida – Book Excerpt Post
Turning Another Page – Book Review/Excerpt
Tour Arranged by:
About Larissa Reinhart
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A 2015 Georgia Author of the Year finalist for best mystery, best selling author Larissa Reinhart writes with a particular focus on sassy female characters with a penchant for trouble. Find her at larissareinhart.com and sign up for her e-newsletter (http://smarturl.it/larissanewsletter) for reader news and giveaways. She’s also active on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/RisWrites), Instagram (http://instagram.com/larissareinhart), and has an active friendly street team she calls Mystery Minions on a private Facebook page.
Look for Larissa and her family on HGTV’s House Hunters International in the “Living for the Weekend in Nagoya, Japan” episode, airing August 31 and again on October 21, 2016.
Larissa writes the Maizie Albright Star Detective and the Cherry Tucker Mystery series. The first Maizie Albright mystery, 15 MINUTES, will debut winter 2017. The first in the Cherry Tucker series, PORTRAIT OF A DEAD GUY (2012), is a 2012 Daphne du Maurier finalist, 2012 The Emily finalist, and 2011 Dixie Kane Memorial winner. The sixth mystery, A COMPOSITION IN MURDER, releases November 15, 2016, with a novella, THE VIGILANTE VIGNETTE, in the cozy mystery anthology, MIDNIGHT MYSTERIES, out September 15, 2016.
Larissa considers herself lucky to have taught English in Japan, escaped a ferocious monkey in Thailand, studied archaeology in Egypt, and survived teaching high school history in the US. However, adopting her daughters from China has been her most rewarding experience. After growing up in the Midwest and spending her adult years in Georgia, she’s back in Nagoya, Japan with her husband, daughters, the occasional fish, and Biscuit, a Cairn Terrier. (less)
November 14, 2016
Gratitude Giveaway
Thanks to Mary @Bookhounds for hosting.
This giveaway is one of my favorites. It’s a way to say thank you to my readers you are much appreciated.
All Shook Up by Chelsey Krause On Sale
All Shook Up by Chelsey Krause Published by Tryst Books on August 17th 2016
Pages: 254
Goodreads
Amazon, B&N
Natalie’s world is shaken to its core when she discovers an old photo of a woman who looks like her. Could this woman be related to her birth mother, who put Natalie up for adoption as a baby? When she tracks down the person who dumped the photo album at her thrift shop, she’s shaken again. Especially when the gorgeous fire-fighting guitarist offers to help her find the owner. They quickly become friends – which is all they’ll be, as far as Natalie’s concerned. Her rebellious youth turned her off cheating men, and the new Natalie is looking for true love and a family of her own – something Casey isn’t willing to provide. But how long can Natalie ignore her undeniable attraction to the man with the Irish accent and the broken-down ’57 Chevy?
In Chelsey Krause’s second novel, friends become lovers over a whirlwind summer of rockabilly rhythms, twirling skirts, and a mystery that takes them hilariously far out of their element.
Starting today, November 14th thru November 27th ALL SHOOK UP by Chelsey Krause is on sale for $1.99 through all booksellers! Friends become lovers over a whirlwind summer of rockabilly rhythms, twirling skirts, and a mystery that takes them hilariously far out of their element in this humorous and heartwarming romantic comedy! One click and binge read this hot read title today!!
Rafflecopter for All Shook Up Sale Alert Giveaway:
Tryst Books is offering one (1) lucky winner an eBook bundle of Lessons in Pure Life by Audrey O’Connor, Ms. Conception by Jen Cumming, Drawn Through You by Sarina Rhoads, and Sweet Bliss by Helena Rac! To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
About Chelsey Krause
Chelsey Krause has a thing for thrift stores and used bookshops. A nurse, wife, Starbucks addict, and mom to two children, she can often be found repurposing other people’s junk or considering whether the library would let her move in. The rest of the time, she’s reviewing for Chicklit Club or writing. All Shook Up is her second novel.
November 10, 2016
ARC Review – A Portrait of Emily Price by Katherine Reay
A Portrait of Emily Price by Katherine Reay Published by Thomas Nelson on November 1st 2016
Pages: 368
Source: Netgalley
I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
GoodreadsAmazon
Art restorer Emily Price has never encountered anything she can’t fix—until she meets Ben, an Italian chef, who seems just right. But when Emily follows Ben home to Italy, she learns that his family is another matter . . .
Emily Price—fix-it girl extraordinaire and would-be artist—dreams of having a gallery show of her own. There is no time for distractions, especially not the ultimate distraction of falling in love.
But Chef Benito Vassallo’s relentless pursuit proves hard to resist. Visiting from Italy, Ben works to breathe new life into his aunt and uncle’s faded restaurant, Piccollo. Soon after their first meeting, he works to win Emily as well—inviting her into his world and into his heart.
Emily astonishes everyone when she accepts Ben’s proposal and follows him home. But instead of allowing the land, culture, and people of Monterello to transform her, Emily interferes with everyone and everything around her, alienating Ben’s tightly knit family. Only Ben’s father, Lucio, gives Emily the understanding she needs to lay down her guard. Soon, Emily’s life and art begin to blossom, and Italy’s beauty and rhythm take hold of her spirit.
Yet when she unearths long-buried family secrets, Emily wonders if she really fits into Ben’s world. Will the joys of Italy become just a memory, or will Emily share in the freedom and grace that her life with Ben has shown her are possible?
Emily Price fixes what is broken. She restores things damaged from fire, water, and time. She is good at what she does. Her world takes a turn when she loses her job the possibilities become endless. She meets Italian chef Ben and accepts his proposal after a short acquaintance. She moves to Italy where she meets his family and finds that she can’t fix what is broken there no matter how hard she tries. Will Emily stay with Ben and his family despite what’s broken?
In an Oyster Shell – A heart-warming tale of love and acceptance despite the messiness life can leave you with at times.
The Pearls – I love stories that are coming of age tales regardless of how old the character is. Emily’s story is heart-warming and compelling. It shows that we have a lot to learn no matter how together we think we have our lives. Emily fixes what is broken so learning how to deal with brokenness was a great journey that the reader gets to partake in.
The setting is beautful. The story is set in Atlanta, Georgia, and Italy. The descriptions were nice. Especially of Italy. I have never been and the way the author wrote it made me feel as if I was there.
The romance was exquisite. A little bit of a whirlwind romance at first, it settles down into something real and warm. There is a lot of love and acceptance. It was more than romantic love. It was also about family love. It was a very satisfying story.
The Sand – It was a well-written story.
5 Pearls!
About Katherine Reay
Katherine Reay has lived all across the country and Europe and has just moved with her family to Chicago. She is a writer, wife, mom, runner, and, most randomly, a tae kwon do black belt. Her debut novel, “Dear Mr. Knightley,” is a contemporary story with a dash of Jane Austen and other nineteenth century writers thrown in for the fun of it. Her subsequent novels, “Lizzy & Jane” and “The Bronte Plot,” feature stories of hope, reconciliation, family, some seriously good food and travel. “A Portrait of Emily Price” will be released in November of this year.
November 9, 2016
HOHOHO Readathon Challenge – Holiday Bookstagram Contest
Welcome to my challenge for the HOHOHO RAT. It is simple just link your holiday bookstagram pictures to the Rafflecopter. I know you guys do some amazing bookstagram pictures I can’t wait to see your holiday ones. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
