I enjoyed reading this new series based on a book club group in Heaven, Colorado. The mystery is the center of the book but there is additional storylI enjoyed reading this new series based on a book club group in Heaven, Colorado. The mystery is the center of the book but there is additional storyline development involving the main character, Amy Faye and her friends. While some of the things that happen to Amy Faye seem a bit far fetched at times, the book is still quite enjoyable and I would like to read more in the series. This is a great book if you like reading about mysteries within your cozy books. The characters are quirky and you find yourself rooting for them to succeed...more
This first cozy in the Santa Fe Cafe mysteries was a wonderful introduction to Rita, Flori, Cass and Jake. Rita is a great protagonist struggling to fThis first cozy in the Santa Fe Cafe mysteries was a wonderful introduction to Rita, Flori, Cass and Jake. Rita is a great protagonist struggling to find herself after her divorce. Unfortunately she cannot separate from her ex, Manny, entirely because he and his partner, Bunny, keep having to investigate crimes that Rita finds herself mixed up in.
Parts of the storyline are cliche, jerky ex dating younger woman, but the mystery is engaging as are the relationships amongst the characters. Ann Myers developed a mystery that is full of red herrings and suspenseful til the end. The guilty party and the twist at the end are surprising. I look forward to reading more of the series...more
Enjoyable cozy set in southern Indiana. Lots of references to local area so this is an added bonus if you are familiar with Brown County. The main chaEnjoyable cozy set in southern Indiana. Lots of references to local area so this is an added bonus if you are familiar with Brown County. The main character, Robbie Jordan, has recently opened a country store and restaurant. This cozy is filled with details about that adventure as well as an unexpected one. Robbie finds herself embroiled in a murder investigation when the murderer tries to plant evidence to make her look guilty. As the story progresses multiple suspects are identified and Day does a wonderful job of pointing attention to the different parties. In the end the murder is revealed and I found it to be a believable solution. As well, the clues to their guilt were revealed to the reader during the story. The characters were quirky and believable although my main reason for not giving it 5 stars was at times it felt like there were too many characters to keep track of all of them. Part of that was to add to the small town, everyone knows each other, feel but it did make it hard to follow as I picked up the book at different times.
All in all I enjoyed the book and the characters and I plan to try more of the series ...more
Fun cozy set among the scenic Alaska wilderness. Fun setting based out of a diner and full of plenty of Alaskan scenery. Characters are heart warming Fun cozy set among the scenic Alaska wilderness. Fun setting based out of a diner and full of plenty of Alaskan scenery. Characters are heart warming and supportive of them be another. Charlie has taken over her mother’s diner, Bear Claw, and has to work to solve the murder of one of her staff. Lots of secrets are uncovered and romantic relationships began in this first in the series mystery. I look forward to reading more about these characters in future installments...more
Wonderful book that looks at the common anxieties and insecurities so many people experience. Backman is a wonderful story teller. His books are writtWonderful book that looks at the common anxieties and insecurities so many people experience. Backman is a wonderful story teller. His books are written as though you are right there experiencing the story with his narrators. This book has several twists and intersecting storylines, some of which I guessed at along the way but others are cleverly revealed as the story unfolds. This book captures so much of what is good about people and how we just never know what someone else is going through, so maybe we should refrain from judging and just cut some slack. Backman really has an ability to write characters that are relatable and you enjoy reading about. Even when they are are driving you nuts you still want to read about what happens to them. You find yourself wanting to know more about their story and are sad when the book ends....more
It is always enjoyable to read about the adventures at Storyton Hall. You cannot help but root on Jane Steward and her Fins when trying to solve a criIt is always enjoyable to read about the adventures at Storyton Hall. You cannot help but root on Jane Steward and her Fins when trying to solve a crime. This one is centered around Valentine's Day and a children's book conference. The descriptions of the events that encompass children's storybooks is wonderful and I wish I could be transported to the events. There is budding romance around given the holiday but these are a nice extra rather than the focus of the stories. Edwin and Jane's twins, Hem & Fitz provide lots of ahh moments and levity. The mystery itself is well written and Adams leads us to follow clues to multiple suspects. In the end the story is well wrapped up and the motives explained. I look forward to reading more in the series....more
What at first glance would seem to be a light hearted book about a grown family traveling on a cruise turns out to be a Dysfunctional family vacation
What at first glance would seem to be a light hearted book about a grown family traveling on a cruise turns out to be a poignant book about love. The characters struggle to find love and to resolve their childhood memories. The characters show depth and emotion. There are moments of humor and many of struggles to find their true selves. I didn’t give the book four stars because I did feel at times it was a bit too erratic jumping from character to character for narration. It felt like there should be a bit more in each of the stories The family dynamics did feel very realistic and their struggles felt real. It was just the flow and a desire for more depth in storylines that made me wish for a bit more...more
This is the 2nd book in the series. I would suggest reading them in order as there are parts in this book that wiFanciful adventure full of espionage
This is the 2nd book in the series. I would suggest reading them in order as there are parts in this book that will ruin the first one. This one involves infiltrating enemy areas as well as suspense and action. Great kids version of Bond...more
What a fascinating novel set in Spain in the Franco era. This story centers around interesting characters that are well develoAmazing historical novel
What a fascinating novel set in Spain in the Franco era. This story centers around interesting characters that are well developed and diverse. It is so easy to visualize the scenes of Madrid in the 50s based on the wonderful descriptions. Anyone who enjoys historical fiction will want to read this book....more
I really enjoyed reading about Susannah and her BFF Bitsy They have a great quirky friendship that feels so real the reader wishes they were seated atI really enjoyed reading about Susannah and her BFF Bitsy They have a great quirky friendship that feels so real the reader wishes they were seated at the giant kitchen table eating peach cobbler with them. The banter and teasing that goes on among them and with Larraine and Tina is very realistic and authentic. The book captures the charm and downside to small town living quite well. Dr. Shine’s feeling of still being an outsider after all her years living there seems so accurate The actual mystery is well written with multiple red herrings but the clues are there and you can figure the guilty party out just prior to Susannah’s epiphany. I look forward to reading more in this series...more
I enjoyed reading this cozy set on the Pioneer College campus in OK. The narrator is Meera Patel who is a charming young woman caught up in and accuseI enjoyed reading this cozy set on the Pioneer College campus in OK. The narrator is Meera Patel who is a charming young woman caught up in and accused of being involved in 2 different mysteries in the small town. The book is mixed with lots of Indian recipes and heritage information. Most of the main characters are of South Asian decent and the author does a wonderful job of intermingling the culture into the story. She also portrays a college campus and its happenings quite accurately. The mystery is well written and the reader followed along as Meera, Tony and Becky try to get to the bottom of the 2 cases. My only real issue with the book and why I didn't give it 5 stars is because its timeline felt a bit off. Other than that I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more books by Leena Clover...more
This is a fun lighthearted series on an elegant cruise ship...I enjoyed the fact Adrianna is a smart strong woman. While her new role is a bit of a loThis is a fun lighthearted series on an elegant cruise ship...I enjoyed the fact Adrianna is a smart strong woman. While her new role is a bit of a long shot it is still an enjoyable lead to see her take on an authoritative role and make smart business Decisions. I look forward to reading more in this enjoyable series...more
Ava and her Gilpa are always fun to read about and the perilous adventures they find themselves immersed in Ava andAlways fun to read about Door County
Ava and her Gilpa are always fun to read about and the perilous adventures they find themselves immersed in Ava and Pauline are helping get to the bottom of the mysterious death of her ex mother in law’s friend. DeSmet does a wonderful job of capturing the charm of the Door County peninsula. It’s always fun to read about places your familiar with. Look forward to more in the series...more
This is another intense book by Liv Constantine. It is very easy to visualize yourself immersed in the story and feeling the intense emotions of Kate This is another intense book by Liv Constantine. It is very easy to visualize yourself immersed in the story and feeling the intense emotions of Kate and Simon English and Blaire Barrington in this thriller. The overwhelming fear that Kate finds herself experiencing is enough to make the reader's own heart race as the story unfolds. Constantine does a wonderful job of peeling away the layers of the story and revealing pieces of the past in such a way that you keep being surprised by the direction the story takes. Some of the story ends up being a bit predictable and this is the only reason I didn't give the story a 5 star. The means and motive of the criminals is well developed and shocking. Be prepared to stay up late if you start this one in the evening....more
Well written memoir that reads like a novel. Just an amazing story. I didn't know much about Maya Angelou before reading this book. What an amazing riWell written memoir that reads like a novel. Just an amazing story. I didn't know much about Maya Angelou before reading this book. What an amazing rise above a heartbreaking childhood. Angelou does an amazing job describing the childhood of a black woman raised in the South in the 30s and 40s. She depicts it accurately without accusations. I feel this has a much bigger impact that drawing too much hatred into the work. I will read more of her memoirs to learn more about this woman's life....more
This novel does a wonderful job of intertwining 4 generations of story lines. There is a bit of a mystery as to how it all connects but Mr. Christie dThis novel does a wonderful job of intertwining 4 generations of story lines. There is a bit of a mystery as to how it all connects but Mr. Christie does a wonderful job of tying all the pieces together. The characters are well developed and the reader can easily feel emotional responses toward them. The characters are not all as they seem on the surface, just like most people we encounter in life. There is a wonderful message about trying to find our place in this world and in living existence in general. At the beginning I was worried the story would be a preaching message about global warming but it really was not like that at all. While interspersing the care of the environment into the story as an important thread, it was not a preaching approach at all. It showed how all sides to an issue can seem to be right in their own way. Ultimately we all play a role in the footprint of the Earth. This is a wonderful read and really flies by once you begin reading it....more
Great middle grade book. Funny and full of exciting twists and turns. Even has some thematic messages buried in the evil guys rantsEnjoyable spy novel
Great middle grade book. Funny and full of exciting twists and turns. Even has some thematic messages buried in the evil guys rants. Fun book that both boys and girls will enjoy...more
A great cozy mystery. Loved the characters of Shelby and Jesse. It is fun to read about her budding friendship with the ladies she meets in Palawan. TA great cozy mystery. Loved the characters of Shelby and Jesse. It is fun to read about her budding friendship with the ladies she meets in Palawan. The characters are easy to relate to and feel very much like real people. The mystery was a good one with several twists
This book really intrigued me as I am a recent PADi certified diver and I became even more excited when I read it was set in Palawan. I have visited and cannot wait to return someday. I look forward to reading more in the series...more
This book is intense all the way through to the end. The story weaves so many threads and events that generate suspicion on the different passengers aThis book is intense all the way through to the end. The story weaves so many threads and events that generate suspicion on the different passengers and also call into question our narrator, Lo. There is a pretty dramatic surprise that continues to build into more twists. The book seems to wrap up the story but then you cannot help but wonder if there is still more plotting going on.
Ware tells a story that creates such suspense and drama that you cannot help but feel much of the anxiety and frustration that Lo experiences. All in all the character development and plot are very well written and there is enough of a twist to not feel formulaic...more
Surprisingly fun and engaging book. I enjoyed the development of the characters and the story. Bowen does a wonderful job of establishing doubt in theSurprisingly fun and engaging book. I enjoyed the development of the characters and the story. Bowen does a wonderful job of establishing doubt in the reader and the protagonist's mind as to who is behind the murder and accidents. I enjoyed that Georgie was portrayed as a smart woman but still showed how her sheltered upbringing lead her to be unknowing about many ordinary daily tasks. It is fun to try to visualize the 1930s era England and in particular the royal family. It is also interesting to see how they relationship between the Prince and Mrs. Simpson is portrayed from a fictional "insider" perspective vs the true history of the situation. All in all an enjoyable book and I look forward to reading more of the series...more
This is the first in the farm to fork mystery series. It’s perfect if you are a foodie. Cahoon’s descriptions of Great cozy with 2 strong female leads
This is the first in the farm to fork mystery series. It’s perfect if you are a foodie. Cahoon’s descriptions of the dishes Angie creates sound delicious. Her description of the scenery and general Idaho farming area are wonderful without being too drawn out. It’s enjoyable to read about 2 females who are smart and determined business women. You cannot help but want to hang out with Angie and Felicia in their restaurant Looking forward to more of the series...more
This book is set in Ecuador and the author does a fabulous job of describing the scenery, culture andEnjoyable read with wonderful scenic descriptions
This book is set in Ecuador and the author does a fabulous job of describing the scenery, culture and characters in the book. You can absolutely feel Jessica's emotions about being in a foreign country and experiencing international travel for the first time. The characters are endearing and I cannot wait to read more about their adventures...more
A very enjoyable debut in a series. The book centers around Courtney Archer, who is the host of a cooking program based upon a persona of a Farmer's DA very enjoyable debut in a series. The book centers around Courtney Archer, who is the host of a cooking program based upon a persona of a Farmer's Daughter. Problem is this isn't really who she is and this public persona is becoming a challenge to keep up. Add to it a murder while hosting a baking challenge in the Poconos and there are lots of suspicions being cast her direction. She is a very relatable character who is struggling to do what she feels is the right thing without jeopardizing her career. The reader cannot help but root for her to get her way and to solve the mystery. I look forward to reading more in the series....more
What an amazing story. Cannot believe this is a true story. What an experience Alex Messenger endured. The book does an amazing job of describing a liWhat an amazing story. Cannot believe this is a true story. What an experience Alex Messenger endured. The book does an amazing job of describing a life changing adventure journey over the Canadian tundra. He does a great job of describing how the experience transforms him even before the grizzly attack. The details of the attack and the subsequent care plan is amazing and demonstrates his internal strength
Amazing memoir full of description of the tundra and the experience...more
A laugh out loud book that any volunteer in a modern PTA can relate to. Gelman does a wonderful job at creating a protagonist that is easily misundersA laugh out loud book that any volunteer in a modern PTA can relate to. Gelman does a wonderful job at creating a protagonist that is easily misunderstood. Not everyone gets Jen Dixon's approach to the job of class mom. Being older than many of her son's classmates' mothers makes her stand out as it is but then her humor is often misconstrued. Gelman does a great job of developing her character and letting the reader get a glimpse at what is underneath the surface of Jen's attitude. In reality, she is just like many of us, trying to get everything done and be liked. This book is great for someone looking to read a book that has laugh out loud moments but you can still see glimpses of your own life in the story...more
This book was an fascinating story that centered around a mysterious disappearance. The approach of writing a month by month account froDramatic story
This book was an fascinating story that centered around a mysterious disappearance. The approach of writing a month by month account from different narrators’ perspectives was interesting. At first glance it seems there are too many characters and stories going on. As the book progresses the purpose becomes clearer. Ultimately it seems to show how small a world Kamchatka is but also how big and diverse. The book touches upon the different cultures present and the different experiences they represent. I enjoyed the book...more
This was a fun cozy read about 3 sisters who inherit a family bakery. The one sister is more keen on keeping it running in her mother's honor. Baking This was a fun cozy read about 3 sisters who inherit a family bakery. The one sister is more keen on keeping it running in her mother's honor. Baking is her passion and makes her happy. Her 2 sisters on the other hand would prefer to move on and pursue other passions in life. During the course of them finding their way and getting to the bottom of an apparent grudge against them by the Mayor, they end up solving a mystery around a mysterious death that the killer is trying to frame them for. I did figure out the guilty party about 3/4 of the way through the book but it didn't ruin the story for me as the "why" is explained as well.
The story line is a pleasant read and we get to know the sisters and their interactions a bit. Meanwhile there is a bit of romance in the air between the sisters and some handsome young bachelors. You will enjoy this read if you like cozy mysteries with a happy outcome....more
The Opium Lord's Daughter by Robert Wang is a fabulous read with lots of drama and suspense wrapped in a historical novel. This is a fascinating histoThe Opium Lord's Daughter by Robert Wang is a fabulous read with lots of drama and suspense wrapped in a historical novel. This is a fascinating historical novel set during the 1st Opium War between China and Britain in late 1830s/ early 1840s. This is a time I was completely unfamiliar with prior to reading this book. The author's note at the beginning was very helpful in filling in the facts behind the story. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review of the novel.
The story is based on the trade of opium by the British into China. Basically, the British wanted the Chinese silk and tea but the Chinese didn't want anything from the British. The British began providing opium the Chinese paid for in silver which was then used to buy the tea and silk to take back to Britain. The Chinese people became addicted to the opium and the Emperor decided to put an end to the illegal trade. This story is set around that event in history and is filled with many details pertaining to the cultural history of China including foot binding, daughter's obedience/secondary existence and the possession of Hong Kong by Britain.
The main character, Su Mei, and her brother, Da Ping, are raised as privileged members of the noble class in Canton. The idyllic life changes suddenly when their father's involvement in the opium trade is made known. The siblings lives are changed forever over the course of a short period of time.
The only drawback to the novel and the reason I didn't give it a 5 star review is the timeline is a bit difficult to follow at times. I found myself repeatedly flipping to different chapters to see when the action was taking place. The author does a good job of blending a flashback with the story in the "present" time setting but it could be hard to know when the action was taking place. Additionally, there were a few times when the book was switching between characters/scenes within a chapter and it was hard to follow. It took a sentence or two to realize the transition was taking place. It wasn't a major issue, but it did force a reread of portions to get my bearing and hence slowed the pace a bit.
I really enjoyed this book. What's not to like, the book is filled with naval battles, illegal drug trade and unlikely allies. It was quite interesting to learn about some of the cultural traditions of 19th century China and the relationship with the British. If you have any interest in learning about history of other cultures or are interested in a historical novel not based around WWII, I can highly recommend this book....more
While I enjoyed this book I didn't love it. In many ways it reminded me of John Knowles A Separate Peace. Similar premise of an event at a school withWhile I enjoyed this book I didn't love it. In many ways it reminded me of John Knowles A Separate Peace. Similar premise of an event at a school with a flashback story telling style. While Tartt's writing is good, it feels like it is too long at times. I had a similar reaction to Goldfinch when I read it a few years ago. Basically, I neither love nor hate the book. I'm just somewhat indifferent to it.
Be aware the book is full of drug and alcohol references so if this is not appropriate for the intended reader this may not be the best selection for them....more
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