I enjoyed reading this second installment in the Bake off series set in the Poconos. Again during a taping one of the cast members comes under suspiciI enjoyed reading this second installment in the Bake off series set in the Poconos. Again during a taping one of the cast members comes under suspicion for murder. Fortunately all the pieces work out and the killer is caught with a few twists and turns along the way. It's a fun series that is especially engaging if you are a big watcher of the reality tv food shows....more
Enjoyable mystery with a great virtual trip to the Islands
This series continues to be entertaining and there are a few new charming characters introduEnjoyable mystery with a great virtual trip to the Islands
This series continues to be entertaining and there are a few new charming characters introduced in this book. There’s another mystery afoot when Cosmos Cruises sets sail after Covid restricted travel for a year. There are plenty of tempting scenes set in the reef area surrounding San Andres ( an island belonging to Colombia). This is a great read if you are looking for a non murder mystery with a bit of escapism to a warmer climate...more
Always enjoyable to read this series based around the Cackleberry Club. The usual trail of crimes seems to find Suzanne. This time it's much closer toAlways enjoyable to read this series based around the Cackleberry Club. The usual trail of crimes seems to find Suzanne. This time it's much closer to home when she is caught up in a hospital shooting. The relationships between Suzanne and Dr. Sam is developed a bit further in this installment as is her relationship with Toni and Petra, her business partners/friends. The book does a wonderful job of mixing the mystery and its solution with the side plots of the Cackleberry Club and its meal and tea services. Anyone who likes charming books stores and cafes will like this series plus it's full of recipes for those who look to expand their recipe box....more
This is an amazing non fiction book that shows an entirely different side to the events of 9/11. It is easy to forget that so many people's lives wereThis is an amazing non fiction book that shows an entirely different side to the events of 9/11. It is easy to forget that so many people's lives were impacted on that day outside of those on the 4 planes and in the Towers and Pentagon. DeFede writes an amazing compilation of the stories of some of the passengers and the local residents of Gander, Newfoundland.
The different unique stories he was able to identify and relay are amazing. It is interesting to see how many different compelling stories were established in a small province of Canada. The strength and goodness of people really shine in this book. DeFede's writing style reads like a story instead of a non fiction textbook and it is so enjoyable.
This book reminds us of the wonderful kindness and generosity of good people in a time of need. It is a refreshing read that reminds me of the good in mankind which is much needed in such a turbulent time right now....more
A fun series start. I enjoyed the short nature of the story. There’s quite a bit of plot and misdirection considering the length of the book. GlimpsesA fun series start. I enjoyed the short nature of the story. There’s quite a bit of plot and misdirection considering the length of the book. Glimpses of the main characters Felicia and Arnie as well as important supporting characters. I look forward to reading more in this series of short novellas...more
This was an entertaining novella set in the beautiful Keys. The descriptions of the local terrain and the town of Key West are wonderful balances to tThis was an entertaining novella set in the beautiful Keys. The descriptions of the local terrain and the town of Key West are wonderful balances to the cozy mystery story. The story is a fun blend of current day Key West and a historic figure who is associated with Key West, Ernest Hemingway. It is a quick read that is an introduction to a larger series of mysteries that I look forward to reading more about....more
Always fun to read about Jessica James' adventures in Ecuador. This installment has Jessica and her hosts, Tia Flora, Abuelita, Adi, and Sylvia, all dAlways fun to read about Jessica James' adventures in Ecuador. This installment has Jessica and her hosts, Tia Flora, Abuelita, Adi, and Sylvia, all discovering an unwelcome surprise while fixing up the new building Tia Flora has acquired to build her new bakery. This time Jessica actually has the permission of the Head Policeman and the local officers to investigate the mystery. She only has a short time window to solve the cold case since the pertinent individuals will only be in Banos for 4 days. As is typical with this series there are moments of levity and some twists and turns in the mystery. The characters continue to be endearing and you feel as though you could hang out with them in Abuelita's restaurant kitchen. If you are looking for a fun cozy set in South America this is a great series to explore...more
This book is an amazing novel delving into the story behind Andrew Wyeth's famous painting, "Christina's World" The characters are well developed and This book is an amazing novel delving into the story behind Andrew Wyeth's famous painting, "Christina's World" The characters are well developed and truly realistic. They each exhibit selfishness, love and compassion. They truly feel like real people. The fictional weaving of a story around the painting and the relationship between Christina Olson as Wyethy's muse and as a person is amazing. My only hesitation in giving it 5 stars was the fact that at times it was hard to remember where in the dual timeline the story was at the moment. It is especially tricky since all of it is in the past; the modern piece was in the late 1940s so there were not ready clues to ground my awareness especially since the story spans 2 World Wars. The depiction of the hardship and the challenges of living on a farm in Maine is well portrayed and it is easy to see the paradox between year round residents and the summer visitors. Some of the temporary residents fit in better than others. All in all this is a great book and I recommend it highly, I especially think it is well worth reading the author's note at the end to give full context....more
I enjoyed this romance quite a bit. I think Christina Lauren did a wonderful job of not making the repetitive nature of the storyline boring. The bookI enjoyed this romance quite a bit. I think Christina Lauren did a wonderful job of not making the repetitive nature of the storyline boring. The book does a wonderful job of making the reader think about what happens if we really get a chance to do things over and what would we do with that opportunity. If we get what we've always wanted can we make the best of it.
The characters are a charming untraditional family that just makes things work because they want to be together and part of each others' lives. It is easy to imagine oneself dropped into all their family holiday festivities and wanting to be a part of it.
The book is a charming exploration into dealing with acknowledging our feelings and the outcomes of that willingness to expose ourselves. Being true means giving others a chance to show their true selves as well.
Be aware that there are some moderately detailed sexual encounters in the book so it may not be the best choice for every reader....more
I enjoyed this second installment of the Chiro Cozy series with Susannah Shine as the lead character. I liked that the core group of characters has beI enjoyed this second installment of the Chiro Cozy series with Susannah Shine as the lead character. I liked that the core group of characters has been expanded to include Susannah's sister, Angie and her son Caden. The characters continue to be developed and I appreciate that they seem to learn new things about each other in the different books. I did feel at times there were a few too many characters introduced in this installment but once you got into the book it was a bit more apparent who they were and how they fit into the existing relationships. The mystery itself was well developed and had several twists and subplots that kept it interesting. There was even some humor thrown in via Angie's Brooklyn accent and the subtle language differences it brought to the story. I look forward to ready more in this series...more
This is the 3rd book in the series and while a standalone there is some history among characters that make it a better read Great cozy in the outdoors
This is the 3rd book in the series and while a standalone there is some history among characters that make it a better read if you read others first. Mae is caught in the middle of strange occurrences again. This time Happy Trails is missing a camper and a ranger is acting out of character. There is some local nepotism and shenanigans going on in Normal and Mae isn’t certain if this is what’s at the center of the 2 sudden deaths of locals associated with the National Forest. The mystery twists and turns as does Mae’s personal life.
There’s a drought starting which seems to come along quite suddenly which felt a little forced to me But not being familiar with the terrain this could be feasible and not just a plot stretch. This and a few plot line inconsistencies are why i didn’t give it 4 stars. All in all a fun book in an entertaining series...more
This is the 55th book in the series and the ideas for crimes continue to be unique even if the plots are a bit formulaic. This one has a bit more twisThis is the 55th book in the series and the ideas for crimes continue to be unique even if the plots are a bit formulaic. This one has a bit more twists and turning with intertwining plot lines. You are back to needing a map to keep Stone's bedroom trysts and companions straight though. The story manages to involve most of the recurring main characters even if in very cursory roles in the plot. Always a fun escape read especially if you're willing to believe in small worlds intersecting...more
I really didn't know what to expect when I decided to read this book for the Book Voyage challenge. Ashley Shelby does a great job of immersing the reI really didn't know what to expect when I decided to read this book for the Book Voyage challenge. Ashley Shelby does a great job of immersing the reader in the environment of the South Pole research station. It is at times a scientific book that I didn't always follow the gist of the explanations but that didn't detract from the story. There are many layers of the characters both their surface quirkiness and their reasons why they would want to live at the remote location. There are sociology aspects to the novel, climate research, power struggles, secrets and ulterior motives all exist. All in all this is an interesting and engaging novel that even leads the reader to question some of the motivations behind much of the current scientific research. The characters are engaging and you cannot help but root for their successes. This was a great find and I am glad to have read it....more
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