I love this author’s Christmas books! They draw me in and delight me every time I read one. This is the second book in The Christmas Town Series. You I love this author’s Christmas books! They draw me in and delight me every time I read one. This is the second book in The Christmas Town Series. You can read them out of order but I think you will enjoy them more in order. In this book we have Hannah, from the first book, getting married. Her best friend is Sandy Claus and her brother is Ben, a single father to a daughter, Lily. Sandy is Hannah’s maid of honor and lives next door. Ben is coming from out of town, to stay in Hannah’s place while she Honeymoons. Ben will be giving away Hannah and Lily is the Flower Girl. Hannah is getting married at Christmastime so the story is set during the holiday. I love the characters and the town. I want to go live there. Haha. If you have never read a Christmas Town book be prepared to love the town. I loved the sprinkling of magic in this story. Christmas, for me, is a magical time. It is a time when any good thing can happen. The relationship moved along quickly but also had some bumps to get over. I adored seeing Lily turned into a princess and also her having a spa day. I know a few single fathers of daughters and I feel like Ms Baird captured the difficulty of being both mother and father accurately. I recommend this book for anyone looking for a bit of Christmas cheer, to those who love romance and those who believe in happy ever afters. I read this book after Christmas, while going through a difficult time, and it took me away. I hope it does the same for you. ...more
I love Josie Riviera Christmas romance books. She transports me to different places. The first time to Portugal. This time I stayed in the USA but wenI love Josie Riviera Christmas romance books. She transports me to different places. The first time to Portugal. This time I stayed in the USA but went across the country to Virginia. I enjoyed being at the horse farm with Chiara and Gertrude. The romance that blossoms between Chiara and Vance along with the obstacles in their way put me in the role of a sister. My heart swelled with the sweet love developing and I felt the frustrations of a sibling when it appeared they were going to part ways without acknowledging their feelings. I wanted to shake them both. The book was a quick, sweet, read. If you need an afternoon escape that brings with it some Christmas cheer give this book the opportunity to take you away. ...more
The Moonglow series has become a Christmas tradition for me. It amazes me, as I finish each book every year, that this series started from a cozy mystThe Moonglow series has become a Christmas tradition for me. It amazes me, as I finish each book every year, that this series started from a cozy mystery. It is neither mystery nor romance though there is a lot of love, of all kinds, included in the books. These books are Christmas stories. With main character, Mist, (my favorite), and returning characters who are like family, each year brings new characters and a fresh story. It is possible to read these as stand-alone books. I however urge you to begin with the first and read them in order. Without having major hangovers, the main character, as well as the supporting cast, have ongoing storylines. The true spirit of Christmas can be found between the pages. As always there are a number of cookie recipes, (and even a Christmas Cookbook of them available -recommend the print copy so it can be handed down.), to be found at the end of the book. Treat yourself, a friend or loved one to a gift of The Moonglow Christmas Series. Each of these books are truly a Christmas present. *I realize this is more a review on the series. That is because they are short, easy to read books and I want you to enjoy the gift inside the covers of the books. This book is a feel good story of the celebration of Christmas. I highly recommend it, especially this year when we could all use an escape.* ...more
I don’t know how Trixie Silvertale does it but every book of hers becomes my favorite. I always end a book thinking, “this was perfect! The best one!”I don’t know how Trixie Silvertale does it but every book of hers becomes my favorite. I always end a book thinking, “this was perfect! The best one!” Then she comes out with a new one that is better than the last one! Hopes and Slippery Slopes did exactly that. I enjoyed this storyline so much. Seeing Mitzy reach out to someone who is in the position she was in as a child was so rewarding. I loved how that played out. I also enjoyed seeing her magical world expand. I cannot wait to see more developments with this storyline. Mitzy has gained a fan club in this book. I find this an interesting development that seems likely to provide some lighter moments. Erick finding out more about Mitzy was something I was ecstatic to see! I was getting a little frustrated by that as I couldn’t see how their relationship could advance until they talked about this. It was a huge secret that I was worried was going to the land of no return. I was super satisfied that it wasn’t just brushed over, too. One thing I really like about the relationship between Mitzy and Erick is how real it feels. They have ups and downs like real couples. Things that need to be worked on. All the regulars, who I love so much, are in the story, so no worries there. For someone new to the series, my advice is to start at the beginning. Mitzy is a complex character who grows from book to book. Mysteries are solved in each book. It’s the story of Mitzy that gets carried from book to book. This story will hook you and is best read in order. The books don’t take long to read, (a good thing since you don’t want to put them down), so it really won’t take you long to catch up. It’s actually an excellent series to binge. I’m looking forward to book 12. ...more
This series gets better with each book! I adore Ghost-Ma and Mitzy. Their relationship just gives me all the feels. In Lies and Pumpkin Pies we have SThis series gets better with each book! I adore Ghost-Ma and Mitzy. Their relationship just gives me all the feels. In Lies and Pumpkin Pies we have Sheriff Erick in the clink just as Thanksgiving is approaching! Even more shocking is it appears he may have committed murder! Mitzy is definitely on this case. Will she be able to get him free before Twiggy’s Thanksgiving dinner? I love this series so much. I am always eager to read the next book. For me, it’s more than a magical cozy mystery. My draw is seeing Mitzy grow into her new family. In my opinion, this has the Hallmark feel. Orphaned, former foster care kid inherits more than a bookstore from a grandmother she never met and it completely changes her life for the better. Her solving cozy mysteries by new found magical powers, is a bonus. I can absolutely see this on the screen. This is book 10 in the series. While each mystery is complete, the story is such that, this is one series I strongly recommend you start at the beginning with. I warn you, the first book is a rougher Mitzy. She has been through the foster care system. It left a wound that only started healing when Mitzy arrived at the bookstore. This made, for me, a rocky beginning. I have never regretted my staying with the series. By book 3 my heart was stolen and I was a Mitzy Moon fan. I encourage you to start with Fries and Alibis. I promise it won’t take long to catch up as you will become hooked on this series. ...more
This is book two in the series. It was my first time reading this series and I did not notice it wasn’t the first book until I was done. I need to reaThis is book two in the series. It was my first time reading this series and I did not notice it wasn’t the first book until I was done. I need to read the first book now because I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I put this on my TBR because I happen to love rhubarb and garlic, though not together. There are two rhubarb recipes in the back that were mentioned in the book. I was happy to see the stewed rhubarb as I never had that. When I read it in the book, I thought I was going to have to google it. Mabel has come to her aunt’s garlic farm with the intention of selling it. However things did not work out that way as quickly as she hoped. When she discovers the body of a murdered man she finds herself high on the suspect list. Will she be able to prove her innocence? Will she find a buyer for the farm? I liked Mabel. She was different from so many sleuths in the cozy mysteries I have read. Her differences made her interesting to me. I especially liked her observations. I like Rory who becomes her friend and the way she kind of forced her way into Mabel’s life. I think she is good for Mabel. Mabel adopts a cat then finds herself the caretaker of a pregnant cat who belonged to the murder victim. I enjoyed reading about the cats. I found myself engrossed in this mystery which I saw as multilayered. There were a few suspects but I honestly was so interested in the whole story, I can’t tell you if they were easy or difficult to guess at. I was caught up in the farm and the rhubarb. I am going to go look at book one now. I’m intrigued. I think you should read it. I won a kindle copy of this title in a Goodreads Giveaway. No review was required. I voluntarily reviewed this book based on my enjoyment of it. I appreciate Goodreads, Kensington/Lyrical and the author providing a copy of the book for the giveaway. ...more
I love when fall comes around because I know my favorite authors are going to be releasing Halloween Anthologies. I enjoy these collections so much. II love when fall comes around because I know my favorite authors are going to be releasing Halloween Anthologies. I enjoy these collections so much. In this one, I started off with Trixie Silvertale. I adore Mitzy Moon. When I saw a Mitzy short story included, I was drooling for this book. If you haven’t read any of Mitzy’s books, here’s a quick catch up. Mitzy has spent much of her childhood in foster care, making her a little rough around the edges. As a young barista, she discovers her father’s mother named her in a will. She was left a bookstore... a haunted bookstore! Her grandmother is still there in ghostly form. This relationship never fails to warm my heart. Mitzy, with help from her Ghost-ma, their cat, a wizardly attorney and a hunky sheriff, finds she is very good at solving mysteries. There might be some magical powers involved, too. I hope you enjoy the Mitzy Moon Halloween story and encourage you to look up the series. The next story I picked featured sisters Connie and Sage and is written by Mona Marple. I love Connie and Sage. Sage is deceased but still hanging about Connie. Together they live in a magical town where Sage flirts and enjoys life after death while helping Connie solve mysteries. This story was so fun! I just love when Sage flirts! The sisters attend an author’s reading on Halloween night. Who knew the deceased author may also be a murderer? Connie, with Sage’s unique way of helping, is determined to clear her favorite author... unless he really did it! If you enjoy this story as much as I did be sure to click on the link to receive a free short story and learn more about Mona Marple. These are just two of the spooktacular stories you will find in this collection. I don’t want to make this super long. Other stories include a haunted tour, (I loved because I always wanted to do one of these!), by Erin Johnson, Marley is hosting a party in Hillcrest by Amorette Anderson, Anna, Pratt, Joss and Pastor Frederick are on the case to help a young man who had asked the Pastor for help in the story by Sam Cheever, Zoe buys a necklace that surprises her with new clues in an unsolved mystery by Lily Webb, Chalice sniffs out a murder while out walking around trying to figure out how to help Winslow prove her value in this fun story by Summer Prescott, Mandy and Katie go on a Halloween double date to...where else? A haunted swamp in the story by Lotta Smith, (new author to delight me), Jayce is at PaganCon, when she is approached a woman bringing news of a Druid and dark magic in the story by Kirsten Weiss, Maggie and Spencer are looking into a shipwreck and murder that is about two hundred years old in the story by Cate Dean, (I need to check out the Maggie Mulgrew series), J.L. Collins wrote an intriguing mystery about animal familiars, (another author I hadn’t read before), Shéa MacLeod shared a story from Deepwood, Oregon where the local witch is blackmailed by the sheriff! It’s to help solve a mystery but things don’t look good for Edwina. The author makes mention of a bacon-topped maple bar which is my favorite donut so she caught my attention pretty quick. The last story in the book is by an author I didn’t recognize either but the story was so delicious! What could be more fun than a girls getaway at a B&B? How about a spooky one in a haunted B&B where the owner disappears? I loved this one! You can tell this anthology is a definite Halloween Treat. Grab it, some candles and tasty treats then settle in for some Halloween fun. ...more
This is my favorite to date of the Mitzy Moon Series. In this book, Sheriff Harper and Mitzy are off to Arizona. Mitzy has learned that her mother’s dThis is my favorite to date of the Mitzy Moon Series. In this book, Sheriff Harper and Mitzy are off to Arizona. Mitzy has learned that her mother’s death may have been a murder. Though it is now a cold case she is determined to seek justice for her mom. This book was an emotional one. As you can imagine, just finding out that a loved one was murdered will wreak havoc on your heart. Add in that you were only a child when it happened and it threw you into the foster care system. One can believe this may well be the most difficult sleuthing our heroine will have done. Over the last eight books we have watched Mitzy grow into a very different person from that first book. While this has been a wonderful journey to witness, I couldn’t help but wonder what had given Mitzy that chip of ice in her heart. Reading this book it becomes crystal clear. The sarcasm that held the tinge of icy anger was pain. Don’t worry. The story isn’t a downer. There are some comical moments as well as scary ones. The book, apart from being an intriguing mystery, gives wonderful insight into Mitzy that makes us appreciate all the more her personal growth. We can celebrate additional progress in her relationship with Erick. Silas, Ghost-Ma and Pyewacket are all a part of the story too. I absolutely love that the author found a way to keep them involved. So many times when a main character or two leave the normal setting, all the extra characters we love are left out of it. I was super happy to see them supporting Mitzy and helping her throughout the time she was in Arizona. If you haven’t read any of the series, I really hope you will. The first book, I didn’t much care for Mitzy. Now she is like a beloved member of my family. So if you find yourself not liking her much, stay with it. Give her a chance. Once you start seeing her thaw out I’m certain you will be hooked too. She is still sarcastic, (something I adore about her), but it is tempered by love and happiness. The story is ongoing but so is life. The books are fairly quick to read so you can catch up fast. If you are already reading the series, this is the one book you definitely do not want to miss. ...more
This book, the fourth in the series, was my introduction to the Deputy Donut Mystery Series. I am now in love with this series! I need to read all of This book, the fourth in the series, was my introduction to the Deputy Donut Mystery Series. I am now in love with this series! I need to read all of them. No, I did not have any trouble with keeping up with the storylines that were possibly started in previous books. The mystery in this was complete start to finish. If you enjoy Halloween, as I do, there is absolutely enough Halloween to satisfy you. In this book Emily, the main character, is catering donuts and coffee to a gentleman’s 70th birthday. As his birthday falls on Halloween he prefers not to have a Halloween theme. I really enjoyed that part of the story as I have always wondered how I would truly enjoy having a holiday birthday. Back to the story, when Emily goes to drop off the donuts she discovers a body! With no shortage of suspects we are off on a delicious, (there is plenty of donut talk to satisfy, too), hunt for a killer. The book is a fast paced, page turner. There are laughs, chills, (not just from the weather), and plenty of clues strewn about. I like that Emily has a good friend who may possibly turn into a love interest. She is a widow who still has close ties to her husband’s family. That is refreshing and realistic for me. I love how her friendships are deep and even her employees at the shop feel like family. In this book, Jocelyn, a former employee, is home from school and returns to a temporary job just as a family member might do. It says a lot about the character and also sets the tone for town. One of the characters I adored, and took great delight in their relationship with Emily, was Dep, her cat. I love animals and feel they can add so much to the story. Dep certainly did! Emily is a strong character who does do some questionable things. I was surprised to see the way the author handled that. I loved it! I would like to say a bit more about that but I try hard to not do spoilers. There are delicious donut recipes. I know they are delicious because we made some donuts tonight. My guy and I are sometimes night owls. It’s a perk on being older. If you are a deep fry person, make the donuts! My house smells as awesome as they tasted! If you like to bake your donuts, the author includes those instructions. We plan to bake the Scare-It Cake Donuts this weekend. I am already drooling! I highly recommend this book. If you are looking for a good Halloween cozy, you definitely want to pick this book. I’m off to see about the rest of the series, (and eat another crazily messy but tasty Boston Scream Donut). Happy reading to you! ...more
A Kebab Kitchen Mystery Series is one of my favorite series. I love the characters in it. The wonderful food that I can practically smell while readinA Kebab Kitchen Mystery Series is one of my favorite series. I love the characters in it. The wonderful food that I can practically smell while reading about it, the family, the friends. *sigh* It all comes together so beautifully. When I read the books in this series it feels like I am there. Tina Kashian never fails to transport me away from my troubles. This series is like comfort food except in book form. Mistletoe, Moussaka and Murder was just what I needed to read. This year has been a rocky one for everyone. I had been having a struggle with concentration. I switched to darker reading to match my feelings. Then I was gifted an ecopy of this book for review consideration. I didn’t even know how much I needed old friends, wedding talk, a Christmas party and a murder. Reading this book, being transported far away, truly lifted my soul. I was so happy to see Lucy examine her feelings and accept them. It was delightful when she spoke to her mom about her plans. I laughed out loud picturing it. I swear, that was my favorite scene in the book! The dead body? Yes, there is one. Wait until you read about that! I won’t talk much about it as you really need to figure it out yourself. There are a number of potential murderers. The reveal was a heart pounder for sure. I am already anticipating the next book. Will there be a wedding soon? If Katie and Lucy’s Mom have anything to say about it the answer is most definitely! Give yourself a gift and get a copy of this book. We can all use some Christmas spirit now.
Edited to add: *I received an ecopy of this book for review consideration. Thank you to Kensington Publishers, NetGalley and the Author for this opportunity. I voluntarily reviewed this book and all opinions are based on my enjoyment of the book.*...more
This is the fourth book in the paranormal cozy mystery series, Chantilly Adair Psychic Medium. I loved reading this book. I adore Chantilly and the laThis is the fourth book in the paranormal cozy mystery series, Chantilly Adair Psychic Medium. I loved reading this book. I adore Chantilly and the ladies who are her tribe. They are wonderful and everyone should be so lucky to have a tribe like them. In this book, a teammate of Austin’s disappears. Chantilly becomes involved when she connects with a silent ghost. This brings about a scary and unexpected event for her. Jack and Chantilly are still apart, which breaks more hearts than just mine. Charlie is still with Thelma but there are developments there. I’ll let y’all read the book to see what all is going on. If you are new to this series, I would strongly suggest you read it from the first book. You don’t really have to if you only want the mystery. But for full enjoyment, you really want to read the series. This series has wrapped itself around my heart. I will change my schedule to read a book in it. I set aside the time to read it. I know once I start, I won’t want to put it down. The author weaves a story that will have you turning pages, laughing one moment and crying the next just to laugh again. She writes so effectively that even a minor character, who may never be in the series again, is someone you care about. I know because a ghost appears in this one and it was quick but deep. If you are on the fence about this book/series, I don’t think you will regret giving it a try. If you already read the series, stop reading reviews and read the book. You already know you are going to love it. ...more
When I first saw this title offered, I thought of Roanoke. The tagline for it was for Midsommer and Blair Witch Project. I have also been trying to reWhen I first saw this title offered, I thought of Roanoke. The tagline for it was for Midsommer and Blair Witch Project. I have also been trying to read books written by authors from around the world. All that convinced me that I needed to read this book. The book goes between two time settings, 1959 and present day, (titled as “then” and “now”). It takes places in a ghost town called Silvertjärn, Sweden. In 1959, this small mining town had one child found alive, one woman found murdered and the rest of the villagers, gone. Disappeared. Vanished. Over 900 people never heard from or seen again. The child is found, placed in a new home and name. All that is left are ruins of a decaying village and rumors. Present day, Alice Lindstedt is a young filmmaker. She grew up hearing about Silvertjärn from her grandmother. The grandmother grew up in the village, moving to Stockholm after she married. She had been getting letters from her mother and sister until the discovery of the missing. Alice is making a documentary about the disappearances. She hopes to solve the mystery. She has the idea to start a Kickstarter to get the funding. To do that she convinces four others to join her on a preliminary look at the village to get photos and make a short film. She and one of the others have a secret, though. The other person wanting to make this project with her is the daughter of the surviving child. Alice had tracked her down. From the first day there things went wrong. At first they tried to come up with excuses or just ignore it. Was it the girls doing those things? Was someone there trying to sabotage the documentary? Or is the place just evil? I loved reading this book! It was tremendously atmospheric. Camilla Sten created a realistic feel to the creepy tale. All of the characters were well written. Flawed and relatable you could easily imagine knowing them. The descriptions of the houses, church and school placed you in the village. The weather touched it with a gray moodiness that added to the chill. In case you are wondering if the dual time and narrators work out, the answer is a resounding yes! This author pulled the tension tight cohesively. Many times I get annoyed while reading books set in two different times with different narrators. Not so with this story. My heart would be racing in the now only to be calmed switching to then just to have my heart racing again. I was being well played and I loved it. If you are looking for a book that will bring shivers, put this one on your to be read list. I received an advanced review copy of this book from Minotaur, an imprint of St Martin Publishing Group, through NetGalley. My review is honest and voluntary. I read and reviewed this book during the local library summer reading program and I really hope the library chooses to get this one when it comes up. It is a book I plan to read again, in the fall or perhaps on a dark cold winter night. I honestly can’t wait until I can buy a copy. ...more
This is the fourth book in the Mail Carrier Series. If you are new to this series, the best advice I can give you is to start at the beginning and reaThis is the fourth book in the Mail Carrier Series. If you are new to this series, the best advice I can give you is to start at the beginning and read each book. Is it necessary? Well if you are just reading for the mystery, probably not. Ms. Kappes completes the mystery in each book. However she tends to write well rounded books. Her books aren’t just a mystery, they are life histories in a small town. This series centers around Bernie, a mail carrier, in Sugar Creek Gap, Kentucky. It’s a small town that is slowly growing. Bernie has her route that covers the downtown area, an old folks home and a quiet street where she has a home along with the Porch Ladies and love interest Mac. As you read the series you come to know all these people and how their lives all intersect. This is what I mean when I say Ms Kappes writes well rounded stories. She has a real talent for taking you from your reading spot and transplanting you into the middle of town. You are invested because you belong. In this book Bernie and Mac are finding their new reality. Bernie with her work, her pets and yoga with Iris. Mac with Lucy Drake who happens to be yoga fit and effortlessly taking the same class Bernie is taking. Bernie doesn’t seem to be the only one in town struggling with love. Yoga instructor Peaches has a package marked return to sender she gives to Bernie. Seems she can’t accept a package from Simon anymore than she can accept Sarah coming to the yoga class. Love might not be in bloom but the green eyed monster sure is. When Bernie stumbles upon a dead body she will need to find out if the green eyed monster was responsible or if it was suicide. Love hurts but does it hurt enough to die over? I was caught up in this book. I love the relationships, (friends and lovers), and seeing how things play out. I can relate a lot to Bernie. I love seeing her in her new role as MawMaw. The mystery was well done. The only thing I missed was seeing Vince but his absence was explained. Hopefully we will see him in the next book.
*I received an uncorrected electronic copy of this book for review consideration. I voluntarily reviewed this book. My review is based on my thoughts and feelings while reading and afterwards.*...more
I freaking loved this cozy mystery! Abby is a new witch having come into her powers after the death of her mom. She can communicate with her cat familI freaking loved this cozy mystery! Abby is a new witch having come into her powers after the death of her mom. She can communicate with her cat familiar, Cooper. She lives in a magical town, which non-magicals are not aware of. Her mother’s best friend Bessie is helping her with learning about her powers. Her best friend Stella is not a witch and not allowed to know about the change Abby is going through. I love that books are a big part of this story. Bessie owns a book and coffee shop. Stella is an editor and Abby is a ghostwriter. In this book, Abby is writing a story about a witch. When bad things start happening in town Abby realizes there is a connection to her story...and to her. It looks like someone wants her power and they are willing to kill for it. Aside from books being a big part of the story, I really enjoy the characters. This isn’t the first book I have read by Ms. Aspenson. I have read a few. She really has a magic touch with creating interesting, lovable, real characters. Her characters aren’t the kind you read about and think, I wish I knew her/him. Her characters are so real you think of people you know who are like them. I love her ability to do that. I know you want to know about the mystery and how well she wrote that. Extremely well. Even when I thought I had figured it out, I didn’t. In the end I was surprised by more than just who did it. I’m now eager for the next book in this magical series. Now read the book and let Ms Aspenson enchant you.
*I received an uncorrected electronic copy of this book for review consideration. I voluntarily reviewed this book. My review is based on my thoughts and feelings while reading and afterwards.*...more
We’re going to a Renaissance Faire! Oh my goodness how excited I was to read this book. I love Mitzy, Ghost-ma, Sheriff Eric, Twiggy, Silas, Odell andWe’re going to a Renaissance Faire! Oh my goodness how excited I was to read this book. I love Mitzy, Ghost-ma, Sheriff Eric, Twiggy, Silas, Odell and Pyewacket. I don’t know how the author does it but each book has something interesting about one or more of these characters that just keeps everything fresh. In this one we see Twiggy play a very fun role. We also see a bit more of the relationship between Mitzy and Eric. I adore the Renaissance Faires. If you haven’t been to one, you may find yourself wanting to attend one after this. This year, with the Covid-19 Pandemic, the festival closest to me voted to close. It was another sad and frustrating occurrence in a year that seems to be overflowing with them. The author, with a wonderful expertise, brought the Faire to my home! I could picture everything easily. I haven’t worked at a festival but, for a short time in my younger years, I worked the carnival circuit. I think being a carny is much the same as working Renaissance Faires, except at RenFest you wear way cooler clothes and speak funny. The mystery was entertaining as well as puzzling. I enjoyed learning about sugar glass. I love movies but did not know anything about sugar glass. I looked up a few videos. It is fascinating. I don’t want to go into the mystery or the role sugar glass plays. I am giving this book five stars because it entertained me, educated me and kept me guessing. A winner all the way! I hope you choose to read it. I would recommend you read the series in the order written. For the mystery you could read it by itself but you would miss a lot in relationships and in Mitzy’s personal growth. I received an advanced reader’s copy for review consideration. I voluntarily reviewed this book. My review is based entirely on my experience with this book....more
I enjoyed this book more than I may have words to say! I love reading about life in young America. It has been a favorite time for me since I was a chI enjoyed this book more than I may have words to say! I love reading about life in young America. It has been a favorite time for me since I was a child enchanted by the Little House on the Prairie series. I can remember reading it and begging the librarian for more stories in the 1600-1800 range. I was intrigued when I saw the cover of the book posted in a Facebook reading group. The title and cover suggested a mystery, perhaps a thriller. I may have an addiction when it comes to those genres. I looked it up and was immediately drawn to the time period. I commented about it on the post. Imagine my surprise when the author offered to let me read it. Just read it. She made no mention of a review. She just new I had fallen in love with the cover and was intrigued. I am not certain she knows this is my favorite time period. I am grateful for her gift of the book. I have been celebrating reading this year by giving away books every month to people I know and to strangers. It was lovely to receive one back. My review though is based on the book and how I felt. First off, I totally was taken away to Cape May, to the Town. The author chose to use modern language for the ease of the reader. This did not disturb my flight to the Town at all. It probably helped as sometimes the archaic language can be distracting as you may need to translate words and meanings. I had no problem picturing the house where most of the story takes place nor the Town when it was mentioned. The story gripped my from the opening chapter when we meet Sarah and her mother as they come across a wolf. It continued to hold me with the disappearance of Sarah’s mother. Sarah is the narrator of this book. I hope if this book goes to audio the author chooses someone with a light British accent to be Sarah. Much of the story is of Sarah’s life. Her father runs an apothecary, her mother also knew of healing and so Sarah had much knowledge. She was also taught to read, something that wasn’t encouraged in a girl at that time. We meet her father, her friends Patience and Arthur. We know her heartache at not knowing what happened to her mother. We see her move on but never fully leaving the mysterious disappearance behind. There are other people we meet. A few who raised my suspicions as knowing more than they said about the mystery. The story picks up speed after a second tragedy happens and a promise is made. I was surprised at the reveal. After the story the author asks the reader to consider leaving a review and to help those who aren’t sure what to write she leaves questions they may or may use. I think it’s a good way to help new review writers think about writing one. I will give a nod to the author and answer one of the questions here. I learned to make a drink from that time period. I am planning to try it using beverages that I believe are close to those back then. I have no “flip-dog” so I will heat and whisk on the stove. I do recommend this book, especially to those who enjoy mysteries and that time period. I voluntarily reviewed this book because I loved it so much. It is a book I would read again even though I know what happened. It’s one I would definitely love to listen to on audio. ...more
I laughed so hard reading this book! Trinity Falls is one of my absolute rom-com favorite series now. The Senior Citizen Posse is back! This time theyI laughed so hard reading this book! Trinity Falls is one of my absolute rom-com favorite series now. The Senior Citizen Posse is back! This time they are determined to match Monica Swanson up. They trick Monica into a deal where they choose three men for her to go on dates with. But Monica isn’t the only one they are setting up with dates. Jacob Parkerson just got out of the military and is renting out Monica’s cottage. With good looks and a rocking body, Monica is feeling the heat. It would be perfect if Jacob were only older instead of ten years younger. So the ladies have decided they will set him up on dates too. Jacob goes along with it even though he wants Monica. You need to read this book and see who the Posse has set them up with! Monica’s dates were the stuff that keeps you away from blind dates! Jacob’s however...they might have done a good job there. You need to see for yourself so pick up the book and start reading. ...more
I adore the Lily Sprayberry Mystery Series. Each one satisfies me yet leaves me thirsty for more. In this edition Lily goes to a home that is possiblyI adore the Lily Sprayberry Mystery Series. Each one satisfies me yet leaves me thirsty for more. In this edition Lily goes to a home that is possibly going on the market. Unfortunately a dead body is in the way. Lily can’t help being involved in this one. With a number os suspects and a few reasons for murder, will Lily or Dylan get this one solved? A feud between Bonnie and Henrietta livens things up. I just love them. There’s some twists and some hijinks to keep us entertained along with a surprise. Put your sleuthing comfy clothes on and see if you can discover the killer before Lily and Dylan. Trust me. You don’t want to miss this one! ...more
This book had me riveted! It is quite possibly the most twisted book I read this year. The book is told from two viewpoints. First we have Maggie, theThis book had me riveted! It is quite possibly the most twisted book I read this year. The book is told from two viewpoints. First we have Maggie, the mother who is locked in the attic where her daughter intends to keep her for 21 years. Then we have Nina, the daughter who cannot forgive and wants revenge. They both love each other though. Oh the complexity of family relationships! This book is filled with that. I don’t even want to go into this book in the review because, trust me, this is one you have to read for yourself. My advice would be do not read the reviews until after you read the book. Some reviewers spill the story and you honestly want the surprises. This is my second book by this author. I want to find everything he has written. I loved both books I read of his. The first book of his I read was The One. If you haven’t read it, grab that one, too. Both of the books have more than one narrator. Don’t let that deter you. He clearly marks who is narrating. You don’t get lost. This one jumps a bit from present to past and normally that does tend to irritate me if I choose to listen. I did get the audible version to see if it would irritate me. It did not bother me at all. I was so invested in the story it barely registered that we were jumping back and forth. Absolutely get this book! Then make time for it. I started with the intention of reading it over the course of a week. Did not happen. I did start it on Kindle and then stopped. I was making so much noise over it, my other half wanted to read it, too. So I had to wait and then we started it on audio, intending to listen in hourly spurts. Neither one of us wanted to turn it off. We had to, (I might have cheated a bit with the kindle version), but picked it up the next day and stayed up to finish it. The narrator, Elizabeth Knowelden, was awesome!
*I won the Kindle version in a Goodreads Giveaway. I purchased the Audible version. I voluntarily reviewed this book. The review is based on my experience with it, and, a bit of my other half’s enjoyment of it.* ...more
Every book in this series turns out better than the last. I don’t know how the author manages that. In this book we meet Taylor’s family. They aren’t Every book in this series turns out better than the last. I don’t know how the author manages that. In this book we meet Taylor’s family. They aren’t pleasant..to each other or anyone else. They meet, though, at the request of the matriarch, perhaps the most unpleasant of all. You might think all this unpleasantness would make for dreary reading. You might be wrong. I was fascinated by the family members. So much so that I ended up reading the book twice, back to back. I love analyzing people and their choices of behavior. So the first time reading, I kind of got hung up in analyzing each person. I was highly entertained. The second reading was more of a verification of my thoughts. I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. Yes, it has a paranormal aspect but it’s not large. Someone who is not into paranormal may find this book interesting. It’s slightly darker than the previous books, which I think made it stand out more. The last death mentioned literally had few tears being shed. People aren’t always how we think they are. I am excited to see where we go from here. Please read the book. If you are new to the series, you will do fine. My recommendation is to read them all but you can enjoy this as a stand-alone. ...more
This cookbook has a lot of tasty easy recipes, some boredom busting ideas and a section on six word memoirs on the quarantine. It’s interesting and FUThis cookbook has a lot of tasty easy recipes, some boredom busting ideas and a section on six word memoirs on the quarantine. It’s interesting and FUNctional. The recipes are set up in sections so everything is user friendly. I made several recipes before writing this. I wanted to be able to judge how much I would use it before writing my review. I collect cookbooks. For me some are pretty to look at and read while others you use. This book falls into the cookbook you will use. The recipes I made were easy and had ingredients I mostly had in my pantry. My favorite was the bacon wrapped onion rings. My other half loves cheeseburger and fries casserole. Not every recipe is the healthiest. It’s a quarantine. You might not be able to get things easily. There are a number of healthier recipes though. We just happened to enjoy these two choices a lot. In a quarantine comfort food earns its name. I have this on Kindle. There were no photos, which is something I miss. I will probably give this as gifts this year. I think it’s great to have on hand for flu season and natural disasters. I live in Alaska so natural disasters is something I’m always thinking about. This will be a hand down to my granddaughter cookbook. ...more
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