My Journey Began With Trixie Beldon
Here is a collection of books set around Christmas time.
I found these on Amazon. I have not read them but I sure want to.
I cannot endorse nor can I promise no bedroom scenes.
We'll see . . .
Broken Ties
by Shannon Baker (Traditional)
Sheriff Kate Fox is wrangling her personal and professional life into order while still searching for her niece, who slipped her halter and took off almost two years ago. But when her ex-husband’s wife, Roxy, drops their infant on Kate’s doorstep and disappears with no explanation, Kate’s world is turned upside down.
Available on Amazon
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Batter Off Dead
by Maddie Day
Robbie and her new husband Abe O’Neill are enjoying a summer evening in the park with fellow townsfolk excited for some Friday night fireworks. In attendance are senior residents from Jupiter Springs Assisted Living including Roy Bird, father to South Lick’s very own Police Lieutenant Buck Bird. Despite his blindness, Roy is a member of his group home’s knitting circle, spending quality time with some lovely ladies.
Available on Amazon
Death of a Knit Wit
by Peggy Ehrhart
Pamela has organized a weekend-long knitting bee as part of a conference on fiber arts and crafts at Wendelstaff College. But when pompous Professor Robert Greer-Gordon Critter, the keynote speaker at the conference, crashes the bee, he seems more interested in flirting than knitting. The man’s reputation as a philanderer supersedes his academic reputation. After coffee and cookies are served, the professor suddenly collapses, seemingly poisoned—but how?
Available on Amazon
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Put Out To Pasture
by Amanda Flower
Shiloh Bellamy has saved her family’s farm from financial ruin—but now what? She’s barely scraping by on the farm’s new organic business model and the fall festival she organized to drum up business comes to a screeching halt when the body of a prominent townswoman is discovered underneath a scarecrow in a nearby field. Worst of all, the evidence points to Shiloh’s childhood best friend, Kristy, as the prime suspect.
Caramel Pecan Roll Murder
by Joanne Fluke
Embracing a sweet escape from her usual routine at The Cookie Jar, Hannah gets asked for her help in baking pastries at the local inn for a flashy fishing competition with big prizes and even bigger names. But the fun stops when she spots a runway boat on the water and, on board, the lifeless body of the event’s renowned celebrity spokesperson…
Available on Amazon
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A Killer Book
by Ryan Hoffman (Cozy)
Librarian Kinsey Reed is preparing for Labor Day in her small town of Prairie Brook, South Dakota. The only thing she didn’t expect was murder. Preston Holbrook plans on tearing down the historic library building and replacing it with condos and strip malls. Until he’s found dead and Kinsey’s boss, Louise Randall finds herself the prime suspect. It’s up to Kinsey,her friends, and animal companions to clear Louise’s name. Even if Kinsey clashes with handsome detective Brody McAllister.
Available on Amazon
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Antique Auctions Are Murder
by Libby Klein
It’s peak summer season at the Butterfly House Bed and Breakfast in Cape May, with tourists fluttering in and out and wreaking enough havoc to rival a Jersey Shore hurricane. Also back in town is Courtney Whipple and his family of antique dealers for the annual Cold Spring Village antique show. Courtney’s son Auggie has a unique piece he believes will fetch them a fortune if he can get it authenticated in time—a piece rival dealer Grover Prickle insists was stolen from his store.
Available on Amazon
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Murder Faux Paws
by T.C. LoTempio
When a local PI’s untimely death is ruled a suicide by the police, budding sleuth Nora Charles has no intention of letting sleeping dogs lie—or sleeping cats, for that matter. Certain it was a case of foul play, Nora rouses her trusty sidekick Nick and launches an investigation of her own. Then a second PI is murdered, and Nora knows the two men were on to something—and that she’s on to something.
Murder at North Pond
by London Lovett
When Anna St. James graduated college with a business degree, she never expected to find herself running a boarding house on a small island off the east coast. But life throws a lot of curves and Anna has certainly had her share of them. Now, settled into life as owner and landlady of the Moon River Boarding House on Frostfall Island, Anna couldn’t imagine living anywhere else or without the unique and somewhat eccentric tenants she considers family.
Available on Amazon
Flea the Scene
by Eryn Scott (Cozy)
Louisa Henry can’t seem to get any answers about the abandoned mansion hidden behind brush that she runs by each day. Well, she thought it was abandoned, but she’s recently seen signs of life. Whenever she asks the locals about who lives there, they clam up.
Available on Amazon
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Night of the Were-Cat
by Eileen Watkins (Cozy)
To an animal lover like Cassie, all cats are beautiful . . . though some may be more photogenic than others. When a customer brings in Quentin, a Maine Coon who looks more wolf than feline, it gives Cassie an idea. The owner of Chadwick’s retro movie theater wants to promote an upcoming werewolf movie marathon—how about a werewolf lookalike contest for pets?
Available on Amazon
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A Fatal Glow
by Valerie Wilson Wesley (Cozy)
Recently widowed Odessa Jones is sure the exclusive catering job she’s scored from wealthy businessman Casey Osborne will propel her catering career into the big leagues. So when Dessa’s pesky second sight warns her that Osborne is bad news, she ignores it. She wishes she hadn’t when he drops dead at his brunch after sampling her homemade preserves. Osborne’s death is declared a homicide. Dessa and the friends who helped her cook are considered suspects . . .
Available on Amazon
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About the book
When a gorgeous man dressed as Bridgette Bardot buys her a Scofflaw and asks her out on a date, Anna McGregor begins to suspect her murder investigation has taken a wrong turn. Her previous work as a medical anthropologist exposed her to a variety of unexpected situations, but none quite like this.
“The story does a great job of setting up the mystery and then anthropologist turned B&B hostess, Anna McGregor leads us through a merry chase and I thought I had it partially figured out but then realized…red herring. I would suggest you skip to the back of the book to find the scofflaw recipe and make one to enjoy while you armchair sleuth your way through this charming and cozy mystery.” — Tracy’s Tidbits
It all seemed so simple: fix up the Cape May Victorian mansion she’d inherited from Great Aunt Louise and re-open it as the exceptional B&B it used to be. Everything’s going great, until her very first guest turns up dead at the breakfast table, crumbs from Anna’s blueberry scones scattered on the lace tablecloth.
As the town’s gossip mill goes into overdrive, Anna leaps into the fray to save her reputation, her business and Great Aunt Louise’s legacy.
With help from a handsome handyman eager to solve all of Anna’s problems and a young police officer new to murder investigations, Anna does her best to convince the town — and her future guests — that while her scones may be killer, someone else was responsible for this murder.
And I thought
Buy the book
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About the book
Clare Cosi is busy as a bee planning her honeymoon when murder buzzes into the Village Blend in this all-new mystery in the beloved New York Times bestselling Coffeehouse series by Cleo Coyle.
While struggling to find a romantic (and affordable) destination for her upcoming honeymoon, coffeehouse manager Clare Cosi whips up a honey of a drink made from honey-processed coffee. Clare plans to serve her outstanding new Honey-Cinnamon Latte at her spring wedding to her longtime honey, NYPD detective Mike Quinn. The culinary world is also abuzz about the amazing honey that Clare was lucky enough to source for her shop’s new latte. Produced by Madame’s old friend “Queen” Bea Hastings, the rare, prize-winning nectar from Bea’s rooftop hives commands a premium price, and top chefs compete for a chance to use it in their signature seasonal dishes.
And I thought
It was so good I am sorry I missed the previous books in this series!
I am just tickled that Cleo Coyle is the peusdonym for a husband and wife writer team of Alice Alfonsi, writing in her husband, Marc Cerasini. And aren't they cute!
Buy the book
– Amazon – B&N – Kobo – Google Play – IndieBound – Penguin Random House – BAM
Check out Authors food blog
Visit the tour
February 10 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW
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Welcome back to my posts featuring New Releases.
I took a little break for the holidays and January.
I hope you all dug some up on your own.
With this first post of the New Year I am moving this feature to Sunday. Come back each week for the ones that
Caught My Eye . . . .
. . .And let me know if they 'Catch' yours too!
Killer View
by Catherine Bruns
It’s been four years since sometime sleuth Cindy York left the real estate world behind in favor of a more fulfilling career as a stay-at-home mom. Now that her little one is starting school, Cindy fears her life is about to become dull. She shouldn’t have worried.
Available on Amazon
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A Dash of Murder by Elizabeth Spann Craig
It’s been a quiet autumn so far in the small town of Bradley, North Carolina. Or, as Myrtle would put it, a boring one. The slow pace and lingering post-summer heat are making life in Bradley very slow-paced, indeed. That all changes when a local resident is poisoned by what looks like a scrumptious pie. The victim is a boorish man who has plenty of enemies in Bradley.
Available on Amazon
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Long Overdue at the Lakeside Library
by Holly Danvers
A glowing wood stove, a cozy log cabin, and shelves full of books are all Rain Wilmot needs to ride out the Wisconsin winter, now that she’s made her family’s Lofty Pines library her year-round home. But the warm-hearted librarian’s blood runs cold when local man, Wallace Benson, is found dead during the annual Ice Fishing Jamboree.
Available on Amazon
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Death in Disguise
by Emma Davies
Francesca is nervous about catering her first ever murder mystery party, but it’s clear from the clink of champagne flutes and piles of empty plates that the evening is a roaring success. The guests look spectacular in their disguises, whispering and giggling as they try to identify who killed beautiful young Becky. But days later the game takes a sinister turn when Becky is found poisoned, and all the signs point to the culprit being a party guest.
Available on Amazon
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A View To A Kiln by Holly Jacob
Harry Lawe got a divorce, quit her job and rewrote her life. She left her emotionally distant father’s law firm and opened her own pottery studio. Harry’s Pottery. She’s become a part of the downtown Erie, PA community and things are going fine until the day she finds a dead body in her kiln—a partially cremated dead body in her kiln. She’s looking for who-dunnit in order to save her business.
Available on Amazon
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Welcome Today I have a fun feature. Here's an interview with Author Laurel Blount she shares a little about Real Life Romance and her new book Strength in the Storm.
Do you like boxed Valentine’s candy?
I like candy, period! I do like boxed candy—although I am not a big fan of coconut-filled ones. Whenever I receive candy, I always call my kids over to share—that makes it disappear faster and keeps me out of trouble—mostly!
Are you a nuts in your chocolate girl or just plain Ole chocolate?
I love nuts!
So you’re having a romantic dinner at home. What’s on the menu, where are you dining? What kind of flowers does he bring?
It would definitely be grilled steak with salad and a baked potato! My husband is a genius at his grill. We’re not fancy, so we’d be eating in our big farm-style kitchen—and he’d bring me a mixed bouquet of simple flowers like daisies. I think roses are lovely, but I prefer simple flowers that last a bit longer.
If you could go anywhere in the world for a romantic vacation where would you go?
I’d love to visit Italy some day! Particularly Tuscany.
Favorite Romantic movie couple and movie.
While You Were Sleeping is my all time favorite romantic movie, and I love Sandra Bullock and Bill Pullman (Lucy and Jack)! They have the best chemistry and the funniest banter.
Of all the books, which was the easiest to write?
Hmm! That’s a great question. I don’t think any of my books was too easy to write, but I think Shelter in the Storm—the first Johns Mill Amish book—was probably the smoothest one. That story just flowed, and I loved the slow-blooming romance between Naomi and Joseph.
Which couple from your books would you like to visit you?
Another great question! The short answer would be—all of them! I love all my characters—by the time I finish their stories, they feel like old friends. I’d love to visit with Emma and Sam from Strength in the Storm—Johns Mill Amish book #2. Sam is one of my all time favorite heroes!
Where would I take them for dinner?
Honestly, I’d probably cook for them! I think cozy suppers at home are the best for spending time with friends—everybody is comfortable and you have lots of time to chat and really get to know each other.
Which couple would be more at home coming to dinner at your home?
I had to think about this one! Of all the couples I’ve written about, I think the ones that would feel most at home with us would probably be Hoyt and Anna from my Love Inspired romance Hometown Hope. Hoyt is a man’s man, much like my husband—they’d get along great! And Anna loves books just like I do—we’d have plenty to talk about!
Thanks Laurel for spending the day with us!
Visit Laure at Laurelblount.com.
And don't forget to sin up for her charming and cozy newsletter!
About the book
When one beach closes another case opens for this amateur island investigator
Life is improving for Patience following her return to Pony Island. She’s making headway as a concierge counselor, to cautious clients, in a town too small for discretion, and she’s even managing to ignore her ex-boyfriend’s shameless charm and flirtation. Mostly.
But she’s barely recovered from her recent run-in with a killer when body parts begin washing up on the beach, and her parents are named as suspects!
Now, Patience is diving deep into a personal investigation with the help of Sebastian, her current crush and federal agent. And her pesky ex-boyfriend, Adrian, is never far behind. He’s hoping to crack the case and gain favor in the upcoming mayoral election.
Can Patience find the answers she needs before the killer finds her? Or will she be the next to wash ashore?
And I thought
I hate to say things like . . .
They keep getting better.
But they do!
I loved book 1.
I knew I would love book 2.
Because I've already read and loved book 3. Which I will reread now that I have read 1&2.
I can honestly say I think they do get better and better.
And maybe that's cliche but it's the truth!
Maybe it is because author
Julie Ann Lindsey writes and describes characters in away that they really do become real.
The town of Pony Island seems real to me. I love the Island vibe. The shops. The towns folk. It is easy to get to know everyone.
Pony Island seems like a fun place. Most of the time.
But even though murders keep happening. Everyone seems to know that Patience Price along with the FBI, her exboyfriend/ex suspect/Mayoral Candidate and the new stand in Sheriff will muddle things out and catch the bad guys and keep Patience out if trouble at the same.
As Adrian the ex and Sebastian the FBI agent new almost boyfriend work out a sort of agreement to make sure Patience doesn't get smashed in a hit and run, blown up in a bombed building, get set on fire in a grilling accident or drown in a cave among other things.
Good thing they all have plenty of Patience.
I suspect they all have Team Patience shirts.
No spoilers. You need to read the series!
I received a complimentary advanced reader copy.
My review will appear on Amazon and Good Reads.
Buy the book
Available on Amazon
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The series
Love Is In The Air
How I met Angela Ruth Strong
Actually LOL I am not entirely sure exactly how I met Angela.
Although she has been doing newsletter sign ups for this book.
I think she offered this book somewhere in another promotion that I stumbled onto.
Either way I am glad to have found Angela Ruth Strong
I loved The Princess And The P.I.
The cover 'got me'. Maybe because secretly I wanted to be 'The Princess' meetin' that P.I.
Wouldn't you?
Fast forward several years. I became reacquainted when Angela toured her new Rom.Com.
Another Win Win.
I have met several great Authors when they have done promotions for thier New Releases.
I enjoyed Angela's writing and her books so much that last year I featured Angela on a Mailbox Monday post . . .
Before we get in to it . . .
. . . I LOVE THIS Series!
I was introduced the Author by I Read Book Tours.
I love book tours! Book Tours introduce meto authors I might not find otherwise.
And so . . .
Thank you C.S. McDonald for choosing to promote your series with I Read Book Tours.
You don't have to read these books in order.
I didn't. I didn't need to.
Here are the books and my reviews . . .
About the book
Fiona’s old college chum, Priscilla Conroy, has recently moved back to the Pittsburgh area after a most unpleasant divorce. Fiona was looking forward to reconnecting with her friend to help cheer her up and the two had made plans to meet at the bank where her friend worked after it closed—only Priscilla never shows up for the lunch date. Thinking the worse, Fiona is beside herself and spends the entire Memorial Day weekend searching for her friend. Did her ex-husband abduct her? Has she been murdered? Somehow Fiona knows that the key to Priscilla Conroy’s disappearance lies within the bank. But how can that be?
Join Fiona Quinn for a quick mystery that’s sure to keep you guessing!
And I thought
Quick reads are fun. I enjoy the fast pace. Mainly because I enjoy Fiona. Even though she is a stereo typical Kindergarten teacher she can sleuth with the best of them.
I kinda of would have liked to read this one as a full length book.
About the book
Fiona Quinn arrives at her parent’s home in Daytona, Florida for a short visit only to be informed that their usually quiet retirement community has been besieged with robberies—cash, jewelry, and more. Her mom told all the neighbors Fiona is a wiz at catching bad guys.
Yikes!
Can Fiona crack the case? Hopefully, but what’s an amateur sleuth supposed to do when her Maltese, Harriet, shows up decked out in the stolen goods?
Double yikes!
Join Fiona, her parents, Harriet, and some pretty crazy old ladies for a real jewel of a quick mystery!
And I thought
One of my fav's! Fiona’s patents are quirky and fun. Meeting them and thier friends added a warmth to a warmth to a fun and faced paced short Story.
I have a super special treat today. Author Amber Royer is with us chatting about Love, Romance and Galveston Island
Giveaway info is below
Everyone loves a little Romance even if they write about ...well hum Murder.
Is there maybe a little smidgen of the big R going on in your series?
Absolutely! Felicity has two potential love interests in the series – the puddle jump pilot with the mysterious past, and the one-that-got-away ex-boyfriend who is now the cop heading up the murder investigation in the first book. Writing a triangle is always a balancing act, because you want to feel that the protagonist could wind up with either guy and have it be a good thing for her future, but you have to keep it from feeling like she’s being careless with anyone’s heart. I’ve done my best to make Logan and Arlo vulnerable enough to show Felicity their real feelings.
I love that your series takes place in Galveston! Can you tell the readers how you and why chose Galveston for your location?
I grew up in Southeast Texas, close enough to Galveston that we would occasionally take the ferry across just to go to dinner. I’ve always been fascinated by the island’s history. (One of my first very-much unpublished manuscripts was set during the 1900 hurricane.) With a cozy series, you’re going to be spending a lot of time in the setting, so you need to choose a place you enjoy daydreaming about going back to. For me, Galveston is one of those places.
In the Real (but pretend money is no object) world ... if you and your hunny came to the island for a romantic weekend where would you stay?
We have two favorite spots. When Jake and I got married (25 years ago), we took our honeymoon in Galveston, and we stayed at the Tremont House. I love the history of the place, and the location right off the Strand. The original Tremont House was built in 1839. There was a fire, and then the 1900 hurricane, but the hotel was re-made each time. The current building was once a dry goods concern – that became a luxury hotel. There’s even a cool rooftop bar.
Closer to the beach, and the restaurants along the Seawall, there’s also the Hotel Galvez. It has an on-site spa, which has complimentary fitness classes. We’ve stayed there before – but if price were no object, I’d upgrade to one of their premium suites.
Where would you dine?
We’d have to get the Greek Nachos at Kritikos Grill, which has such a nice ambiance. And at some point we’d have to go to Gaidos, a favorite of ours for special occasion dinners out. We’d also have to get gumbo at Willie G’s, and stop in for breakfast at Miller’s Seawall Grill. And we’d have to get a banh mi from Viet Cajun. There are just so many good places to eat in Galveston!
He brings your favorite flowers. What are they?
Lavender roses and peonies.
After dinner you take a Romantic stroll. On the Strand or the Seawall?
Definitely the seawall. I love the ocean, and the seawall offers some nice views. (You can even stop in at Murdoch’s and get something to drink, then go sit for a bit in the rocking chairs overlooking the water.) If the weather is cold enough to keep night-time mosquitos at bay, you can go from the Seawall down onto the beach and look for tidal pools. As you look out on the jetties, you can take in history, realizing that the entire island was raised by 7 feet when the Seawall was installed, showing absolute resilience and perseverance. If it’s sunset, you have to take a selfie with Pleasure Pier in the background, then walk out onto one of the jetties to get pics surrounded by water. (Do wear appropriate shoes for this.)
It's a beautiful warm sunny morning do you go for a bike ride on the Seawall, rent scooters and cruise town or play in the water?
We’d grab boggie boards and head for the water. After stopping at Red Light Coffee Roasters to kick-start the day.
Where would you have a Romantic Brunch?
For me, a place doesn’t have to be fancy to be romantic, as long as the food and company are good. It’s a hole-in-the wall kind of place, but Mi Abuelita’s serves home-style Mexican breakfast all day. Their migas plate is amazing.
You’re having a Romantic picnic. Where do you go?
First, we would have to get supplies. If you haven’t been to La King’s Confectionary, you should check it out. It’s in a historic space in the Strand district, and you can watch demos of them making and wrapping taffy. They also have a wide selection of chocolate treats. Then we’d grab a muffuletta to go from Maceo Spice and Import Company. (You only need a half of one for two people.) Or maybe we’d get a couple of boudin-stuffed kolaches from Home Cut Doughnuts. (Trust me – these are the thing you never knew you needed in your life.)
When we visit Galveston, we always like going to the area near the Rosenberg Library. There are a number of historic homes you can tour, and behind Ashton Villa, there is a garden open to the public, with a really cool pergola at the center. (Sometimes it is used as an event space for outdoor weddings and the like.) There are benches along one side of the pergola. I’ve never brought snacks before, but that would be a great spot for a picnic!
You've had a lovely Romantic weekend. But it was too short. And you picked up a lottery ticket. Guess what! You can afford to go anywhere in the world on a Cruise ship where would you go?
There are cruises that go from Vancouver to Hawaii, and then sail around the different Hawaiian islands. I’ve always wanted to do that
Bon Voyage
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