Ruff Road to Romance by Casey Griffin My Review

 

About the book 

She promised to seek adventure. He’s vowed to atone for his mistakes. Can this dog-loving duo sniff out forever?

Lily Baker wants her own life. Dedicated to her family but tired of sacrificing her day-to-day, she escapes from England to America to visit her aunt, swearing to live by the rules of a self-help book on living boldly. But her manual doesn’t cover what to do when her relative sends a sexy lawyer to collect her at the airport.

Ethan Summers regrets focusing solely on his career. Still troubled by the case that kept him from his father’s deathbed, the attorney is driven to rebuild bridges and be there for his mother. But when his skeptical sister backs out of helping him move their mom from Seattle to San Francisco, he saves a seat in his Beamer for the beautiful Brit he’s just barely met.

With Lily eager to dig up excitement and Ethan determined to show his impromptu partner a good time, the unexpected pair sets off with his new rescue dachshund in search of fun. But as they’re plagued by a series of mysterious misfortunes, the guilt-ridden man’s past may see them both buried six feet under.

With burgeoning love and their lives on the line, will the unlikely couple solve the mystery so they can roll over into happily ever after?

Ruff Road to Romance is the hilarious fourth standalone book in the Rescue Dog Romance comedy series. If you like pun-slinging characters, family-forward outlooks, and thrills of the furriest kind, then you’ll adore Casey Griffin’s steamy car ride.

And I thought 

After having read the book the cover 'Got me'! 

I am a cover junkie.  Sometimes  covers don't  appeal to me.  

Sometimes  even if it is a well known to me author  and the cover doesn't  lure me I still consider if I want to turn the pages. 

Although I was not taken by the cover at first after reading the book I have to applaud the cover artist. 

The depiction of Lilly  (the main Character) and her red hair turning into the highway is spot on.   And Molly the puppy being held onto by Ethan is just cute. 

This story is just that 'cute'.  

But it is so much more. 

The two main characters  have thier own sets of baggage that could keep them from making a commitment to each other. 

But a Happily Ever after is awaiting! 

One of the things I've loved about  this series is how each book ties in to the others.  

Book 1 is Piper and Aiden's story.  

Ruff Road to Romance introduces the reader to Piper's brother Ethan. 

All the books feature stories set around the dog rescue. 

And each story has a Suspense  story that weaves into the Romance. 

There is a brief very well written and tasteful Love scene. 

 If you love a little  humor a few chuckles and some Suspense  and Romance you must check out the series. 

Each book is written  as a stand alone. 

I received  a complimentary  copy.  

My review will appear on Amazon and  Good Reads. 

Buy the book  

Available on Amazon 

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Book Review and Giveaway-Crepe Factor by Laura Childs

About the book (provided by Great Escapes Tours)

The Winter Market in the French Quarter is in full swing, but murder isn’t taking a holiday in the latest from the New York Times bestselling author of Parchment and Old Lace…

The holidays are a busy time for scrapbook shop owner Carmela Bertrand—but not so hectic that she doesn’t have time to enjoy browsing the booths at the Winter Market with her best friend Ava. The last thing the ladies expect to see is a lurching man stabbed by a serving fork, dying in front of them.

The victim is loathed restaurant critic Martin Lash, who posted his scathing reviews on the Glutton for Punishment website. And the prime suspect is New Orleans restauranteur Quigg Brevard—who was seen giving the critic a tongue-lashing minutes before someone stuck a fork in him. An old flame of Carmela, Quigg asks for her help, which does not please her current beau, Detective Edgar Babcock, to say the least.

Before her relationship is the next victim, Carmela needs to find a murderer who had no reservations about punishing the culinary curmudgeon…

Scrapbooking tips and recipes included!

And I thought

Charming and delightful.  Just the cover speaks charming to me. 

I was drawn into the little shop and fictitious events and shops of the French Quarter in New Orleans.  I wanted to go for a visit!

This is only the second opportunity I have had the chance to read the books by Laura Childs.  

I really enjoyed Pekoe Most Poison from the Tea Shop Mysteries Series.  

I knew that Crepe Factory would be just as good.  And it was!

The characters in this series are charming, delightful and quirky.

Even though it is #14 in the series I wasn't lost or left confused with the story.

Each of the characters are introduced into the story smoothly making Crepe Factor a very enjoyable read. 

Much to the chagrin of Carmela's current boyfriend Babcock (the police detective) Carmela the main character gets caught up in trying to clear her ex-boyfriend Quigley's name when he becomes the primary suspect in a murder.  

The reader is taken on a tour of the quaint restaurants and events associated with the holiday season as she parties with her best friend Ava.  And while they enjoy the festivities they do a little sleuthing.  

Since the victim isn't a very friendly guy there is no shortage 

of suspects. 

Eventually with the help of some goofy Cajun characters all the pieces of the puzzle fit together and the real killer(s) are revealed and Quigley is exonerated.  

Babcock finally shares his real feelings with Carmela and all ends well.  At least until the next crime.   

I enjoyed Crepe Factory and give it my hard to get 5 stars rating.

I received a complimentary copy from Great Escape Tours.

This review will appear on all retail sites where available.

This review will appear on Good Reads.  

Available

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character guest posts 

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Vangie Vale and the Murdered Macaron by R.L. Syme Review/Interview/Giveaway

About the book (provided by Great Escapes Tours)

Small towns and gossip go together like flaky crust and sweet pastry cream. Between the police scanners, social media, and the senior center, it’s like a zombie apocalypse where the undead consume people’s secrets instead of living flesh.

But Vangie Vale wants nothing more than to stay under the radar…especially the police radar.

So when her new bakery becomes linked to a murder investigation, nothing will stop the gossip mill from connecting her to the dead body. Can’t have that.

Forced into the role of investigator, this new-in-town bakery owner has to become the very thing she hates–a nosy, small-town gossip–in order to clear her good name, and keep her face off the front page. But when a dating debacle brings her face-to-face with the Sheriff, Vangie can’t ignore the fact that one of her macarons was involved in a murder. She has to find the who-dun-it.

And I thought

I love getting into a new series.  Vangie Vale promises to be 

quite the sleuth!  

I enjoyed this book from my step into her bakery!  It might have been the book cover that drew me in.  

But it was the story and plot that kept me and lured me all the way to the end.  Which was a little too soon!   I can't wait for book 2!

It doesn't take long for things to heat up when a body is found lying next to a box from Vangie's bakery. 

The town sheriff seems to have it 'in for' Vangie and is just waiting to 'interview her downtown'. 

With the little interview tying the purchaser of the macaron's to a visit to town that happens to be more of a home boy than visitor passing through.  Before all the clues come together our visitor

hangs himself in his cell.  

Is it really suicide?  Vangie wastes no time in investigating. 

There is no lack of suspects once gossip and rumors begin spreading around town. 

From the suspicious acting sheriff, the agent, the widower, and even the teenager that visits the bakery every afternoon.  

If you like a cozy read this is a great read and a fast paced ride!And it's book 1 of  a new series!  

For a little behind the scenes check out my interview below.

I received a complimentary copy from Great Escapes Tours.

This review will appear on all retail sites where available. 

This review will appear on Good Reads.

About the series
        

Available

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Visit the tour

Click here to read more reviews, interviews and guest posts.

Interview with the author

Hello I am so happy to have you here at the blog!  Did you
happen to bring any treats?   We should have invited Vangie.

We really should have invited Vangie. :) She's a *much* better baker than me. But because I now have the Big Sky Bakery on speed dial, I can get my macarons much quicker. 

Have you considered including recipes in the MatchBaker Series?

We do, now! And I'm so excited about them. We're actually partnering with a local bakery here in Bozeman (the inspiration for Madison Falls in the book) called the Big Sky Bakery, and they are going to do all the recipes for us. I'm so excited to say that we have a lot of great recipes cooked up for the books in the future.

I know that Vangie is located in Montana where you live but can we expect any visits back to Raleigh in the future for maybe a little back history?

I absolutely am hoping to get to Raleigh very soon. In fact, one of my best friends lives not far from Raleigh. We went to Seminary together, and I've been there to visit her so many times. I absolutely adore North Carolina.

We really jumped right into the crime in Murdered Macaron didn’t
we?    Was your intention for a fast paced thrilling ride?

I definitely was hoping for that, so I'm glad it felt that way. This book has been percolating in my mind for *so* long, and it was so much fun to solve this mystery with Vangie.

Speaking of ride’s (inset wink)  I won’t give anything away from the story but…I was surprised at who Vangie ended up sleuthing with.
How did you come up with the combination of Vangie and Derek?

Yes, I was so excited to have Derek join her for her sleuthing. It made a lot of sense, given his connection to the victim. (wink) Actually, the combination of Derek and Vangie surprised me, too! I had no idea, when I started, that she would end up having such an interesting partner on the journey in this book. I always intended Derek to...have a different role in this book, let's say. So I was immensely excited to write the two of them finding clues together.

Now that Derek really doesn’t have a place to live will we be seeing him around town again?

We will absolutely see him around town again. In fact, he will make another appearance in Book Two! (No spoilers, of course, but he's definitely on his way back to Saint Agnes...)

Was it always your intention for Henry to meet his maker or did the plot just develop that way? I have to admit in the beginning I was as intrigued with Henry as Vangie was.  I hated to see him killed off.  Maybe it could Be written into a dream and he could return …

Actually, that was also a surprise. Part of what I love about mysteries is that I sort of start off, like the readers, having the intention of Vangie and Henry, and then....I got surprised by what actually happened. I think that Henry will return (not literally, of course, but in another way...) in a later book, though. I don't want to give too much away, but I'll just say...we haven't seen the last of Henry's life and times. 

Did any of the characters have you a little smitten?

Honestly, I am so in love with Derek. I didn't expect to be. But I totally am. As a "watcher" of Vangie's world, I can't help but approve of a man who's so dedicated to his wife's memory that he's willing to put his life on the line for it. I don't know how Derek's story will play out, but I do feel like we'll see a lot more of him. If only so I can hang out with him again. :)

 I myself was not smitten but sure wanted to know what is up with the sheriff/neighbor!
Did I pick up on a little simmer spark between him and Vangie?

That is a fantastic question. There's definitely something going on between the two of them. I won't give any spoilers, but I will definitely hint that there's much more to their neighbor relationship than Vangie realizes. In many ways, Malcolm will come to be one of the most important characters in the series.

Speaking of plots I know you’ve written a bunch do you ever come up with a plot in a strange place or while doing something like eating macarons?

Actually, the concept for the plot for Macaron while eating a macaron. :) That happens to me a lot, where I'm doing or eating something, and I think, "how would someone die...." etc. I may be slightly insane. :)

What or Where is the strangest place you’ve been inspired?

Hmmm. That's a great question. Probably a haunted house. (Not like a "novelty" place, but a real house that was supposedly haunted. When I was younger, that was where I came up with the idea for my first novel, The Outcast Highlander, because of the old, dilapidated house I was in at the time that turned out to be haunted. I did not see the ghosts myself, but my best friend's aunt insists that she's seen them. Hmm....

Our visit with Vangie was a cozy fun ride.  I am looking forward to Books 2 and 3!

Thank you so much. So am I! I think Corpseless Custard is going to be even better than Murdered Macaron and I can't wait for it to come out!

Thanks so much for having me, and thank you for reading. I had a great time as your guest.

**showers with macarons**

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Romancing The Bachelor--Book Review-Book 2 Hamilton Family

About the book (provided by Tasty Book Tours)

Eric Hamilton isn’t looking for love. Hell, he isn’t even looking for a girl. He has a five-year plan, and he’s one hundred percent focused on that. But then Shelby walks into his life, and suddenly, he can’t think about anything else. Unfortunately for him, she hates his guts, and wants nothing to do with him. But he’s a man who loves a challenge.

Shelby Jefferson can’t wait to get out of the city, and back to her country roots. She moved to Atlanta for a guy who promptly left her, and the last thing she wants is to fall for another man who might make her want to stay. But Eric is nothing if not persistent, and before long she’s inside his arms, in his bed, and she’s falling for him. Hard. But when history repeats itself, and she has to choose between a man and herself––again.

300 Pgs. |Heat: 3 | Series Info
Entangled Indulgence| Rel: May 15, 2017

Excerpt (provided by Tasty Tours)

“Do you bring all your dates here, then?” she asked, gesturing around them. “Is this your spiel?”

“I’ve brought one other woman here before, but she’s my sister, not a girl I’d bring on a date. If you really want to know, generally when I take a woman out, I opt for somewhere with less elegance and more heat. Something that lends itself to an easy seduction later on. I like to get my date relaxed, show them a good time, take them dancing, and maybe bring them home.”

She snorted. “Maybe?”

“Shelby…” he started, frowning.

“What?” She held her hands up, looking far too innocent for it to be real. “I’m just saying, we do live in the same building. I’ve seen a lot of women come through your place.”

“Clearly,” he muttered drily.

“Why not bring me to a seduction restaurant?” she asked, leaning forward. The way she sat pushed her breasts up, teasing him with a glimpse of cleavage that made his mouth water. “Why take me to the same place you bring your sister?”

He reached across the table, catching her chin. “Because I don’t want to seduce you, Shelby.”

“Wow.” For a second, she looked offended. “That’s—”

“I wasn’t finished. I have no intention of seeing you naked tonight, or on our next date, or even the next, if I’m lucky enough to get one. With you, I want it to be a slow burn. I’ll start with something so small you barely even notice me, and over time, the intensity will increase, until you’re breathless and witless and desperate for my touch. Then, and only then, will I let myself even think about having you. After I’ve earned it, and not a damn second before.”

She sucked in a breath, held it, and didn’t move.

He didn’t break eye contact. Neither did she.

After what felt like an eternity, the waiter came back, clearing his throat. “Sir? Ma’am? Are you ready to order? Or would you prefer to order course by course?”

She was the first one to look away.

“Y-Yes.” She tucked her hair behind her ear, and her hand trembled. “I’ll have the potato, the steak, and the feta. Also, the caramel apple for dessert.”

Eric frowned at her.

She’d said she hadn’t even looked yet.

Forcing his eyes off her, he glanced down at the menu to see the recommended wine pairing for the steak entrée she’d ordered. “I’ll have the crab, duck, feta, and caramel apple as well. Also, a bottle of cabernet with the second course.”

The waiter bowed and left with the menus, and Shelby cleared her throat, her cheeks flushed a bewitching pink. “Look, Eric—”

“You’re about to tell me to back off. I can see it. Did I come on too strong?” He crossed his arms. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. Like I said, I don’t play games.”

“I don’t, either, usually.”

He cocked a brow. “Usually?”

“I’m going to be honest. I’ve been trying to annoy you tonight. To make you not like me.” She winced, dropped the napkin, and then immediately picked it back up. “Actually, I needed you not to like me.”

And I thought

Getting into the first few chapters I couldn't help but think 

Pretty Woman/Sleepless In Settle.  And that was good. 

Eric's character reminded my so much of Richard Gere's character in Pretty Woman.  The womanizing executive that has a hidden soft spot.  

Once he notices and immediately desires Shelby he's stuck in a Sleepless in Seattle type friendship. 

It doesn't take long for the two to take the next step and become 

'more than friends'.  

Therein lies the problem as they struggle with their feelings and their 'plans' for their individual futures neither intended 'real love' to get in the way. 

I really enjoyed this contemporary romance.  Both Eric and Shelby were fun characters to 'get to know'.  

This book is rated a 3 on the 'heat side'.  I would rate it closer to a '2'.  

There was no rating for the language that I found.  The beginning first few pages are filled with language basically the writer uses language to describe Eric's character through description and his thoughts and conversations.  

Some readers might be put off by the language.  I suggest giving 

Romancing The Bachelor a chance and read past the first few pages.  

I enjoyed the introduction to Eric's sister Anne and her fiance Brett whose romance is book 1 in the series.  And Eric's brother Whit a pro football player who I suspect might just give up is bachelor ways in book 3.  I look forward to reading book 1 and the remaining books in the Hamilton Family Series.

I received a complimentary copy from Tasty Book Tours.

This review will appear on retail sites where the book is available.

This review will appear on Good Reads.

To read additional reviews  visit the tour at Tasty Book Tours. Click Here.

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About the series

The last thing Brett Ross wants is to be back in the same old damn small town he grew up in, but his best friend is getting married, so there’s no way he’s skipping yet another visit back home. He knows what he’s getting into, coming back here, but the one thing he didn’t count on was the way Anna Hamilton made him feel the first time he sets eyes on her…and she’s all grown up.

Anna’s always been in love with Brett, even if she’s always been his best friend’s annoying little sister to him. But when he looks at her, she doesn’t see annoyance in his eyes anymore. If anything, she sees a silent calling for her to save him from himself…and she’s just the girl to do it. All she needs is to find a way to escape her pesky, protective older brothers.

And then the game is on.

Single Malt Murder-Melinda Mullet-Book Review-Giveaway

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About the book (provided by Great Escapes Book Tours)

When Abi inherits her uncle’s quaint and storied single malt distillery, she finds herself immersed in a competitive high-stakes business that elicits deep passions and prejudices. An award-winning photojournalist, Abi has no trouble capturing the perfect shot—but making the perfect shot is another matter. When she starts to receive disturbing, anonymous threats, it’s clear that someone wants her out of the picture. But Abi’s never been one to back down from a fight.

Arriving on the scene with her whisky-loving best friend, Patrick, and an oversized wheaten terrier named Liam, Abi seems to put everyone in the bucolic village on edge—especially her dour but disturbingly attractive head distiller. Acts of sabotage and increasingly personal threats against Abi make it clear that she is not welcome. When one of Abi’s new employees is found floating facedown in a vat of whisky, Abi is determined to use her skills as an investigative journalist to identify the cold-blooded killer and dispense a dram of justice before he strikes again. But distilling truth from lies is tricky, especially when everyone seems to have something to hide.

Available

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Visit the author

Webpage – http://melindamullet.com/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/mulletmysteries/

Twitter – https://twitter.com/mulletmysteries

And I thought...

Definitely a great beginning and a promising start.  I enjoyed this debut novel by Melinda Mullet.  Congratulations Melinda for keeping me spell bound and intrigued. 

Although I really enjoyed this book it took me awhile to read. 

Perhaps because I was reading on my phone which is usually a much slower read for me.  

I enjoyed the mystery and suspense of the story.  As I read I wondered about the main character Abi the main/sub character Phillip her friend and business associate.  And I was intrigued with Abi's uncle. 

As I read I couldn't help but wonder if the the characters were introduced in a preceding book.  Which I realized when I was finished reading; this was not the case since Single Malt Murder is a debut novel and the beginning of a series. This was not a negative for me in fact I felt like I wanted to know more about the characters.  I look forward to and hope that these characters history is revealed in future installments.

I enjoyed the story and suspense.  I really enjoyed the topic and the research/knowledge that the author put into the subject of 

producing Whiskey.  It was very interesting.  

I felt a part of the story as the reader going along with Abi as she investigates the murder and as she is stalked and ends up running for her life as well. 

There were great twists and turns that keep the reader engaged and interested and waiting to find out 'Whodunit'.  

Did I figure it out?  I had my suspicions.  

Single Malt Murder was a fun and cozy read.  I look forward to the chance to read future books in the series. 

I received a complimentary e-copy from Great Escapes Book Tours.

This review will be posted at Amazon, Barnes and Noble.

This review will appear on Good Reads, My Journey Back and 

Sweet Magnolia Book Club.

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Old Bones Never Die-Lesley A. Diehl-Book Review-Giveaway

About the book (provided by Great Escapes Book Tours)

Just before Walter Egret is killed in a hit-and-run, he phoned his half-brother Sammy to report that he’d unearthed their missing father’s pocket watch, along with a pile of human bones. The project is put on hold until it can be determined if the site is an Indian burial ground. Then the bones disappear.

Now Sammy and his brother’s three orphaned children want Eve Appel to go pro, applying her innate snoopiness to the trade of private investigator.

Eve already has her hands full with her two consignment stores. What is she going to do? Sammy and Walter are Miccosukee Indians, and Walter was employed as a backhoe operator on a construction site for a sportsmen’s resort. Was Walter’s death murder or an accident? If the bones belong to Sammy’s father, how did they get there? Delving into these mysteries, Eve is aided by her usual crew of friends and family. This adventure will not only up the stakes for Eve as an investigator, but it will also open her eyes to life possibilities she never imagined.

Available

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About the author 

Lesley retired from her life as a professor of psychology and reclaimed her country roots by moving to a small cottage in the Butternut River Valley in upstate New York.  In the winter she migrates to old Florida—cowboys, scrub palmetto, and open fields of grazing cattle, a place where spurs still jingle in the post office, and gators make golf a contact sport.  Back north, the shy ghost inhabiting the cottage serves as her literary muse.  When not writing, she gardens, cooks and renovates the 1874 cottage with the help of her husband, two cats and, of course, Fred the ghost, who gives artistic direction to their work.

She is the author of a number of mystery series (Microbrewing Series, Big Lake Mystery Series, Eve Appel Mystery Series and the Laura Murphy Mysteries), a standalone mystery (Angel Sleuth) and numerous short stories.   

Connect with the author

 Visit her on her website:  www.lesleyadiehl.com

Blog: www.lesleyadiehl.com/blog 

Twitter: @lesleydiehl     Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lesley.diehl.1

And I thought...

I loved my introduction to Eve Appel and her snooping friends. 

Old Bones Never Die is book 5 in the Eve Appel series.

I found myself a few pages in wondering where I've been. How could I have missed this author and this series?

Apparently I haven't been in the swamps of Florida where you'll find Eve and her group of friends solving crimes.  

Although Old Bones is book 5 I didn't feel like I needed to read any of the prior books in the series.  But I ended up wanting to. 

I wanted to see how Eve's unique friendship with mobster Nappi 

came about.  I mean who has a  mobster buy you an R.V.  with no strings?  And then there's her ex husband who works for Nappi but has no conviction to help out 'Evie' (there is a story there) when asked.   Even 'watching her back' literally when Eve has a dinner date with a suspect.  

Old Bones begins when Walter Egret a construction worker digs up human remains on a construction site and then just a few hours later is killed in a 'hit and run' accident?  

Eve takes the so called 'accident' personal as Walter is her 

boyfriends brother and father to three young boys who insist upon hiring Eve to find out who caused their fathers death.  

With a retainer of some 30 plus dollars Eve and her friends investigate.

 The reader is taken along through the questions and twists and turns of the mystery in an entertaining and comical ride.  

Coffee With A Character

I enjoyed the characters in Old Bones Never Die.  Eve has quite a collection of wanna be sleuths helping her or trying to solve crime.  One character I would love to have coffee with is her 
friend mob boss Nappi who was introduced in previous books.  
I sure would like to sit down for coffee or maybe some Vino and hear 'his' story.

The story is wrapped up in the end with a little cliff hanger making this reader waiting with bated breath for book 6.   

I am adding the Eve Appel series to my list of must reads. 

I received a complimentary copy from Great Escape Tours

This review will appear at My Journey Back.

This review will be posted at Amazon and Good Reads. 

Visit Great Escapes to enter Giveaway. Click Here

The Priority Unit-Susan Page Davis-Book Review

This is the first time I have posted a review on Sunday

About the book (provided by Amazon)
A missing man. 
A mysterious computer program – 
Even the people constructing it don’t know what it will do.
On the worst night of Harvey Larson’s life, his partner is killed and his wife, Carrie, walks out on him. Ten years later, the Portland, Maine police detective has learned to cope with his grief and depression. When he and the Priority Unit investigate the disappearance of software designer Nick Dunham, he meets a young woman who will change his life. Jennifer Wainthrop was the last person to admit seeing Dunham alive.
Harvey and his partner, Eddie Thibodeau, stay a step ahead of a bomber and put together the clues that tell the truth: Dunham’s kidnapping and the bombings are one case, and Jennifer is caught in the middle. News that Carrie has committed suicide may plunge Harvey back into despair. Harvey turns to God for help untangling his complicated life. He finds strength in his faith as he attempts to save Jennifer from the same grim fate that claimed Nick. But Jennifer must depend on her own wits and God alone when the killer gets too close

About the series 

Police detectives in Portland, Maine solve mysteries while getting their own lives in order and falling in love.

Meet Detective Harvey Larson, a world-weary genius of criminal investigation, and his brash young French-Canadian partner, Eddie Thibodeau.

Harvey’s life has taken several turns for the worse–until he meets the intriguing Jennifer Wainthrop, a witness in his challenging case in Book 1,The Priority Unit.

Everyone around him is suddenly in danger because Harvey dug too deep. Join him in serving up Maine Justice.

 One of Maine’s most famous authors is murdered the night after his class reunion, and Harvey and his partner, Eddie Thibodeau, must solve the crime. A cold case burglary that became fodder for Martin Blake’s first novel is somehow related to his death. While Harvey and Eddie look for answers, Jennifer plans the wedding. She’s working for the summer in the police department’s records office, and she manages to hand the detectives some important clues. Can a visit to the park at Fort Point answer some questions? Everything threatens to fall apart when the Priority Unit learns the police chief has had a tragic accident. The mysterious, romantic, and spiritual journey continues.

Available

Amazon click here. I wish this book was available in retail stores. 

Visit the author.  Click here

And I thought...
I did some thinking about this one.  The Priority Unit is a Christian Romantic Suspense title. 
The thing that had me thinking was that the main characters were not 'Believers'.  They were 'Seekers'.  I have never run across a book 'Christian' or 'Inspirational' book where the main characters were not already Believers.  Most of the stories I have read have had the characters at least one in more of a  fallin' away type of existence.
It took me awhile to decide how I really felt about the 'Seekers'.  
I don't say this in a bad way at all just a questioning manner much like the characters are seeking answers with their questions about God.  
The more that I've thought about this I feel like The Priority Unit
is a wonderful story and possibly one of the best approaches to introducing someone to a 'real' relationship with Christ that I've ever seen/read. 
I enjoyed the characters.  I enjoyed the plot.  It was a bit slow in the beginning (the first few chapters) but once it picked up I was drawn in for a fast and furious ride.   The ride takes the reader through car bombing(s), missing persons, espionage and drug dealers.  
All the plots and subplots worked together for a suspenseful
story with twists and turns and a happy ending!  
I especially enjoyed going to church for the first time with 
Harvey and Jennifer and seeing their eyes open as they are introduced to God.  
The Priority Unit was a great book.  I am anxiously waiting to read more in the series. 

Coffee With A Character...
The character that I would most like to have coffee with is 
Harvey.  His character starts out lonely and sad after his divorce.  As the story unravels and he begins 'investigating' God 
he begins to learn to be happy and basically return to 'real living'.  
He is a 'real' good guy before God.  And then after.  We'll have to wait for Book 2.  

The Character I want to meet again ...
This is a new prompt/topic for my reviews.  I enjoyed 
Carrie's (Harvey's ex-wife) grandmother.  She is delightful character.  In a few short pages she captured my heart.  I am sure we will capture yours. 

I received a complimentary copy from the author.

Thank you Susan Page Davis for introducing me to your world

This review will appear on Amazon, Good Reads and 
My Journey Back. 
This review will be linked with blog parties, tweeted and shared and pinned.  

Book Review-The Substitute Groom-Denise Grover Swank

About the book (from authors website)

Megan Vandemeer meant  to tell her parents about her broken engagement, but a month and a half later she finds herself boarding a plane home to her wedding. Having stretched avoidance to its limits, it’s to come clean–a terrifying prospect since her mother is sure to blame her rather than her cheating, emotionally frigid ex. A couple of drinks and two Dramamine later, Megan finds herself spilling her sob story to the tall, dark, and handsome stranger in the seat next to her.

With only one week left to save his business, Josh McMillan boards a plane to Kansas City in a last-ditch effort, leaving the details to chance. An unexpected answer is delivered in the form of the beautiful brunette beside him. Though she’s completely loopy, her honesty, openness, and humor charm him. So when she passes out before landing, he helps her off the plane–a good deed that leads to a colossal misunderstanding. Her parents assume he’s her fiancé. In a twist of fate, the mix-up might help Josh save his business, so he plays along, figuring he can help Megan too. All he has to do is stage a public break up convincing enough to appease her mother.

Josh is only supposed to be a substitute groom, but the more time he and Megan spend together, the more their pretend engagement starts to feel real…and the less they want to break it off. Can a relationship that began as a farce turn into happily ever after?

About the series . . . 

The Wedding Pact is a hilarious, New York Times bestselling series based on the lives of three friends who received a curse from a fortune teller when they were kids. The curse, that each of them will marry before thirty, have a disaster of a wedding, and end up with a man other than her original fiancé, works its way into the lives of Megan, Blair, and Libby causing utter chaos and the occasional wedding.

About the author

Available

Purchase Links: iBooks | Amazon US. | Amazon UK | Amazon AU  | Amazon DE | Amazon CA | Kobo | Google Play

And I thought. . . 

I enjoyed The Substitute Groom.  I read the book on my phone using the Kobo app.  It was a free title.  

I enjoy a good 'ole sweet romance.  I got what I like.  The story is fast paced and only happens over a few days.  Making it a little unbelievable but that's o.k.  

The story is about Meagan who can't seem to tell her mother that 

she broke her engagement six weeks ago.  She accidentally meets Josh on a flight to Kansas City for her wedding that isn't going to happen or so it seems.  Opp's.  After taking Dramamine and drinking a little too much on the flight she ends up telling Josh her sad break up story and about her fears to break the news to her parents.  
The plot thickens.  It wouldn't be fair to tell you more.  You'll have to read it.

Josh and Meagan are delightful.  
The other characters are quirky and fun.  Meagan's two best friends both have very different personalities and opinions about Meagan and Josh.  One is for them 'getting together'.  The other goes overboard trying to find 'dirt' on Josh and send him packing. 

Meagan's mom and grandmother are both a bit crazy and funny.
There is a lot of humor and scenes that might just crack you up.

There are a few bedroom scenes that don't actually happen in the bedroom.  

Overall this was a good story.  I am looking forward to reading the remainder of the series. 

I read this book on my phone using the KOBO app.
I was not asked to review this book. 

This review will be posted on Amazon and Good Reads.
This review will also appear on the Springtime In Magnolia Book Club.

Carolyn Finds Love-Book Review

                                        

About (provided by Amazon)
Carolynn Kemp has lost everything. Her entire family is gone, and her life is in turmoil. Her hopes and dreams of making every one of their lives better are dashed and she is tempted to give up and accept the misery that she seems destined for. But will life let her lie down and give in, or will she find the inner strength to start again?

Winston Piper is jealous of the happiness his friends have found in recent times, and so he takes the chance that he might find love by mail order too. But his fears are not that he won't find the woman he so desperately craves, he worries that she will not give him the chance to make her happy. Can he convince her that her past does not have to overwhelm them and deny them of happiness, and that it is their future he cares about most? 

From the authors description...

I’m pleased to say that ‘Mail Order Bride: Carolyn Finds Love’ is now available.
Click Here to buy now.

Carolynn Kemp has lost everything. Her entire family is gone, and her life is in turmoil. Her hopes and dreams of making every one of their lives better are dashed and she is tempted to give up and accept the misery that she seems destined for. But will life let her lie down and give in, or will she find the inner strength to start again?

Click here to visit the authors site

What I Thought...
I've read a few of the installments in this series and I have to say I liked loved this one the best.  I know bad grammar. But this is an honest review. 
I am not sure what it was about this story that I loved so much more than the others except maybe one of the scenes reminded me of one of my favorite movies of all time. Hint Richad Gere.  You have to read the book yourself and see if you can figure out what movie. 

This story was a bit sad in places because Carolyn looses family. 
She isn't sure whether they have perished in a building collapse.  Her hope is that they have moved on to another town for her father to find work.  

Carolyn although she is alone is a strong person.  She is smart and savy and she is a born leader.  When the tenement apartment that her family lives in collapses it is Carolyn that encourages neighbors and towns people to search for survivors.  

Winston is a doctor in the booming town (filled with newlyweds)
of Ruby Springs, Texas (another reason I like the series).
Winston is busy and very financially stable but he is lonely. 

This is a sweet romance with just of hint of suspense and mystery 
involving the disappearance of Carolyn's family. 

I really enjoyed this series and I look forward to additional installments.  

The only negative I have is the installments are too short.  I've wanted more with each one.  

I would definitely buy the collection if it was offered as a set.

I received a copy of Carolyn Finds Love from the author.
This review will post on Amazon and Good Reads.
This review will appear on My Journey Back and be linked to blog parties.