Pages

Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Cozy Releases That Caught My Eye

 

Good Morning.  Welcome  to the blog. 

And Welcome to a new week of fun Releases. 
This week I am featuring a few Cozy New Releases that caught my eye. 
Enjoy


Bake, Borrow, and Steal 

by Ellie Alexander 
As the autumnal hues of November fall over the Shakespearean hamlet of Ashland, Oregon, Jules and her team at Torte are working on their biggest event ever. They’ve been invited to create chocolate showpieces for the gala opening of a new exhibit, Shakespeare’s Lost Pages at SOMA. The museum, located on the campus of Southern Oregon University, is getting ready to unveil the Bard’s lost manuscript, Double Falsehood, which is being touted as the greatest artistic discovery of modern times.

Murder at the Opera House

 by Dawn Brookes 
Lady Marjorie Snellthorpe reluctantly agrees to accompany her irritating cousin-in-law, Edna Parkinton on an organised tour, starting in Romania. Looking for rest and relaxation after their last trip ended up as a murder investigation, things don’t quite go to plan. Edna is pleased when they encounter Horace Tyler from their previous holiday and Marjorie believes she will have a new friend in Frederick Mackworth.

Last Words and Ladybirds 

by Sherri Bryan
It’s summer in Bliss Bay. Ladybirds have descended upon the village, and event organiser Megan Fallon has a diary as clear as the sky. Although her wedding to American fiancĂ© Jack Windsor is a year away, excitement surrounding the biggest event of her life (after the birth of her daughter Evie, of course) is already building, and she’s determined that nothing will take the edge off it.

A Memoir of Mystery by Danielle Collins (Cozy)
The Keys Bed and Breakfast is hosting a reclusive author and a famous actress who are working together on a new memoir. It soon becomes apparent that not everything is as it seems. And then the dead bodies start showing up. Can Eva and the Murder Mystery Book Club sort fact from fiction and solve another deadly mystery?

Witch Trial

 by Cate Conte 
The Full Moon crystal shop in North Harbor, Connecticut, offers healing stones for all sorts of ailments. Unfortunately, there’s nothing among the gems that can help owner Violet Mooney learn how to wield the magick she inherited from both sides of her family—the legendary Ravenstar and Moonstone clans. As if being an apprentice witch weren’t difficult enough, Violet’s tutors are her estranged mother Fiona, a sister she never knew she had named Zoe, and a familiar in the form of a black cat, Xander.


The Perils of Paris

 by Ana T. Drew 
The Provence sweet shop owner rushes to the home of her twin sister in Paris. Julie’s main question is: Who would want Cat, a professional medium, dead? Unfortunately, Cat doesn’t have a clue. But since when has the absence of clues deterred Julie? Soon enough, she uncovers a suspicious death, unsolved disappearances, and a spiritual community with a dark secret to protect.

Death by the Finish Line 

by Alexis Morgan 
Overcommitted Abby has once again been drafted to use her organizing superpowers—this time for a 5k charity run that’s part of the Founder’s Day Celebration in Snowberry Creek, Washington. At least she has help, albeit from an unlikely source: Gil Pratt, a member of her handsome tenant Tripp Blackston’s veterans group and co-owner of a motorcycle repair shop with his brother. Abby and Gil may seem like an odd couple, but they work great together.

Jane Darrowfield and the Madwoman Next Door 

by Barbara Ross 
Megan, who’s purchased the house next to Jane’s, needs some help from her snooping neighbor. Megan’s been having blackouts, hearing voices—and feeling like someone’s following her. Are these symptoms of an illness—or signs that she’s in danger? Considering the extensive security system in Megan’s house, it seems like she should be safe—yet she soon vanishes into thin air.

Murder in the Meditation

 by Kari Lee Townsend
Sunny’s parents and Granny couldn’t be happier—or more overbearing—with the news of their first grandchild on the way, and Sunny’s new husband Detective Mitch Stone couldn’t be more terrified—or overprotective. Even her biggest ally Morty the cat has turned against her and partnered up with her husband, which is something she never thought she’d see in this lifetime. All because trouble has a way of seeking her out.


Tea is for Tragedy

 by Karen Sue Walker 
April May is intrigued by the fog-shrouded lighthouse where a troubled woman lost her life a decade earlier. When the woman’s sister chooses to re-examine the past, secrets are revealed that threaten the peaceful town and its residents. Meanwhile, the long-dead French chef who haunts April’s kitchen has a heartbreaking secret of his own that may change everything for one family.

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Frosted Yuletide Murder by Kim Davis

 December 16 – My Reading Journeys 


About by the book 

Set against the holiday cheer of twinkling lights, costumed carolers, and a festive line of extravagantly decorated boats participating in the annual Christmas boat parade in Newport Beach, California, cupcake caterer Emory Martinez finds that the grinch has crashed the party. Together with her sister Carrie, Emory is catering a delectable feast of holiday cupcakes and cookies aboard a luxury yacht for the new Mrs. Blair Villman and her guests.

 

Sparks fly when Carrie comes face-to-face with the hostess, who just happens to be Carrie’s high school frenemy, and old grievances are dredged up. Adding fuel to the fire, Blair’s stepson brings his mother, the former Mrs. Villman, to the party. Instead of celebrating holiday cheer, someone seems intent on channeling the Burgermeister Meisterburger and shutting down Blair’s party permanently. When Emory finds a body aboard the yacht, she needs to discover who iced the victim before the Scrooge ruins not only her livelihood but her freedom as well.

 

Includes delicious holiday recipes.


And I thought 
A yummy Cozy Series that I really enjoy more and morewith each new book. 

I began the series with book 1 and fell in love with Emory.   She's  has her ups and downs in each book what with always being involved murder. 

But she is growing as a sleuth. 

There are several  characters in the permanent  cast including Emory's sister Carrie who kind of seems to always be the one who puts Emory into the wrong place where a murder just happens. 

I liked the Christmas  setting and the nautical theme/location. 

Author Kim Davis is expertly describes the scenes making you feel like you are apart if what is going on.  

As always  I find putting  books in this series down. I am kept turning the pages in desperation  wanting to get to the end.  

And then there's  the let down when the story ends and I just can't  wait for the next one.  

With Emory and Carrie meeting thier sister I was literally wondering if she'll be dragging Emory into sleuthing! 

I always enjoy the covers and the recipes!  

This is fun series that is sure to please with each book written  as a stand alone. 

If your new to the series you might enjoy the series  best by reading in order and meeting each of the characters and thier relationships with each other as the series develop.

I received  a complimentary  copy. 
My review will appear on Amazon and Good Reads. 


Buy the book  
 Amazon 

Visit the tour 

To read reviews, guest posts and interviews click Here

Monday, December 13, 2021

Lingering Shadows by Juliette Duncan-My Review

 


 A charming Irishman. A jilted school teacher. A chance to escape their pasts and start again..

"A story of love, life, triumphs & troubles, but most of all, God's goodness."

Born of wealth and privilege, Elizabeth Walton-Smythe's future should have been set in stone. The headstrong teacher and her minister beau should have been married. That was the plan, as far as Lizzy was concerned. But, that wasn't to be, and one fateful encounter with a roguish Irishman quickly alters Lizzy's future and sends her heart and her life into a tailspin.

Marriage shouldn't have been an option, but in her haste to rebel and escape, it soon became her reality. Now, she's faced with a new, different kind of fateful decision. One which will test her faith and her resolve. With secrets from Daniel's past lurking and deep, dark secrets of her own to contend with, can the love that should have never been be salvaged, and will these two seemingly lost souls be able to endure the greatest challenge of their lives?

This is a Christian romance, a story of passion, love, and of God's inexplicable desire to free people from pasts that haunt them, so they can live a life full of His peace, love and forgiveness, regardless of the circumstances.

Grab your copy today and start reading! 

Lingering Shadows is Part 1 of a 5 book Christian Romance series, and is not a stand-alone novel. The story continues in Book 2 "Facing the Shadows" 


And I thought...
I enjoyed this sweet clean Christian  Romance.

I enjoyed the story and characters.   

The story does include mild abuse caused by alcoholism.  Caution to readers that might be distressed by the subject. 

This story is very well written  with characters  that warm your heart.  

Since the main characters  Daniel  and Lizzy seem to get married after a very brief courtship I think the readers would benefit from a prequel. 

I wasn't  immediately  drawn into the characters.   

Because of his alcoholism Daniel was a less than ideal male lead.  
And put me off a bit.  But the story is about Love, forgiveness  and redemption.  

I leaned toward having the same feelings  that Lizzy's  dad did but my feelings were more grounded.   Lizzy's  dad just didn't  give Daniel a chance for his own reasons.  Which made this reader like Daniel all the more even though his behavior  was a turn off to me. 

Lizzy  was a strong and independent woman who wasn't  afraid  to stand up for herself  and tell her husband  and father  how she felt.  

She unashamedly stood  up and spoke about her relationship  with God.  

And in the end helping her husband  accept Christ.  

I received a complimentary copy of book 1 and 2 from the author.  

I didn't  realize that the series is written  as a serial.  Book 1 leaves the reader on the cliff. 

The reader is left with Lizzy and Daniel separated and Daniel deep in the throws of alcoholism.  

Because  this series is written  in a discipleship manner I wish that book 1 & 2 were combined into one volume.  

If a reader has a limited budget as I do the message contained  in these pages might be missed by someone who needs to hear about God's love and his redemption  plan. 

I enjoyed books 1 and 2.  I liked the Happy ending and was pleased that Daniel become an honorable husband  and believer. 
 
I looked forward  to the chance to read more of this series.  The boxed set includes books 1-5 are on my Christmas  wish list! 

I received a complimentary copy. 

My review will appear on  Amazon and Good Reads.  

Buy the book  


Buy the set 
Click  Here

Saturday, December 11, 2021

Gallant by Claire Eckard Book Reviee I Read Book Tours




Book Details:


​Book Title:  Gallant: The Call of the Trail by Claire Eckard

Category:  Young Adult Fiction (Ages 13-17), 300 pages

Genre: Young Adult

Publisher: Mill City Press

Release Date: September 2021

Formats Available for Review: print- Softback (USA), e-book PDF

Tour dates: November 22 to December 10

Content Rating:  PG-13 : It’s a saga about love, relationships, personal growth and adventure, set against a backdrop of endurance racing. A strong middle grader/pre-teen could read it.


Book Description:

​A gripping journey of a young girl and a foal who are raised together in The Valley of Hearts Delight. Gallant and Gracie have a special bond, rarely seen between a human and a horse. Separated by a bad accident when Gallant is five, each gets a second chance of happiness pursuing the long-distance sport of endurance riding, neither knowing they are leading parallel lives. Will Fate bring them together again? Gallant’s arch nemesis, The Almighty Flash, threatens to destroy all that Gallant has worked for. His misguided ambition and greed, developed at the hands of an abusive owner, has created a darkness in his soul that turns to blind fury when his endurance career is threatened.


And I thought 

The pages were easy to turn. 

Page 1 brought me back to a  delightfully cozy and special time.

I was reminded of sitting with my teenage son and daughter  and reading a special book together.   

Gallant is a special book that horse lover readers of all ages will enjoy.  

So well written  and intriguing that it just might get a non reader to turn the pages too. 

Gallant is written for a preteen audience but avid younger readers and aged horse lovers would enjoy turning the pages. 

The illustrations bring the this delightful story to life. 

I have plans to order copies for my son and daughter to read and enjoy with their children. 

Thank you Author Claire Eckard and I Read Tours Lauren Carr for the opportunity  to read this book.

 

I received  a complimentary  copy.

My review will appear on retail  sites and Good Reads.


Buy the Book:

Author's Website

Amazon ~ Target 

Visit the tour


Click Here





Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Beauty And The Deceased by Debra Sennefelder Great Escapes Tour Review

 


About the book 

Kelly Quinn’s Long Island consignment shop offers high style at secondhand prices—but when a body is found on the beach, she needs to start hunting for a wolf in sheep’s clothing . . .


Kelly is thrilled when she gets a visit from a cousin she hasn’t seen in years. Becky’s cosmetics company is taking off, and she just might have laid the foundation for a big-money buyout. It’s a time to celebrate—but Kelly is heartbroken when a killer puts an end to their happy reunion during a mysterious midnight meeting near the shore.

Despite multiple warnings to steer clear, Kelly starts shadowing a variety of suspects both inside and outside the beauty business—when she isn’t busy filling the racks of the Lucky Cove Resale Boutique with lots of new inventory from a local shopaholic. Gossip and accusations are flying, but there’s no glossing over this ugly crime, and she’s going to make sure the culprit faces justice…

And I thought  

I am always happy to get an invite to read a new book by Author Debra Sennefelder.  

I love the Resale Shop series. 

Debra Sennefelder gives the reader some great characters that are easy to like.  They become your friends as you root for the them and wish them the best. 

Especially since they tend to get involved with solving murders. 

I always love the covers in the series.  I wonder what might be buried in the sand?  A clue? Or two perhaps.  

If this is a new series for you don't hesitate to jump on anywhere.  

I don't think you'll enjoy it as much as I do. 

I received a complimentary copy. 

My review be will be appear on retail be sites and Good Reads. 

Buy the book 

– Amazon – B&N – Kensington – Kobo 

Visit the tour 


Click Here