Cozy New Releases

Poison and Pudding

 by Kat Bellemore 
Starlight Ridge’s first annual surfing competition is right around the corner when retired sisters, Jo and Dorothy Darby, finally get settled into their new bakery. Not willing to miss out on the fun, they, along with the rest of the town, close up shop for the day to support their local surfing champion, Isaac Larson. Foam fingers included. But when Isaac’s arch-rival is flung off his board and never resurfaces, the competition grinds to a halt. Upon recovering the body, the local doctor discovers the fall was no accident. The man has been murdered. And all eyes are on Isaac as the culprit. 

The Art of Murder

 by Sarah Osborne 

Mabel Aphrodite Brown looks forward to a much-anticipated week in Québec with her family and closest friends, Lurleen and Danny. Danny has found the perfect spot with a baker he knows in a small French-speaking village along the Saint Lawrence River. Ditie can get bread-baking tips from the baker while Lurleen and the rest of the family take French lessons from the baker’s wife. Danny has made all the arrangements. But you know what they say about best-laid plans! 

Meditation and Mischief 

by Elizabeth Pantley 
This book club does more than read their books – they are absorbed into them to become the amateur sleuths! In order to leave the book, they must solve the mystery and reach The End. In this journey they travel to The Golden Island Wellness Retreat for yoga, meditation, workshops, and spa treatments. They’ll bond with nature and improve their spiritual wellbeing. They’ll find their inner peace – and a dead body, of course. 

Revenge at the Rodeo 

by Jamie L. Adams 
Lily Cranston is still at the helm of Calico Rock Mine and Ghost Town, enjoying its success as Grady, California’s premier tourist attraction. The town is abuzz with excitement as the annual rodeo approaches, promising thrills and entertainment for all. However, the festivities take a dark turn when one of the rodeo clowns is found dead, casting a pall over the  

The Sullivan’s Island Supper Club 

by Susan M. Boyer 
Welcome to Sullivan’s Island, an idyllic beachside town just outside Charleston, South Carolina. This serene, unspoiled sanctuary offers tourists a picturesque taste of the lush Lowcountry while the locals enjoy a laid-back, small-town lifestyle. Amidst an eclectic mix of newcomers and natives, lifelong resident and social maven Tallulah Wentworth’s legendary monthly dinners have united an unlikely group of women into the very best of friends. 

Killer Under Contract 

by Catherine Bruns
With the real estate world thriving and her daughter’s wedding around the corner, Cindy York is busier than ever. The happy couple is searching for the home of their dreams and Cindy is only too happy to help. When her daughter locates her dream home, Cindy is less than thrilled to discover that the listing agent is Hillary Ryder, a condescending snob who once dated Cindy’s husband before they were married. For her daughter’s sake, Cindy agrees to make a fresh start. But when she arrives for the listing appointment and finds Hillary’s lifeless body, she realizes that her troubles are just beginning.  

Autumn Embers 

by Tina deBellegarde 

Bianca St. Denis travels to Kyoto to return a priceless artifact recovered in Batavia-on-Hudson during last summer’s flood. It’s late October, and the city of 2,000 shrines is in full autumn splendor. While she’s in Japan’s ancient capital, Bianca visits with her son, a student at Kyoto University. Ian shows her the sights and introduces her to his circle of friends—his chosen family. 

A Holiday for Homicide 

by Devon Delaney 

Despite being a seasoned competitor, nothing could have prepared Sherry Oliveri for the thrill of being chosen for a three-day cooking challenge on national television. She’s dying to tell her friends, but she and everyone else involved in the contest has been sworn to secrecy until it airs. Still, that’s not stopping someone from penning cryptic notes about the show for the whole town to read, which has the production crew on edge—right up until one of them is found dead. 

We Solve Murders 

by Richard Osman 

Steve Wheeler is enjoying retired life. He still does the odd bit of investigation work, but he prefers his familiar routines: the pub quiz, his favorite bench, his cat waiting for him at home. His days of adventure are over. Adrenaline is daughter-in-law Amy’s job now. Amy Wheeler thinks adrenaline is good for the soul. Working in private security, every day is dangerous. 

A Bride For Harley by Heidi Grey McGill feat New Spainish Version

 A7thor Heidi Grey McGill shares the story behind translating her book into Spainish 

I originally wrote A Bride for Harley because I’ve always been passionate about sharing Jesus. Loretta, the wayward child, has tough choices in this coming-of-age historical fiction. God redeems her defiant and disobedient ways and brings her to a full life of joy and peace. We all need a reminder of God’s grace.  

But my heart extends beyond the typical reader and leans heavily toward those who speak a language other than mine. As the retired founder and director of an English as a Second Language (ESL) ministry, I interacted with hundreds of students eager to learn English. I quickly learned that sharing Jesus with them often meant using simple actions or words.

“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.'” Mark 16:15 (NIV)

Our mission was to provide every student with a Bible in their native language. However, I realized that understanding and applying God’s Word to our daily lives is greatly enhanced when we see it lived out in a story. This unique approach led me to create La Elegida para Harley, a book that brings Scripture to life and shows how faith can be woven into the fabric of our everyday experiences.  

Language (ESL) ministry, I interacted with hundreds of students eager to learn English. I quickly learned that sharing Jesus with them often meant using simple actions or words.

“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.'” Mark 16:15 (NIV) 

One of my former advanced-level ESL students, Katia, recently translated A Bride for Harley into Spanish. This has allowed me to reach even more people with the message of God’s redeeming love, making it accessible to Spanish-speaking individuals who can benefit from reading Christian fiction and seeing Scripture in action.

Who do you know who may benefit from hearing the message of salvation and redemption as lived out through the lives of my characters? Would you consider sharing this link or purchasing a copy to gift to them?  

Or, if you know missionaries or laymen in Mexico and Latin America, you can send them this link: La Elegida para Harley – Mexico Amazon Link

Thank you for walking beside me in ministry. 

Available on Amazon click Here 

Purchase the English version Here 

Visit the author click Here

Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder by Valerie Burns MY Review

 

About the book 

Snappy dialogue, a well-drawn supporting cast and an irresistible canine companion all add delicious flavor. Gulp this book down or savor it, but consuming it will guarantee a sustained sugar high.”– The New York Times Book Review

In a brand-new culinary cozy series with a fresh edge and a delightful small-town setting, the acclaimed author introduces Maddy Montgomery, a social media expert who’s #StartingOver in small town Michigan after inheriting her great-aunt’s bakery…and a 200-pound English Mastiff named Baby.

A CrimeReads Most Anticipated Book Of 2022

When Maddy Montgomery’s groom is a no-show to their livestream wedding, it’s a disaster that no amount of filtering can fix. But a surprise inheritance offers a chance to regroup and rebrand—as long as Maddy is willing to live in her late, great-aunt Octavia’s house in New Bison, Michigan, for a year, running her bakery and caring for a 250-pound English mastiff named Baby.

 

Maddy doesn’t bake, and her Louboutins aren’t made for walking giant dogs around Lake Michigan, but the locals are friendly and the scenery is beautiful. With help from her aunt’s loyal friends, aka the Baker Street Irregulars, Maddy feels ready to tackle any challenge, including Octavia’s award-winning cake recipes. That is, until New Bison’s mayor is fatally stabbed, and Maddy’s fingerprints are found on the knife . . .

 

Something strange is going on in New Bison. It seems Aunt Octavia had her suspicions, too. But Maddy’s going to need a whole lot more than a trending hashtag to save her reputation—and her life.

“Everyone is a suspect in Valerie Burns’s entertaining new mystery, filled with surprising twists, suspicious characters and a mastiff named Baby who will win your heart. Top that off with humor and delicious recipes and you have a delight of a cozy.” —Valerie Wilson Wesley, author of A Fatal Glow

And I thought . . .

I recently began listening to Audio books on You Tube. 

I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed Valerie Burns  Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder.

From the first line I was hooked. 

Madison the main character made you giggle and laugh.  

Madilene starts out as a priviledged and a bit entitled 'Rich Girl'.  I pictured The Legally Blond movie which in itself is a hoot because Madison is a woman of color. 

The story moved fast and I didn't have time 'Not to like' Madison. 

One thing I did like was the plot.  It was refreshing that the main character wasn't broke amd in desperate need of the inheritance she just received. 

What Madison did need was to 'find' herself. 

And she did as she learned to Bake and Manage her new business left to her by her Great Aunt Octavia. 

She used her hobby talent in Social Media to grow her new business after a murder and fire in her bakery almost caused the Bakery to close.  I was inspired not only with Madison' Savvy but also the Savvy of Aunt Octavia.  

She knew something was amiss and left clues for Monica. 

I enjoyed all the sub characters.  Giving a bit of a spoiler but I am glad the Author let Madison and Michael the vet get together and not string us along with an on again off again relationship through several books. 

I am looking forward to reading the remaining books in the series.  

I am waiting to see what trouble Madison manages to get into and out of. 

And I am curious if the priest who was in the first scene plays into any future story lines.  

And if the Admiral Madisons father joins the cast. 

I have to give 5 stars.

My review will appear on Good Reads.

I am unable to post on Amazon. 

I will feature also on  FB and Instagram. 

Cozy New Releases

 All titles available on Amazon

Antiques Foe

 by Barbara Allan 

When popular podcaster Nicole Chatterton wants an interview for Killers Caught, true-crime author Vivian Borne is overjoyed. Finally, some recognition for the sleuthing skills the septuagenarian antiques dealer and her daughter Brandy have demonstrated, solving countless crimes in their small hometown of Serenity, Iowa! 

Under the Cocoon Moon 

by Kathleen Bailey 

Olivia Penn is looking forward to spending time with her friends and family over the holidays in her hometown of Apple Station, Virginia. The Christmas season’s spirit has sparked a new romance, and all is looking merry and bright, until she is mistaken for a dead woman.   

Veronica Ruiz Breaks The Bank 

by Elle Cosimano 

Veronica Ruiz is on the run for the first time in her life—though certainly not the last. After being falsely accused of stealing money from her college sorority, she packs up and heads to her cousin Ramón’s apartment, planning to change her name and start over, away from backstabbing girls and university drama (and far, far away from her arrest warrant in Maryland). Format: Digital, Audio

Cover Not Available 

Caught in the Traminette 

by J.C. Eaton 

When reluctant winery owner Norrie Ellington is gifted with cockroach DNA, she thinks things couldn’t get worse. But then the body of a noted developer is found at a neighboring winery, and all fingers point to her friend Madeline Martinez. It doesn’t help that Madeline was seen having verbal altercations with the man on two different occasions, when he outbid her for lakefront property she planned to use for planting traminette grapes. 

Cry Wolf 

by Lark O. Jensen 

With boat tours off the coast of Alaska shut down for the winter, tour guide Stacie Calder is joining the dedicated team at the Juneau Wildlife World, a wild animal sanctuary. Along with Sasha, her husky companion, she’s prepared to spend the long season in the scenic park. But not everyone is so chipper about the newcomers—least of all, Stacie’s new manager, Oliver Brownling. He constantly gives Stacie a hard time, specifically because she brought Sasha along with her. That is, until his mauled body is found in a remote part of the sanctuary containing wolves. 

A Killer App 

by Linda Lovely 

Kylee Kane, a security consultant for Welch HOA Management, finds the first victim, Andy Fyke, crumpled at the bottom of a flight of stairs. Kylee suspects his fall’s no accident and is tied to Andy’s campaign to prohibit rentals in his Hilton Head Island community. Yet, Andy’s obvious enemies have ironclad alibis. 

Murder under the Mistletoe

 by Sherry Lynn 

Landscape artist and owner of SeaScapes, Kinsley Clark has been re-hired to decorate the town of Harborside for the upcoming holiday season and boat parade. Using the local elements found in Maine, Kinsley creates kissing balls—the town’s official mistletoe—to hang downtown and along the wharf. Kinsley is also responsible for Harborside’s official “lobster-stacked” Christmas tree, located beside the local marina, where the annual Harborside Boat Parade & Fireworks Display takes place. 

The Women Sleuths Club Murder

 by Sharon Michaels 

When a supposedly idyllic lobstering cruise takes an unexpected turn, steamy romance author, baker and amateur sleuth, Tabitha Clive, finds herself accused of murdering her husband’s former sister-in-law, Ethel Brownville.   

Barbacoa, Bomba, and Betrayal

 by Raquel V. Reyes 

A surprise trip to Miriam’s parents in Punta Cana, which should be filled with arroz con pollo and breezy days under the tamarind tree, quickly becomes a hunt for a possible property saboteur. But before Miriam can begin to uncover the person damaging the vacation rentals her parents manage, she’s called away to Puerto Rico to film a Three Kings Day special. She’s welcomed to the blue ballast-stone streets of Old San Juan by crime scene tape, and things only get worse from there. 

Murder Comes Home

 by Rosalie Spielman 

Army retiree Tessa Treslow is as excited as the other residents of New Oslo, Idaho, when the cast and crew of the TV show Picks with Ricks comes to town! Tessa and her Aunt Edna put their car restoration business on hold to let the celebrity antique hunters pick through their old garage, hoping the trash contains a treasure that will help fund their new business. But it turns out that the pickers come with TV cameras, likeable stars, a stressed-out producer—and a murderer! 

Pizza Pie Puzzler My Review

 

About the book 

When Antonio's mobile pizza kitchen starts poaching Felicia's customers, she's less than pleased. But then a rash of vandalism culminates in the rival food truck going up with a bang, and her cook, Arnie, has some explaining to do. It's up to Felicia to find the real perpetrator before Arnie is charged with the crime.

And I thought

A refreshing short Cozy Read. 

I thought it would be fun to read and feature yesterday since it was National Cheese Pizza Day. 

I was delighted and charmed.  

Not because of the Pizza ...

Actually the Pizza Guy- Wise Guy was the bad guy. No give a ways here.  It is all part of the plot. 

The P.G.  was a convicted felon back in town for another go at the unsuspecting Seniors.  P.G. parked his Pizza Truck right across from a Senior Home.  

Smart Guy.  Wish I had thought of it. 

The main characters are frustrated when they begin loosing business and find out Wise Guy/Pizza Guy is luring the old folks over with discount food and free fireworks for the upcoming 4th.  

I enjoyed this short story.  It was a refreshing read for several reasons.  The main reason there was no murder.  Only an intention to swindle. And an intention to 'get back' at folks 'Wise Guy/Pizza Guy' thought wronged him. 

The negative...

The were lots of characters. I had a hard time keeping them straight.  

W.G.'s exes. 

All the residents

The homeless 

But even though there where lots of characters it was easy to keep up with the plot.  I thought it was well written and plotted.  

Knowing nothing about the author I wondered if she writes full length books. 

Either way I look forward to read more. 

I Iistened to the free copy I found

on You Tube.

I will post my review on Good Reads and on FB. 

I now longer have access to my Amazon account. If A decides to give me access again I will post there. 

At this point I am not a friend of Amazon. 

Buy the book 

I am sharing the purchase link for customers and to benefit Authors. 

Amazon will not let me back in my account. 

To start a new one I have to make 50 purchases. 

https://www.amazon.com/Pizza-Pie-Puzzler-Felicias-Mystery-ebook/dp/B08129RKHD/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.lnvngKzmxT8udVGIb_GPwyIimYGDrHlAxuLDQ6fhC5LgIssOCSWZo9xIEGt5XG5rYyIbHLpxIJENztK9yFnoxywbyvwkGUMjc1nSFFibqjtFJoAykEYuEabZqUqLQGudnNrEcq-4jw-IcC4wdJlI9S5SOoZvKdI8Sb_PBANMoxX7JMfMV3df-SD_cvxlV1DXP-PSgjwN-f1H8NYNhaDm3g.Jw4XUnImZt5yvujsQaFyTQfnbI0v_io26yrT8Fk_K2Y&dib_tag=se&keywords=pizza+pie+puzzlers&qid=1725636517&sr=8-1

Happy Cheese Pizza Day