Tuesday, July 11, 2017

Engaged in Trouble by Jenny B. Jones-Book Review-Character Interview-With Giveaway



About the book 
When a washed-up pop star inherits a wedding planning business, it’s all bouquets and bliss until a bride turns up dead.
Paisley Sutton shot to stardom as a teenage rock sensation, but ten years later that star has fizzled out, just like her bank account. When she unexpectedly inherits her aunt’s wedding planning business, Paisley leaves the glamour of Los Angeles for a charming small town in Arkansas. Thinking she’ll arrive in Sugar Creek and liquidate the moldly property, Paisley’s shocked to find Enchanted Events has experienced a major makeover and is now the place for brides. She’s got two months to keep Enchanted Events afloat if she wants to sell and rekindle her music career with the profits.
Paisley’s tossed into a world of vows and venues, but her most difficult challenge comes in the form of one demanding bride. When this Bridezilla’s found facedown in her cake, all fingers point to Paisley as the prime murder suspect. And she does not look good in prison orange.
This former pop princess will need the help of her gun-toting, ex-CIA grandmother and her handsome neighbor, Beau Hudson, to unravel the mystery and clear her good name. As she and her unruly posse dig into Bridezilla’s life, she discovers the woman had a long list of enemies. The closer Paisley gets to the truth, the more her own life is in danger.
Love is in the air this wedding season, but before Paisley can help the ladies of Sugar Creek say, “I do,” she’s got to unveil a killer. Or find herself the next target.
Engaged in Trouble is the first book in the long-awaited Enchanted Events cozy mystery series by award-winning author Jenny B. Jones. If you like laugh-out-loud adventures, small-town romance, unforgettable, sassy characters, and a mystery to keep you guessing, then you’ll love this new page-turning series.
Available
And I thought
First I have to say there is nothing washed up about Paisley or Engaged in Trouble

Engaged in Trouble was a super fun and quirky cozy mystery!  
The story/plot fast paced full of twists and turns and surprises that kept this reader captivated from the very beginning. 

The characters were delightfully charming!   I loved Paisley!  
She steps up to the plate with charm and vigor when she realizes her little trip to town is going to be much longer than she expected. 

Taking on a somewhat thriving business and learning to manage it seems to be too much but she steps in and works her way through it even after the Bridzilla client is murdered almost under her nose!

When the police decide that Paisley just might be the best suspect to put their attention on Paisley ends up having to investigate to keep from being arrested.  

With the help from her matchmaking X-CIA grandmother (seriously whose granny works for the CIA!) the clues are uncovered and the spark of a little romance is in the air.

Engaged in Trouble is a great summer read.  If your looking for a cozy mystery with a little humor and a lot of sass check it out!  

I have to say this was probably the best book by a new to me author that I've read all year. 

Jenny B. Jones is definitely jockeying for the position of my favorite author!  

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 and my appear on 
My Journey Back-The Journey Back blog. 

Champagne With A Character-Paisley just begged for a chance to chat.  And well she brought the bottle . . . 
Hello Paisley welcome to the blog.  I am delighted to spend some time
chatting.  

 Is that champagne you brought along?   
Let’s enjoy a glass and chat! 

It seemed like a fabulous idea to me….I have to ask are you still serving Champagne at Enchanted Events?
Since a champagne bottle was instrumental in a bride’s death, I think we might take a break on the booze serving. That leaves a lot of purchased champagne somebody’s gonna have to drink…

Before we get into life in Sugar Creek I was wondering if you can tell me about some of the places you traveled during your music career.
I’ve traveled all over the world with my old band The Electric Femmes. We were pretty much the Destiny’s Child of the day. (And sadly, I wasn’t BeyoncĂ©.) My favorite place is probably Ireland, home of some of the most beautiful country and some of the nicest people. But I’m back in Sugar Creek, Arkansas, and while it’s no Ireland, there’s something to be said for small town life and being near family.

I bet settling back into the quiet town of Sugar Creek is a challenge what with all the drama and crime.   What’s the best part of small town living?
Sugar Creek is a unique town that’s a little bit Mayberry and a little bit Los Angeles. It’s next door to Bentonville, home of WalMart. And because of the business aspect of Walmart, it’s not that uncommon to see movie stars, musicians, and other celebs occasionally who are here on business. Just this week Sheryl Crow was biking on some of our trails. Sugar Creek is typical small town—everyone knows your name (Cool if you’re a pop star. Not cool if you’re suspected of murdering a Bridezilla), downtown is chic again, and gossip is our export crop.

I know you were surprised and shocked at the makeover at Enchanted Events.  Do you have any plans for more changes now that your staying around awhile?
When I inherited my great aunt Zelda’s wedding planning business, I expected to come to Sugar Creek, run the place for a few months, and sell the moldly building for profit. How could I possibly know she’d taken on an MBA student who’d radically renovated the business, turning it into Enchanted Events, a trendy, in-demand event planning business? We’ll be branching out beyond weddings soon. I’m currently working on a Renaissance faire that’s coming to town, as you can read about in this fall’s Royally in Trouble. I’m always up for an event that includes corsets, swords, and turkey legs.

So seriously what is it with your grandmother? Is she ‘really’ ex CIA?  Or maybe a just a little quirky.  She sure has some stories!   
Sylvie and my aunt Frannie were recruited straight out of high school by the CIA many years ago for a special classified program for female agents. The best friends have recently retired and it’s not going well. They’re bored, they’re trigger happy, and they’re determined to not only matchmake me with some Sugar Creek sweetie, but prove my innocence. Both are probably gonna involve breaking the law. 

Did you ever imagine yourself fight crime along side her?
Never! I’m a former pop star. I know stage attire and lyrics. What do I know about solving a murder mystery. But Detective Ballantyne thinks I’m the one who killed the dearly departed, so I will sleuth like I’ve never sleuthed before until we clear my name.

Or planning weddings?
I think was less likely to plan weddings for a living than don my Miss Marple hat. A few years ago I was stood up at the altar and my fiancĂ© sold crazy stories to the tabloids to save his reputation. I wanted nothing to do with men, romance, and especially—weddings. But I have to keep Enchanted Events in the black for sixty days or else I lose it all. And this girl needs the money from selling that property.

BTW Is she still totin’ that shot gun aimed at Beau?  I am sure you guys don’t need any encouragement.  But, are you expecting/hoping maybe planning a wedding soon?
No wedding plans for me and Beau! None. Zip. Zilch. Nada.
But he is cute. And he’s got that whole military hero thing going on. And I don’t seem to strongly dislike him like I did when I was a teenager. And did I mention he is cute? He definitely makes a return appearance in the second Enchanted Events book.  

This was so fun  I know you have a million things to do at Enchanted Events.   Thanks for taking the time to stop over. 
Thank you! So fun to stop by! Champagne for everyone!


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Monday, July 10, 2017

Survival instinct by Janie Crouch-Book Review With Giveaway

CoverSuvivalInstinct-sm.jpg

About the book 
The voices in her head have decided to kill her.
Most people joke about hearing voices in their heads. For Chloe Jeffries, they’re real. And as the creative force behind one of the most popular shows on television, she’s used the constant flood of voices in her mind to her advantage: fuel for entertainment.
But now one of the voices has decided it wants Chloe all for itself.
Ex-Special Forces soldier Shane Westman just wants to make it back to his ranch in Wyoming to begin to heal from the horrors of war. The last thing he needs, even as a favor for a good friend, is to take on bodyguard duty of a flighty television writer.  But once he does, he realizes there are threats at play he doesn’t understand. And the woman who has somehow begun to thaw his frozen heart is in desperate danger from a menace they can’t see, but is always close.

Someone determined to be the last voice Chloe ever hears.

Pre-order SURVIVAL INSTINCT: 100% of the presale and first week sale proceeds will go towards the Tia’s Troopers fight against Cystic Fibrosis (learn more about CF here: www.cff.org and more about Tia’s Troopershere!

Available 
And I thought 
I was super excited when I was offered Survival instinct for review!  This is the kind of story I really like.  I just kind of like the ex military man or cop gone freelance.  

Survival instinct was a little thriller/suspense and a little romance.  A great combination and a great read.
A great read!

A great fast paced keep you on the edge of your seat story line
with some twists and turns.  

The characters were believable and interesting!  

Shane our retired military guy is the perfect guy a little dark, a little mysterious, brave and romantic.  Even though he's not looking for a romance he ends up 'fallen'.

Chloe is an interesting character.  Sweet, trusting and trust worthy and tenacious. A little tough but also a little in need of some romance! And somewhat mysterious.

Survival instinct is book 3 in the series.  I look forward to 
reading book 1 and book 2.  

I received a complimentary copy from Tasty Tours.
This review will appear on retail sites where available and on 
Good Reads.

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Saturday, July 8, 2017

Survival Instinct-By Janie Crouch-Presale Info


**100% of the presale and first week sale proceeds will go towards the Tia’s Troopers fight against Cystic Fibrosis (learn more about CF here: www.cff.org and more about Tia’s Troopers here!
 

CoverSuvivalInstinct-sm.jpg
The voices in her head have decided to kill her.
Most people joke about hearing voices in their heads. For Chloe Jeffries, they’re real. And as the creative force behind one of the most popular shows on television, she’s used the constant flood of voices in her mind to her advantage: fuel for entertainment.
But now one of the voices has decided it wants Chloe all for itself.
Ex-Special Forces soldier Shane Westman just wants to make it back to his ranch in Wyoming to begin to heal from the horrors of war. The last thing he needs, even as a favor for a good friend, is to take on bodyguard duty of a flighty television writer.  But once he does, he realizes there are threats at play he doesn’t understand. And the woman who has somehow begun to thaw his frozen heart is in desperate danger from a menace they can’t see, but is always close.

Someone determined to be the last voice Chloe ever hears.

100% of the presale and first week sale proceeds will go towards the Tia’s Troopers fight against Cystic Fibrosis (learn more about CF here: www.cff.org and more about Tia’s Troopers here!
250 Pgs. |Heat: 3 | Series Info
Self-Published | Rel: July 11, 2017







Wednesday, July 5, 2017

Catching The Cowgirl by Jennie Marts-Book Review

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About the book (provided by Tasty Tours)
California video game designer Adam Clark knows that, in his business, authenticity is the key. So, for their newest Western adventure game, he and his partners decide to try out Cowboy Camp. Only Adam’s friends never arrive, leaving him a bit—okay, a lot—preoccupied, trying to resist the gorgeous cowgirl who owns the ranch.
Single mom Skye Hawkins is too busy trying to keep her family’s dude ranch out of the red to even think about romance. But she’s having trouble avoiding Adam. He’s smart, he’s sweet, he’s funny…and he’s hot! Maybe it’s the mountain air, but she finds herself letting down her guard. And the fireworks are definitely worth it.
The only problem—they live in totally different worlds. Still, Adam is nothing if not resourceful. Sure, he wants to catch the cowgirl. But more importantly, he needs to find a way to keep her.
200 Pgs. |Heat: 3 | Series Info
Entangled Lovestruck| Rel: July 3, 2017
And I thought
I always love me a good Cowboy story especially if it's a romance. 

With that said I wasn't sure how I would like a non Cowboy hero. 
But Adam can just take your breathe away.  Just ask Skye!


For the reader both Skye and Adam were easy to like.  Skye was the typical sweet girl with a sad past working her tail end off to make it.  

Adam was the typical great guy with a great career that just doesn't fit it.  But it doesn't take him long to realize that leaving the cool mountain air and Skye isn't happening!  

There is a little drama mixed in when the would be suitor neighbor try's keep in good standing with Skye while being a little underhanded.  

This was truly a sweet romance. With a happy ending. Just the kind of read that a girl likes.   A quick read that just makes you smile!

Catching The Cowgirl is book 3 in the Cotton Creek series.
I am sorry I've missed the first two!  They are on my to read list!

This review will appear on Amazon and Good Reads and
Net Galley.

I received a complimentary copy from Tasty Tours.

Available 
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Monday, July 3, 2017

A Crime Of Passion Fruit-Elle Alexander-Book Review-Interview-Giveaway


About the book (provided by Great Escapes Tours)
Torte―everybody’s favorite small-town family bakeshop―is headed for the high seas, where murder is about to make a splash. . .
Jules Capshaw is trying to keep her cool as Torte gets set to make its transformation from quaint, local confectionary cafĂ© to royal pastry palace. Meanwhile, Jules’s estranged husband Carlos is making a desperate plea for her to come aboard his cruise ship and dazzle everyone with her signature sweets. She may be skeptical about returning to her former nautical life with Carlos but Jules can’t resist an all-expense-paid trip, either. If only she knew that a dead body would find its way onto the itinerary . .
“A warm and inviting atmosphere, friendly and likable main characters, and a nasty murder mystery to solve!” ―Fresh Fiction
Now, instead of enjoying tropical drinks on deck between whipping up batches of sea-salted chocolates and flambĂ©ing fresh pineapple slices in the kitchen, Jules is plunged into dangerous waters. Her investigation leaves her with more questions than answers: Why can’t anyone on board identify the young woman? And how can she help Carlos keep passengers at ease with a killer in their midst? Jules feels like she’s ready to jump ship. Can she solve this case without getting in too deep?

Available

And I thought
A great summer read!   I was literally dreaming of being on board.
The authors description of the luxury cruise had me feeling transported and made me wonder if she has been a part of the culinary staff of a luxury cruise ship. 
This was my first introduction to the Bakeshop Mysteries by 
Ellie Alexander.  
Although A Crime Of Passion Fruit is #6 in the series it was 
difficult to get caught up on what was going on.  Each book/plot seems to stand on it's own while including previous characters and drawing this reader in to want to read more. 
If your a fan of cozy little mysteries you'll enjoy this voyage with
Jules.  
Attached to this post is my interview with Jule's check it out below and you'll be wanting to visit her at Torte!

I received a complimentary copy from Great Escapes Tours.
This review will appear on retail sites where available and on 
Good Reads.

Coffee with a character
Hello Jules welcome to the Reading Journey

You seem to be one busy girl.  Do you have a time for a quick tour of Ashland.  It seems
like quite the place to visit.

I’d love to give you a quick tour of my charming and somewhat quirky hometown of Ashland! Ashland is home to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, one of the most renowned theater companies in the world. During the height of the season our little hamlet swells in size with tourists and visitors stopping in from every corner of the globe to take in a production of Shakespeare under the stars at the outdoor Elizabethan theater. You feel like you’re stepping back in time when strolling through Ashland’s quaint downtown plaza. All of the shops and restaurants are designed like an old English village. In addition to the theater, Ashland is a mecca for outdoor lovers. We are surrounded by dozens of hiking trails, rivers, lakes, and mountains. One of my favorite things to do each morning is take a quick walk through Lithia Park, which is minutes away from our family bakeshop, Torte. It’s like our version of Central Park, complete with lush green landscapes, a bubbling creek, duck pond, and wooded trails that lead up into the forest.

How long have you lived in Ashland? 

I grew up in Ashland, but left after graduating from college to attend culinary school in New York. I had always thought I would find my way home shortly thereafter. However, I landed a job as a pastry chef for a boutique cruise ship and spent the next decade sailing on azure waters. My time on the ship allowed me to expand my palate. At every port of call I would taste new flavor combinations and sample regional delights. I met my husband onboard the ship and thought that I might lead a vagabond lifestyle forever. That changed when I learned that he had been keeping a secret from me. I left him and the ship behind and returned to Ashland to heal my broken heart. Now I can’t imagine living anywhere else.

Torte seems like a delightful little place.   Let’s stop for a little snack.   

Torte is more than a bakeshop. It’s a gathering place for the entire community. When you walk in the front door we want you to feel like family whether you’re a native to Ashland or just passing through. My mom, Helen, is an incredible baker who offers our customers more than a warm cherry scone and a creamy latte. She has a kind, listening ear. People tend to spill their problems while noshing on her delectable sweets. We bake everything with love at Torte. I know it might sound cheesy, but I think baking is a love language and that food should be enjoyed and savored. We try to infuse that in each dainty cake or light and airy croissant that comes out of the oven. For me, the act of baking is also therapeutic. My problems and stresses seem to fade away when I’m kneading bread dough or hand-pressing dozens of fluted tart crusts.

What do you suggest?

It’s summertime so I would suggest a slice of our peach mango coffee cake paired with a Mai Chai latte. The peach mango coffee cake is decadent with hints of spice and a touch of the tropics without being too heavy. And we serve our Mai Chai over ice with pineapple juice, grenadine syrup, coconut milk, and Oregon Chai. It’s like summer in a cup!


Oh. Yum. What a treat.     I am not sure I could work in such a wonderful little shop.  I am sure just these wonderful smells would add 10 pounds a day!

Let’s a chat a bit about what you’ve been up to. 

When I first returned to Ashland, I was looking forward to cocooning myself in and focusing on baking. Being back on land after ten years at sea took some getting used to, but soon I found my rhythm in Torte’s warm and cozy kitchen. Not long after I returned, a woman was murdered inside the bakeshop with jars of our homemade raspberry jam. That sent my world spinning again. I had to help find out who could have done something so villainous, especially in my beloved Ashland. Just as soon that case was resolved I was invited to compete in a culinary competition on the Pastry Channel, Take the Cake. Top pastry chefs from around the country descended on Ashland to throw down in a variety of foodie challenges. I wasn’t sure I wanted to be a TV star, and that was confirmed when I found one of my fellow contestants face down in a vat of buttercream. From there I was hired to cater a retreat for the OSF board of directors at an alpine lodge not far from town, Lake of the Woods. I loved getting to bake in the lodge’s rustic wood fired pizza oven until a blizzard hit and I discovered a body frozen on ice. Murder followed me back to Ashland again. This time the victim was loathed by everyone in town because she had had the audacity to launch a gaudy fast-food chain, Shakesburgers, right in the heart of the historic plaza. I thought I had put murder and solving crime behind me and was ready to get back to baking when a famous chocolatier dropped dead at Ashland’s annual Chocolate Festival. I don’t know why but for some reason murder seems to follow me.

I’m hoping we won’t stumble onto any crimes while we’re visiting town! 

It does seem like trouble seems to follow you even when you least expect it.
So what about that cruise? 

I wasn’t planning to return to the ship, but Carlos (my estranged husband) called me and begged me to come help out for a week. The ship’s pastry chef had left in a huff. At first I said no, but Carlos sweetened the deal by inviting my mom and her paramour, the Professor, along for a romantic getaway. I had to admit that after a very dreary and rainy winter, the idea of a week in the sun sounded pretty appealing. Maybe part of me realized that I needed to go back to the ship to officially say goodbye to that part of my life. We were greeted onboard with fruity drinks and the sounds of steel drum band. As we pulled away from the dock, I thought that the cruise might end up being a bit of a vacation for me too. That feeling quickly evaporated when I took an early morning stroll on the pool deck and found the body of a young stowaway floating face down. Suddenly between cranking out hundreds of grilled pineapple tarts and coconut Bundt cakes, I was tracking down a killer and trying to figure out who the mysterious young woman was and why she had snuck onboard. Oh, and did I mention that Carlos spent the entire cruise trying to win my affections and convince me to return to him and the ship? So much for a vacation.

I have to ask so what’s up with Carlos was there a little rekindling of romance going
on while you were on the high sea? 

I wish I knew what was up between us. Being on board and working in close quarters with him again definitely caused sparks to fly, but my heart belongs in Ashland. The ship’s sterile, industrial kitchen was a vivid reminder of that. Running a pastry kitchen on a floating hotel is more about management and less about actually baking. I missed having my hands covered in flour and the feeling of sticky dough between my fingers. I also missed my team at Torte, and my quirky friends in Ashland. I’m not sure what’s next for Carlos and me, but I know that Ashland is home.

Well this was so fun.  I enjoyed chatting.  I can see that it’s really getting busy in here.  I’ll let you get back to your day.  Thanks for sweets the peach mango coffee cake  was exactly what I needed after the tour of town! 


Thanks for the chat and treat!


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Sunday, July 2, 2017

Sunday Post-Mailbox Monday

Visit Sunday Post here.
I have a had a few really busy weeks with lots to read and review.
June was a full month.  July is settling down and settling into a rhythm and a routine.  I'll be posting every Sunday what's been 
going on and what I have planned for the week. 


Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week. Mailbox Monday now has a permanent home on its blog. Link up to share your MM.
On my Kindle . . .
Reading for fun (I'll review anyway but not a tour) found on NetGalley 
Image result for the cotswolds cookery club

Body on Baker Street: A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery by [Delany, Vicki] For the Great Escapes Tour
The mailman brought . . . 

  For the Great Escapes Tour
What I am reading and posting this week for tours. . .
   For the Great Escapes Tour  July 2

  Image result for take the bai roadFor the TLC Tour July 4th

Blank Cover Spacer - small.jpg On the Tasty Tour July 5
  
  On the TLC Tour posting at 
MyJourneyBack on July 7 click here to visit my blog.

I'll enjoy my reading week.  What are you reading?
Happy July 4th