Saturday, March 30, 2013

Death of a Kitchen Diva by: Lee Hollis

Title: Death of a Kitchen Diva
Author: Lee Hollis
Publisher: Kensington
Pages: 327
Series: A Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery #1
Format: Nook e-book
Source: Purchase Barnes and Noble

Description:

A debut mystery author introduces Hayley Powell, a small-town food and wine columnist who finds herself on the wrong side of a deadline when murder turns up on the menu. 

My Thoughts: 

This is a new series that starts Hayley Powell.  Hayley while working at the newspaper office is looking for more money to supplement raising two teenagers, her boss hands her a new type of series to write about food and wine which Hayley turns into food and spirits.  Mixing good dishes in with good alcoholic drinks.  When Hayley's new rival winds up dead and Hayley is the prime suspect Hayley has to figure out who did it.  The problem is everyone guilty about hating Karen the rival has solid alibis for the time in question, which puts Hayley right back in the hot seat.  

I enjoyed how we got to meet Hayley's kids and her brother and his boyfriend who is the chief of police.  Also her two girlfriends are great.  Definitely a great series for those cozy foodie lovers out there!
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Friday, March 29, 2013

Hickory Smoked Homicide by: Riley Adams

Title: Hickory Smoked Homicide
Author: Riley Adams
Publisher: Berkley
Pages: 288
Series: A Memphis BBQ Mystery #3
Format: Nook ebook
Source: Purchase

Description:

BBQ-joint owner Lulu Taylor knows pretty much everyone in Memphis who lives ribs. But one person she'd rather not know is Tristan Pembroke, a snooty pageant couch with a mean streak. When she finds Tristan's dead body stuffed in a closet at a party, the police are suspicious- especially since Lulu's developed a taste for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Caught in a situation stickier than molasses, Lulu must clear her name, or risk getting fried...

My Thoughts: 

Lulu Tayor teams up with Cherry her friend to find out who had it out from Tristan Pembroke which turned out to be everyone she encountered.  Tristan set out to destroy everyone from her own sister, and daughter to other pageant contestants as she was a coach to many young girls entering pageants. When a second murder occurs the heat is on Lulu to solve this murder as the second murder took place right outside of Aunt Pat's.

I love this series, the family aspects and the close friends you meet up with time and again it's like going home in a sense.  What a great series I am such a huge fan!
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Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Good Bye To Networked Blogs Follow

I know many are wondering what I mean.  What do you mean good bye is it going away?


No not really I'm just not going to use it anymore I'm really sick of Facebook and how little I use it.  Mainly to promote a link to something but otherwise I don't use it.  Why you ask?  Cause I'm sick of how it's like a glorified school yard.  Authors I like I can check out their websites or twitter links.  I'm just sick of how Facebook keeps changing and it's filled mainly with useless crap that I don't need.  

So you can either follow me via Twitter, Goodreads, my rss feed, LinkedIn, Google+, and I'm also on Skype as well.  I'm just not much into Facebook and don't need the hassel of it. 

That is all for now that I'm changing.  Hopefully you all can follow me other ways.  I'd still love to have you check out my blog and our reviews, giveaways etc that we offer.

Throat of Night by: Karen Henley Review and Giveaway

Title: Throat of Night
Author: Karen Henley
Publisher: Andon Press
Pages: 247
Series: The Angelaeon Circle #3
Format: ebook ARC
Source: Book Tour

Description:


Melaia sends Trevin into enemy territory to retrieve the third harp she needs to restore the stairway to heaven and free the angels trapped in a human world. But an assailant wants Trevin dead, an unknown traitor is passing information to the invading enemy army, and the Firstborn immortal has vowed to destroy all three harps, along with anyone who stands in his way.

Separated, Trevin and Melaia try to keep their faith, hope, and love for each other alive. From the land of Windwing horses to the mountaintop lookouts of Stargazers, from the blight-ridden fields of the Camrithian homeland to the night-dark caverns of the Under-Realm, they face the ultimate test: What are they willing to sacrifice to restore the stairway and save their world? Will they lay aside their love for each other? Will they give up their future together?


My Thoughts:

This book was given to me for a review for a honest and fair opinions.  In this book Melaia is trying to restore the stairway to heavan and in order to do that she has to send Trevin to retrive the third harp while he does that unknownst to Melaia he goes to King and Queen to get adopted.  This book is great for those who love mythology in their books.  I would definitely get the series and read them in order instead of coming in at the end, so you can see what Melaia and Trevin have done prior to this book.
Definitely a great series different from others out there.  Full of adventure and action!

A great book from a great author I will be looking to see what she writes next!

Giveaway: Reply in the comments below with your email address and you could win a copy of the second book in the series titled Eye of the Sword.  This book is for USA residents.
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Monday, March 25, 2013

Giveaway Time

Thanks to Leyane at FSB Associates I have 1 copy of this hilarious book to offer my followers this contest is open to USA residents only sorry for those who follow internationally I'm working on a future giveaway that will open to all residents.  Just reply in the comments with your email and I will pick a winner at random. 

This contest ends April 1st.  You can check out my review here: Link!

Good Luck Everyone!

Sunday, March 24, 2013

The House at the end of Hope Street by: Menna Van Praag

Title: The House at the end of Hope Street
Author: Menna Van Praag
Publisher: Pamela Dorman Books
Pages: 280
Format: Paperback ARC
Source: FSB Media Request

Description:

A magical novel about an enchanted house that offers refuge to women in their time of need

Knocked off-kilter by the Worst Event of Her Life, Alba Ashby finds herself in front of a house in Cambridge, England, that she's never seen before. There, a beautiful older woman invites her to stay on the house's usual conditions -- she'll have ninety-nine nights, and no more, to turn her life around. With nothing left to lose, Alba takes a chance and moves in.

She soon discovers that 11 Hope Street is no ordinary house. Past residents have included Virginia Woolf and Dorothy Parker, who have hung around to help newcomers -- literally, in talking portraits on the wall. Here Alba begins a journey that will heal her wounds -- and maybe even save her life.

My Thoughts: 

This book starts out with Alba Ashby's life falling apart and she winds up outside of Hope Street and inquires about the House on Hope Street where she meets a woman who explains the rules to her and shows her to her room.  The next day she meets two other residents and learns about various people who lived there like Virginia Woolf and Dorothy Parker.

This book was full of all sorts of things three women trying to move on in life and the mysteries within the house, how the house puts in the rooms what the character wants or needs whether they say it or think it.

This was a great story full of all sorts of hope and courage that people don't always think they have when life falls apart on them.  A great job the author did with this story!

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My Planet by: Mary Roach

Title: My Planet
Author: Mary Roach
Publisher: Reader's Digest
Pages: 191
Format: Paperback
Source: FSB Media

Description:


Follow New York Times bestselling author Mary Roach -- but be careful not to trip -- as she weaves through personal anecdotes and everyday musings riddled with her uncanny wit and amazingly analytical eye. These essays, which found a well-deserved home within the pages of Reader's Digest as the column "My Planet," detail the inner workings of hypochondriacs, hoarders, and compulsive cheapskates. (Did we mention neurotic interior designers and professional list-makers?) For Roach, humor is hidden in the most unlikely places, which means that nothing is off limits. Whether she is dwelling on her age or talking about the pros and cons of a bedroom night light -- "A married couple can best be defined as a unit of people whose sleep habits are carefully engineered to keep each other awake" -- Roach finds a lesson, a slice of sarcasm, or a dash of something special that makes each day comical and absolutely priceless.

In keeping with our mission -- curating the best reads in the land -- Reader's Digest editors neatly packaged these timeless (and hilarious) Roach essays together for the first time. Whether you read this cover-to-cover or during spare moments over morning coffee, flip to a page in this volume and try not to smile.

My Thoughts: 

This book was sent to me from FSB Media for a honest and fair review.  This book is hilarious.  Things you will find in this book is discussions on the Roomba, Valentine's Day, Costco, family get togethers. I really enjoyed this book and found it incredibly hilarious getting a severe case of the giggles will reading it.  I would definitely read more books like this one!  Definitely a keeper!
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Red Velvet Cupcake Murder by: Joanne Fluke

Title: Red Velvet Cupcake Murder
Author: Joanne Fluke
Publisher: Kensington
Pages: 304
Series: Hannah Swensen #16
Format: Nook ebook
Source: Purchase

Description:

This summer has been warmer than usual in Lake Eden, Minnesota, and Hannah Swensen is trying to beat the heat both in and out of her bakery kitchen. But she's about to find out the hard way that nothing cools off a hot summer day like cold-blooded murder. . . It's a hot, muggy evening, and the last thing Hannah wants to do is squeeze into a pair of pantyhose for the Grand Opening of the refurbished Albion Hotel. But with Hannah's famous Red Velvet cupcakes being served in the hotel's new Red Velvet lounge, she can't bring herself to back out.

The party starts off with a bang with the unexpected arrival of Doctor Bev, a Lake Eden legend who left town in shame after she two-timed her fiancé one too many times. Bev's splashy appearance on the arm of a wealthy investor is the talk of the night. But the gossip comes to a screeching halt when a partygoer takes a mysterious dive off the hotel's rooftop garden.

The victim is the sheriff's secretary, Barbara Donnelly, and she is barely clinging to life. The question is, did she fall--or was she pushed? As the police investigate, the only one who isn't preoccupied with the case is Doctor Bev. She's too busy trying to stir things up with her old flame Norman, who's reunited with Hannah.

Just as Hannah's patience with Bev runs dangerously thin, her rival is found dead at the bottom of Miller's Pond. The only clue the police have is the Red Velvet cupcake Bev ate right before she died--and the tranquilizers someone seems to have baked into it. To everyone's shock, Hannah is now the unlikely target of a murder investigation--and she's feeling the heat in a way she never has before. ..

My Thoughts: 

This book starts off with a quick enough mystery how did Barbara Donnelly end up almost dying was she pushed or did she fall?  Unfortunately Barbara has suffered alot of damage so trying to figure it out is not easy.  

Of course add to the mess Doc. Bev is back and driving those close to Hannah completely nuts and she still has her eyes on Norman which has Hannah fuming!  When Doc Bev winds up dead it's up to Hannah to clear herself and find out who murdered the scheming Doctor.

In this book two things happen that I think were overdue.  Lisa's father proposed to Herb's mom which I think was so cute.  And Mother had her own announcement.  Which was great too, now if only Hannah could pick a guy it would make everything worthwhile.

I enjoyed this book and learning more about the Police secretary Barbara who really came out on top in this book.  And was glad that the Doc Bev story ended finally.  The bad parts are the whole love triangle Hannah is in I think is getting stale.  I think Hannah needs to get off that dang fence and pick a man.

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Saturday, March 23, 2013

Double Crossed by: Ally Carter

Title: Double Crossed
Author: Ally Carter
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Pages: 60
Series: Heist Society #2.5
Format: ebook ARC
Source: NetGalley

Description:

Macey McHenry—Glamorous society girl or spy-in-training?

W.W. Hale V—Heir to an American dynasty or master thief?

There are two sides to every coin. Whether these two can work together is a tossup.

Born into privilege, Macey and Hale are experts at mingling with the upper class. But even if they’ve never raised an eyebrow at the glitz, neither teenager has ever felt at home with the glamour.

When Macey and Hale meet at a society gala, the party takes a dangerous turn. Suddenly they’re at the center of a hostage situation, and it’s up to them to stop the thugs from becoming hostile. Will Macey’s spy skills and Hale’s con-man ways be enough to outsmart a ruthless gang? Or will they have to seek out the ultimate inside girl to help?

The worlds of Heist Society and the Gallagher Girls collide in Ally Carter’s fast-paced, high-stakes and tantalizing new story. Get a behind the scenes glimpse as Ally delivers an irresistible thriller that is full of her signature style and savvy twists.

My Thoughts:

I liked this look into Macey and Hale who appear in other books by Ms. Carter.  When Hale and Macey are with their respective families at a party gone kidnapping.  Macey and Hale use their expertise to try to get out of a hostage situation and try to find out where the expensive canary diamond necklace is.  Macey gets her justice in the end, these bad guys picked the wrong girl to attack.

I can't wait to start both series they look sooo good!
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The After Girls by: Leah Konen

Title: The After Girls
Author: Leah Konen
Publisher: Merit Press
Pages: 302
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher Request

Description:

Ella, Astrid, and Sydney were planning the perfect summer after high school graduation. But when Astrid commits suicide in a lonely cabin, the other girls' worlds are shattered. How could their best friend have done this--to herself and to them? They knew everything about Astrid. Shouldn't they have seen this coming? Couldn't they have saved her?

As Ella hunts for the truth, and Sydney tries to dull the pain, a chilling message from Astrid leaves them wondering whether their beloved friend is communicating from the after life. The girls embark on a journey to uncover Astrid's dark secrets. The answers to those questions--questions they never dreamed of asking--will change their lives forever.

My Thoughts: 

This book starts out where Ella and Sydney are trying to make sense of Astrid's suicide.  At this point it's only been a few days since Astrid was found having committed suicide.  Ella tries to find out if there were clues her and Sydney were oblivious to that would explain taking her own life.

Sydney wants to forget what happened and finds that easier said then done.  She finds her relationship with Ella shaky as Ella discovered Astrid and Sydney wasn't there when that happened.

Ella also meets Jake Astrid's cousin who works now for Grace Astrid's mom at her coffee shop for the summer while Grace tries to move on from the death of her daughter.  Ella and Jake seem to form a relationship based on things about Astrid.

This book was incredible in the dedication Ella had with Astrid and trying to find out why she did what she did.  It also shows the girls growing up over that same summer and how some families never show their true colors.  Definitely a great book for young adults to learn that sometimes you have a greater impact on loved ones than you think you do.

Thank you to Merit Press for sharing such a great story with me!  Can't wait to see what Ms. Konen comes up with next!



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Friday, March 22, 2013

Ascent of Blood by: Elizabeth Marx Giveaway


Title: Ascent of Blood
Author: Elizabeth Marx
Pages: 366
Series: The Red Veil Series #1
Format: ebook
Source: Full Moon Bites

Description:

1990, Cardiff, Wales. Vampire prince, Sebastian Pearce, has waited six-hundred years for the right human mate. His own beloved mother was a mortal capable of carrying immortal offspring. While vampires no longer require live donors for sustenance, Mother Nature has played a cruel trick on them making breeders a rare commodity. As numbers in Sebastian’s Imperial House continue to dwindle, his virgin bride eludes him. That is, until he happens upon a young woman searching for information about a sacred vampire text, the Book of Descent. Sebastian’s desire for her is more potent than anything he’s felt for another woman, but Everleigh Marbut isn’t innocent. She’s an American with a mind of her own, and worst of all, she’s already carrying an immortal being. As Sebastian and Everleigh fight their attraction to each other, they don’t realize they’re being lured into a battle pitting medieval myth against the power of modern science to recreate life until it’s too late.

The destiny of his lineage, and the bond forged between them, now rests in their acceptance of each other as they are.

My Thoughts: 

This book was sent to me via Full Moon Bites for a honest and fair review.  We meet Sebastian Pearce who is a vampire looking for a mate.  When a woman named Everleigh who ends up looking into the Book of Descent.  The one thing I would recommend about this book is first reading the prequel, so you know what happened long ago and information that contains in the story.  This was a great book for a great new series and think anyone who loves vampires in a darker sense will like this series alot.  Elizabeth Marx is great at any book she tries her hand at I haven't read one of her's that I haven't fall in love with!

Giveaway:

Reply in the comments with your email address and one lucky winner will win a ebook copy of this book!  This contest is open to USA residents
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Descent of Blood by: Elizabeth Marx Giveaway


Title: Descent of Blood
Author: Elizabeth Marx
Publisher: Smashwords
Pages: 194
Series: Red Veil Series Prequel
Format: ebook
Source: Full Moon Bites

Description:

When times are darkest, some vampires desire more than blood …

England, 1465. Mortal men clash in the War of the Roses for the English crown, while vampire warriors’ move undetected among their ranks, savoring the flow of blood that battlefields provide.

Vampire prince, Severian Pearce, fears the revelation of the immortal clans to humankind should King Henry fall from power. While in pursuit of Henry’s enemies, Severian comes to the aid of Meridian Neville, a human woman he craves—and not for the scent of her blood … Meridian is torn between honoring her father’s dying wish and her unexplainable yearning for Lord Severian. But as Severian and Meridian work together to protect a relic hunted by mortals and immortals alike, the red veil descends over them. This all-consuming attraction can drive immortals to the brink of madness. Will the existence of this powerful bond between a human and a vampire be enough to unite the immortal clans or is the red veil a scourge set on destroying any chance they might have of happiness?

When all hope is lost, one vampire will fight unto death for his forbidden love.

My Thoughts:

I was given this book from Full Moon Bites for a honest and fair review.  Talk about an incredible book.  Severian finds himself drawn to Meridian and not because of her blood.  Meridian is a young woman who shots Severian when she thinks he's about to steal from her or harm her.  She in the end ends up healing his wounds although most of them heal quickly regardless of his assistance being a vampire that is able to self heal.

Definitely a great introduction to the Red Veil Series.  The relationship between Meridian and Severian definitely has it's moments like when Severian was drinking Meridian's cousins blood while she watched and he tried to explain himself.  But it's definitely worth reading prior to the others in the series!

Giveaway:  

This contest is open to USA residents if you reply in the comments with your email address you will be entered to win a ebook copy of this book!




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A Textbook Case by: Jeffery Deaver

Title: A Textbook Case
Author: Jeffery Deaver
Publisher: Grand Centeral Publishing
Pages: 45
Series: Lincoln Rhyme
Format: ebook ARC
Source: NetGalley

Description:

From Jeffery Deaver--the New York Times bestselling author of the upcoming Lincoln Rhyme novel THE KILL ROOM (on sale June 4, 2013)--comes an original short story featuring Rhyme.

When a young woman is found brutally murdered in a parking garage, with a veritable mountain of potential evidence to sift through, it may be the most challenging case former NYPD detective Lincoln Rhyme has ever taken on.

My Thoughts: 

Rhyme, and Sachs are back and better than ever.  In this story someone is killing and stumping Rhymes with all the chaos of the crimes.  It seems that the only thing connecting the killer to people is a book written by Lincoln Rhymes.  I loved the movie based on Rhyme and Sachs and love the style Mr. Deaver offers us.  Can't wait for his next book:


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Thursday, March 21, 2013

The Return of the Squirtle Squad by: Tracey West

Title: The Return of the Squirtle Squad
Author: Tracey West
Publisher: Scholastic Inc
Pages: 87
Source: Borrowed from Teacher
Format: Paperback
Series: Pokemon Chapter Book #8
Reviewed by: Caitlyn

Description:

The Squirtle Squad is causing trouble. But one fun-loving Squirtle is destined to become Ash's Pokemon and friend. Follow the story of Ash and his Squirtle from the early days to their encounter with the turtle Pokemon king.

My Thoughts: 

Squirtle Squad is back and into more trouble.  It starts with three trainers Ash, Misty and Brock who need a rest and let their pokemon play together.  Then they talk about the adventure where Ash gets Squirtle.

My favorite part was the part where Ash used Squirtle to save Pikachu from Team Rocket who is just as bad as the Squirtle Squad.  And eventually Pikachu gets hurt by a wild Goldeen, and Ash has to get a super potion to heal Pikachu.
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B is for Books! by: Annie Cobb

Title: B is for Books!
Author: Annie Cobb
Publisher: Random House
Pages: 32
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchase from Grandma
Review by: Alexis

Description:

In this full color illustrated book, Slimey, Oscar the Grouch's pet worm, plays the bookworm in this delightful ode to reading. "B is for books. All kinds of books! Books about counting. Books about cooks..."

 My Thoughts:

I liked the pictures they are pretty.  I really like Elmo and think others will like it too.  My favorite part is Elmo he's so fun!
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Untimed by: Andy Gavin

Title: Untimed
Author: Andy Gavin
Publisher: Mascherato
Pages: 325
Format: ebook
Source: Tribute Books

Description:

Charlie’s the kind of boy that no one notices. Hell, even his own mother can’t remember his name. And girls? The invisible man gets more dates.

As if that weren’t enough, when a mysterious clockwork man tries to kill him in modern day Philadelphia, and they tumble through a hole into 1725 London, Charlie realizes even the laws of time don’t take him seriously.

Still, this isn’t all bad. In fact, there’s this girl, another time traveler, who not only remembers his name, but might even like him! Unfortunately, Yvaine carries more than her share of baggage: like a baby boy and at least two ex-boyfriends! One’s famous, the other’s murderous, and Charlie doesn’t know who is the bigger problem.

When one kills the other — and the other is nineteen year-old Ben Franklin — things get really crazy. Can their relationship survive? Can the future? Charlie and Yvaine are time travelers, they can fix this — theoretically — but the rules are complicated and the stakes are history as we know it.

And there's one more wrinkle: he can only travel into the past, and she can only travel into the future!

My Thoughts: 

Charlie spends most of his time being invisible no one seems to remember his name.  His dad and Aunt pop in and out of his life at the weirdest times.  When a man who appears and looks like a clock with gizmos and gadgets where his stomach should be Charlie follows the man into a mysterious hole and all I can think of is the Rabbit Hole from Alice in Wonderland.

Charlie finds himself in old times, his iphone is now a notepad with pictures and information.  There he meets Yvaine a women who's in 1700 England with a bunch of rag tag thieves reminds me of Oliver Twist.  There Charlie learns that girls who time travel move forward in time and boys go back in time.  I also loved the illustrations in this book so beautifully drawn!

This book was incredible with the adventure and sticky situations Charlie gets into definitely a great time travel adventure book.  One that I'm sure many will come to love!
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Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Cover Reveal--Dead Ever After

Well it's finally here the final book in the Sookie Stackhouse series.

Here's the blurb about it:

Sookie Stackhouse has one last adventure in store.

Life has taken her from a waitress in Merlotte’s Bar, Bon Temps, to part owner; from social outcast to the heart of her community; from a vampire’s girlfriend to the wife of one of the most powerful vampires in the state. She has survived earthquakes, revolutions and attempts on her life. Sookie has endured betrayal, heartbreak and grief . . . and she has emerged a little stronger, and little wiser, every time.

But with life comes new trials . . .

The question is, in the end: who will love, who will live, and who will be dead ever after?

Sookie finds it easy to turn down the request of former barmaid Arlene when she wants her job back at Merlotte’s. After all, Arlene tried to have Sookie killed. But her relationship with Eric Northman is not so clearcut. He and his vampires are keeping their distance…and a cold silence. And when Sookie learns the reason why, she is devastated. Then a shocking murder rocks Bon Temps, and Sookie is arrested for the crime.
But the evidence against Sookie is weak, and she makes bail. Investigating the killing, she’ll learn that what passes for truth in Bon Temps is only a convenient lie. What passes for justice is more spilled blood. And what passes for love is never enough..

How many of you are eagerly awaiting to finish this series?  Or are finally glad it will be over.  Me personally I'll be glad this series is over I wasn't as impressed with the last book and hope this one will be a good finale.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Wind Chime Point by: Sherryl Woods

Title: Wind Chime Point
Author: Sherryl Woods
Publisher: Harlequin
Pages: 400
Series: Ocean Breeze #2
Format: ebook ARC
Source: NetGalley

Description:

Facing a personal crisis, ambitious and driven Gabriella Castle retreats to the welcoming arms of her family. Everything she's worked for has been yanked out from under her, and she seeks the serenity of her grandmother's home on the North Carolina coast. With difficult decisions to make about her future, the last thing she wants is an unexpected love.

Wade Johnson fell for Gabi the first time he saw her. It's not the only time he's found himself in the role of knight in shining armor, but Gabi isn't looking for a rescuer. To get her to stay, Wade will need a whole lot of patience and gentle persuasion…and maybe the soothing sound of wind chimes on a summer breeze.

My Thoughts: 

We met Gabriella Castle and Wade Johnson in Sand Castle Bay when the Castle Restaurant was being fixed after the storm.  Gabi is back and making a mess of her life, atleast she thinks so.  She's pregnant and newly unemployed and retreated to her grandmother's to try to sort out her life.  Wade has been having feeling for Gabi since the last book but at that time Gabi was unavailable dating Paul a schmuck in Raleigh.   Who when he finds out Gabi is pregnant makes it clear he wants nothing to do with it.  

A relationship between Gabi and Wade is slowly starting in the beginning if Gabi can just open her heart to a good guy.  Of course like all Ms. Wood's books the main characters have something to overcome.  In this book Gabi needs to find her way after loosing everything and gaining a baby.  She needs to learn that loving Wade may not be a bad thing.  Wade needs his sister to understand that Gabi is what he needs and that she isn't like his deceased wife Kayla and their unborn child.

I love how Ms. Woods creates these characters along with beautiful descriptions of areas that I would love to live in.  All along the waterfronts for the most part they are just so warming and friendly.  Definitely gives new meaning to small towns and how quaint and great they are.  Ms. Woods is definitely my favorite go to romance author!
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Sunday, March 17, 2013

Purgatory Reign by: L.M. Preston


Title: Purgatory Reign
Author: L.M Preston
Publisher: Phenomenal One Press
Pages: 307
Format: ebook
Source: Tribute Books

Description:

Peter Saint’s life stinks. But things are about to get much worst. First, his parents are murdered in front of him. Then another victim dies in his arms. Visions plague Peter with warnings that something wants him for a sinister cause. It desires the one thing that Peter refuses to give—his blood. Peter carries within him the one gift or curse that could unlock a secret to destroy the human race. On the run with Angel, a scruffy kid, Peter starts to unravel the mystery. It’s the one treasure the heavens sought to hide from the world. Unfortunately, when Peter finds the answer that he hopes will save the girl he loves, he opens the door to a great evil that happens to be salivating to meet him.

My Thoughts:

Peter Saints life is a complete mess and only getting worse.  After his parents die he ends up at a orphanage.  The father there ends up timing out Peter time and again after Peter gets into fights which is Peter's mind is better than getting picked on.  He also finds a way to sneak out at night and go around town where he meets a girl who he helped one day.  Then to make things more interesting Peter gets marked by the girl he thought he was helping when he tried to get away and she was run over.

Peter ends up on the run via the Father of the orphanage who tells Peter where to go next.  He meets Angel a tuff kid who follows Peter and is afraid to be alone together they head to the next sanctuary.

Definitely a great book with incredible bad guys that really creep you out and interesting characters along the way!  Definitely a good one to check out!
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Saturday, March 16, 2013

Winner of Debbie Macomber Giveaway


Thank you to everyone who entered to win a copy of Debbie Macomber's new book which is due out soon.  

The winner is Gina.  I will be contacting the winner shortly to get the information to send this great book to you!

Congratulations and for those that didn't win, there will be more contests to follow so keep your eyes open!

Thursday, March 14, 2013

The Age of Miracles by: Karen Thompson Walker

Title: The Age of Miracles
Author: Karen Thompson Walker
Pages: 369
Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Description:

"It is never what you worry over that comes to pass in the end. The real catastrophies are always different - unimagined, unprepared for, unknown...." What if out 24-hour day grew longer, first in minutes, then in hours, until day becomes night and night becomes day? What effect would this slowing have on the world? On the birds in the sky, the whales in the sea, the astronauts in space, and on an eleven-year-old girl, grappling with emotional changes in her own life...? One morning, Julia and her parents wake up in their suburban home in California to discover, along with the rest of the world, that the rotation of the earth is noticeably slowing. The enormity of this is almost beyond comprehension. and yet, even if the world is, in fact, coming to an end, as some assert, day-to-day life must go on. Julia, facing the loneliness and despair of an awkward adolescence, witnesses the impac of this phenomenon on the world, on the community, on her famil and on herself.

My thoughts:

First-time author Karen Thompson Walker's The Age of Miracles will be a delight, a fresh voice for those who are bored of reading very similar books in the YA genre.

We take the 24 hours in a day for granted; in fact, we plan our entire lives around it, second by second. I use my phone's clock, and I've aligned it with the clock that public transportation uses because I never would be on time for work. In The Age of Miracles, all this turns upside down. Days and nights start getting longer, slowly but surely. 11-year-old Juliet, who lives in the suburbs of California tells us that sometimes 20 hours pass between the rising and setting of the sun. The majority of the people in her community continue to live their lives by the 24-hour system, and those who choose to live by the rising and setting of the sun are mostly considered freaks.

We see how the world changes through Juliet's eyes. The world continues to spin, but birds and other animals as well as plants start dying. Some people continue their lives as if nothing has happened, nothing is wrong, while some truly believe that the world is coming to an end. Among this commotion, Juliet also deals with the hardship of leaving childhood and becoming a young girl. I liked that these hardships weren't overdramatized; Juliet's problems are problems that every 11-year-old faces, will face. Because she's not one of the popular girls at school, she battles with loneliness. She's trying to win the affections of the boy she likes. And, she witnesses how her parents solve their problems.

The only part of the book that was tough for me was keeping in mind that Juliet is 11. Throughout the entire book, I felt like she was at least 15-16. Since I don't really have any kids around me, I'm not sure what 11-year olds act like these days, so I can't say for certain if anyone will feel the same way. I do definitely think this worth a read for those who are looking for something different.
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Wednesday, March 13, 2013

The Family Fang by: Kevin Wilson


Title: The Family Fang
Author: Kevin Wilson
Pages: 309
Publisher: Ecco

Description:


"The Family Fang is a comedy, a tragedy, and a tour-de-force examination of what it means to make art and survive your family....The best single word description would be brilliant."--Ann Patchett, author of Bel Canto

"It's The Royal Tenenbaums meets Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? I'd call The Family Fang a guilty pleasure, but it's too damn smart....A total blast."--Hannah Pittard, author of The Fates Will Find Their Way

Owen King (We're All in This Together) calls author Kevin Wilson, "the unholy child of George Saunders and Carson McCullers." With his novel, The Family Fang, the Shirley Jackson Award-winning author of Tunneling to the Center of the Earth comes through in a BIG way, with a funny, poignant, laugh-and-cry-out-loud (sometimes at the same time) novel about the art of surviving a masterpiece of dysfunction. Meet The Family Fang, an unforgettable collection of demanding, brilliant, and absolutely endearing oddballs whose lives are risky and mischievous performance art. If the writing of Gary Shteyngart, Miranda July, Scarlett Thomas, and Charles Yu excites you, you'll certainly want to invite this Family into your home.

Description:

After Addams Family, the Fang Family was the strangest family I got the pleasure to meet.

Caleb and Camille Fang are both artists. Their daughter Annie (Child A) and son Buster (Child B) have been a part of their artwork since they were little children. They question whether or not what they're doing might just be wrong, question the meaning of art and always go back and forth between saying yes or no to taking part in their parents' public art. Don't say "so what?" because it's not like Annie and Buster are posing for paintings. It's lots, a lot more complicated than that.

Here's the type of art Caleb and Camille Fang make: they play guitar and sing a song at a mall. People are made to believe their dog is sick, and that they're doing this to collect money for his surgery. They don't know how everything's going to go, how the people around them will react to their act, and their goal is exactly that: the reactions of the passers by is their art, which is all recorded on camera.

The story-telling go back and forth between past and present. We see Annie and Buster as kids, and how Caleb and Camille Fang met and started doing what they do. When Annie grows up, she becomes an actress and moves to Hollywood; Buster becomes a writer. On one way or other, they find themselves back at home, and that's when you really start to question what it means to be parents, and what art really means. The line between Caleb Fang's genius and insanity starts getting very clear as well.

The Family Fang will make you laugh, at times it'll make you sad, and it'll definitely make you question a whole lot about the world.
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Keeper of the Black Stones by: P.T. McHugh

Title: Keeper of the Black Stones
Author: PT McHugh
Publisher: Glass House Press
Pages: 366
Series: Stone Ends #1
Format: Paperback ARC
Source: Pump Up Your Book Promotions

Description:

Awkward in his own skin, shy around girls and worried about anything and everything, Jason Evans is just like a million other teenage boys in high school, with one very large exception: he has been given a gift that allows him to jump through time. A set of stones has fallen into his lap that gives him access to any place - and any time - that he chooses. But along with that gift comes the responsibility of stopping the man who is using those very stones to travel through time and change history for his own purposes. A man who is now holding Jason's grandfather hostage, and threatening the world's very existence. Jumping through time with his best friend and body guard, Jason must enter the world of Medieval England, learn its customs, navigate unimaginable danger, and help Henry VII win the Battle of Bosworth, in the name of finding his grandfather, rescuing a beautiful girl from the clutches of a corrupt church, and destroying the one man who pledges to turn history inside out.

My Thoughts: 

This book was incredible it follows the story of Jason Evans his friend Paul and his grandfather Doc.  When someone breaks into Jason's house and Doc doesn't seem too concerned about it, Jason knows something is wrong.  He does some investigating and learns about time travel and how Jason is connected to it.

When Doc goes missing it's up to Jason and Paul to find a way to get Jason's grandfather back even if it means traveling through history to do it. When they arrive in Middle Ages England Reis Jason's bodyguard, Tatina, who's father is trying to destroy history and Tatina wants nothing more than to see her father destroyed after the way he treated her and her mother, Katherine a woman from the middle ages in England who Jason felt compelled to bring with him, Paul Jason's friend from present day NH, they try as they might find Doc and run into a few bumps along the way, including having to use present technology i.e a iphone to confuse guards so they can escape.

This book left such an interesting cliffhanger about where they are headed next.  I really enjoyed meeting these characters and seeing where their journey is bring them.  Definitely a great book for fans of time travel and young adult.
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Tuesday, March 12, 2013

The Strange Case of Finlay Jane by: Kady Cross

Title: The Strange Case of Finlay Jane
Author: Kady Cross
Pages: 78
Series: Steampunk Chronicles #.5
Format: ebook
Source: Kindle

Description:

Finley Jayne knows she's not 'normal'. Normal girls don't lose time, or have something inside them that makes them capable of remarkably violent things. Her behavior has already cost her one job, so when she's offered the lofty position of companion to Phoebe, a debutante recently engaged to Lord Vincent, she accepts, despite having no experience. Lord Vincent is a man of science with his automatons and inventions, but Finley is suspicious of his motives where Phoebe is concerned. She will do anything to protect her new friend, but what she discovers is even more monstrous than anything she could have imagined...

My Thoughts:

When Finlay Jane gets fired from her last job due to protecting a child she winds up home with her parents which lasts a very short time as she is offered the job of protecting Phoebe who is engaged to Lord Vincent.  She accepts the job unsure of what it entails and finding the family pleasant the situation odd at best but then again Finlay Jane isn't your normal girl.  She has super strength and can do things that surprised me.  What an incredible introduction to the Steampunk Chronicles.  I really enjoyed this and think Kady Cross does a great job with this story.
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Friday, March 8, 2013

The Ghost, The Rat and Me by: Robyn Gioia

Title: The Ghost, The Rat and Me
Author: Robyn Gioia
Publisher: Winking Owl Publications
Pages: 110
Series: Episode One
Format: ebook
Source: NetGalley

Description:

"Things aren’t the same when your best friend dies in a car accident. But when your best friend, Temple, comes back as a ghost to help you solve a case, life definitely becomes better. You’ll love him. He’s a funny, opinionated, cool nerd who doesn’t quite have the hang of being a ghost. When I, Campbell (Bell) Olson, decided to run for eighth-grade president, I didn’t expect my opponent to be Will Tuffy, the most obnoxious boy at school. I especially didn’t expect the race to start with a dead rat on my doorstep! That was the easy part. From there, things got worse and my case went from being a mystery, to a dangerous trail of clues. This is my tale of the ghost, the rat, and me.?" Campbell Olson

My Thoughts: 

This was an interesting spin on mystery and paranormal.  When Bell finds out she is running for 8th grade president she is fighting a popular boy in school Will Tuffy.  To help her battle is her dead best friend Temple who has found a way to come back to Bell and help her.  The only problem is like most situations Temple can't impact her future no matter how much he wants to help her he is limited in his capacity.

It was fun to read that era of childhood and enjoy the angst that kids go through.  Trying to figure out the bad stuff and keep it clean.  Really a great young readers book!
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The Goddess Hunt by: Aimee Carter

Title: The Goddess Hunt
Author: Aimee Carter
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Pages: 92
Series: The Goddess Test #1.5
Format: ebook
Source: NetGalley

Description:

A vacation in Greece sounds like the perfect way for Kate Winters to spend her first sabbatical away from the Underworld...until she gets caught up in an immortal feud going back millennia. Castor and Pollux have been on the run from Zeus and Hades' wrath for centuries, hiding from the gods who hunt them. The last person they trust is Kate, the new Queen of the Underworld. Nevertheless, she is determined to help their cause. But when it comes to dealing with immortals, Kate still has a lot to learn....

My Thoughts:

Kate's time in the Underworld is up for 6 months she is on her vacation with James to Greece but before they get to settled James takes Kate and meets up with his brothers Castor and Pollux who are hiding under the alias of Lux and Casey.  They have been on the run for a long time.  When Lux went to Zeus to have his immortality split and shared with his brother he never dreamed that the twins would be separated with Castor living in the Underworld and Pollux residing on Olympus.  

Kate finds herself wanting to break this rule and help the brothers, she is sure in her theory that Henry would never want that for Persephone and uses that theory to challenge Zeus.  What a great mini book in between book 1 and 2.  Can't wait to see what happens next!

Next in the series is:

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Persephone by: Kaitlin Bevis

Title: Persephone
Author: Kaitlin Bevis
Publisher: Musa Publishing
Pages: 237
Series: Daughters of Zeus #1
Format: Kindle
Source: Author Requested Review

Description:


There are worse things than death, worse people too

The “talk” was bad enough, but how many teens get told that they’re a goddess? When her mom tells her, Persephone is sure her mother has lost her mind. It isn’t until Boreas, the god of winter, tries to abduct her that she realizes her mother was telling the truth. Hades rescues her, and in order to safely bring Persephone to the Underworld he marks her as his bride. But Boreas will stop at nothing to get Persephone. Despite her growing feelings for Hades, Persephone wants to return to the living realm. Persephone must find a way to defeat Boreas and reclaim her life.

My Thoughts:

This book was given to me by the author for a honest and fair review.

This book follows Persephone who is a typical teenage girl hanging out with her best friend Melissa.  The main difference is people talk about Persephone behind her back and everyone seems to stumble all over themselves in her presence.  

When Persephone finds ice approaching time and again freak winter conditions in Georgia Persephone finds something is a miss.  When she is attacked in her mother's store she finds out she is a goddess and that someone named Boreas is after her.  First Persephone tries to run to her friend Melissa but finds out that Melissa knew all along and ends up in a park where she is attacked by someone else, Hades takes her to the Underworld to protect her from Boreas, there she learns alot about Gods and Goddesses.  Where it is safe to go and unsafe to go.  And what happened when Hades brought her there and how she is now married to Hades for eternity.

This book reminds me of The Goddess Test Series by: Aimee Carter, and the relationship with Henry (Hades) and Kate Winters.  Definitely the same type of book and a great read for anyone who loves mythology in their stories.
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Thursday, March 7, 2013

Spell of Summoning by: Anna Abner

Title: Spell of Summoning
Author: Anna Abner
Publisher: Mild Red Books
Pages: 275
Format: ebook
Source: Author Request Review

Description:

Holden Clark walks into Rebecca Powell’s life, a tall, blue-eyed stranger who stirs long forgotten desires. But nothing, including this man, is what it seems. A dark necromancer is targeting Becca for a full-blown demonic possession. She is thrust into a world she never knew existed—a world where dark casters create chaos and necromancers talk to the dead.

Holden has no faith in his power. A necromancer, he communicates with the dead, but he has never embraced his gifts. Now, he has no choice but to stop the dark caster attacking Rebecca, but accepting this mission means he’ll be delving into dangerous magics he’s never used before.

Under the protection of the damaged and mysterious Holden, Rebecca will question everything …

My Thoughts:

This book starts out dragging you into a world with magic and demons and spells attached to Rebecca Powell and it's up to Holden to save her.  While Rebecca is very resistant to this idea, all she knows about magic is about how it's make believe and doesn't exist when Holden shows up she assumes he's some crazy stalker but there are things happening to her that she can't explain or even fathom.

I loved this book so much it was a great paranormal adventure with many twists and turns letting you wonder who is putting a spell on Becca.  I also loved the romance and watching Holden connect with Becca and the way he was able to set his Grams free.  Awesome job Ms. Abner did telling this story!


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The Chance by: Karen Kingsbury

Title: The Chance
Author: Karen Kingsbury
Publisher: Howard Books
Pages: 320
Format: Paperback ARC
Source: Howard Books Requested Review

Description:

Years ago, the day before Ellie moved from Georgia to California, she and her best friend Nolan sat beneath the Spanish moss of an ancient oak tree where they wrote letters to each other, and sealed them in a rusty old metal box. The plan was to return eleven years later and read them. But now, as that date arrives, much has changed. Ellie, bereft of the faith she grew up with, is a single mom living in a tired apartment trying to make ends meet. Sometimes she watches television to catch a glimpse of her old friend —Nolan, now an NBA star, whose terrible personal tragedies fueled his faith and athletic drive in equal measure. But Nolan also suffers from a transcendent loneliness that nothing has ever eased.

In their separate lives, as Ellie and Nolan move toward the possibility of a reunion at the oak tree, Kingsbury weaves a tale of heart-wrenching loss, the power of faith, and the wounds that only love can heal.

My Thoughts:

I received this book from Howard Books for a honest and fair review and received no monetary compensation for my thoughts on this story.

Early in this book Ellie Tucker's life falls apart when her mother has an affair and ends up pregnant.  Ellie's father Alan kicks out Caroline Ellie's mother and moves the family to San Diego which entails Ellie leaving her best friend Nolan Cook.  Which rips Ellie apart.  With so much distance between all four people it's a wonder how they will get reunited.  Ellie and Nolan at age 15 made a pact to go back to the park and read each others letter 11 years from then to see what they had to say and see how they felt.  

Ellie has had a hard life defying her father every time she turns and winds up pregnant and moves in with her friend.  Caroline has spent years writing letters to Ellie that have gone unanswered.  In the letter she expresses remorse about what drove Alan from Caroline's and Ellie's life.  Nolan Cook has everything he has worked for except one thing Ellie, he tries to find her to no avail.  This was a great romantic book that included some great insight from God.
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The Selection by: Kiera Cass

Title: The Selection
Author: Kiera Cass
Pages: 327
Publisher: Harper Teen
Series: The Selection #1

Description:

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. the opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

The America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself-- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

My thoughts:

Life is a beauty contest now, and in The Selection, which takes place in the future in a world quite different from ours, life's still a beauty contest. Marrying the prince to a girl from the crowd is one of their ways of keeping the peace. America doesn't want to do it, but her mother is so excited that she decides to. And, the love of her life (for now, at least) Aspen also thinks she should do it because she deserves a better life.

Most of the book is about what goes on when the 35 girls are 'competing' at the palace. You put a bunch of young girls in a confined space and show them a throphy, and you know what's going to happen. This is a quick, rather entertaining read, and America is a very likable character. So if you need a quick one, this might just be the book for you. I have no idea how the author came to name the girl America though, which I thought was a very unusual choice.

Also, as I type this, this series is being turned into a TV show.
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Monday, March 4, 2013

Princess April Morning-Glory by: Letitia Fairbanks





Title: Princess April Morning-Glory
Author: Letitia Fairbanks
Publisher: Sandramantos Publishing
Format: Paperback ARC
Source: Pump Up Your Book Promotions

Description:


At long last, Princess April Morning-Glory emerges as a lost treasure from the golden age of Hollywood.

Written and illustrated in 1941 by Letitia Fairbanks, the niece of silent film stars Douglas Fairbanks Sr. and Mary Pickford, the seemingly traditional children’s book is transformed into a modern-day fairy tale that will captivate child and adult readers alike.

Letitia Fairbanks
Letitia was inspired to create portraiture for the characters of Princess April Morning-Glory from film stars of the day. John Barrymore, and Letitia's cousin Douglas Fairbanks Jr., provided glamorous inspiration through their then-current films. The Wicked King's (Barrymore) costume was sparked by his role as Louis XV in Irving Thalberg's 1938 Marie Antoinette, while the hairstyle resembles his eponymous role in Archie Mayo's 1931 Svengali. Prince Chivalry was inspired by her cousin's (Fairbanks) sword-fighting role in David O. Selznick's 1937 The Prisoner of Zenda.

Viewed as unconventional when it first debuted – up until then, no one had thought to meld a Disney-like moral tale with a swashbuckling adventure – the story centers on the prescient acknowledgment that we create our destinies by the choices that we make.

The main narrative is focused around the brave and courageous Princess April who must first transcend darkness and evil before she can realize her true potential. Intrigued by the Great World and its sense of adventure, a young Princess April decides to abandon the familiarity of her home in Fairyland and undertake a voyage into the unknown. Once outside the Enchanted Forest, she finds comfort and friendship in the company of various creatures who ensure her safe passage.

But returning home proves more difficult than at first she realized. In order to go back to Fairyland, a friendly wizard informs Princess April that she must first accomplish three good deeds. Can Princess April resist the temptation of darker forces and summon enough courage to continue doing good deeds? And if she dares to hold true to herself, will it someday lead her back home again? 

Kellie Smoot Garrett
My Thoughts: 

Letitia Fairbanks has such a way with a beautiful story about Princess April and what her life was like along with her journey in the world to find things to do to help others without being subjected to evil that lurks everywhere.  I loved the illustrations and the nicely done text with the story it was amazing.  Anyone who reads about Princess April could find a few things in it to teach young ones and old ones.

One could take away that there is always a choice with everything you do.  Good and Bad, right and wrong and good and evil.  Sometimes to grow up we have to leave home, but one can usually go home again.  And the big one I think is to not grow up too fast.  

I am so impressed that Ms. Fairbanks step-daughter, Kellie Smoot Garrett was able to share the story of Princess April with everyone!  We all have a treasure with this book!
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Sunday, March 3, 2013

The Diva Paints The Town by: Krista Davis

Title: The Diva Paints The Town
Author: Krista Davis
Pages; 293
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime
Series: Domestic Diva #3

Description:

Color this Domestic Diva puzzled-from the national bestselling author.

When Sophie's neighbor-a reclusive professor-dies, his final wish is for the Domestic Diva to throw a dinner party in his honor, and he's planned everything down to the letter. But what no one planned for is the corpse of a student that Sophie finds in his house.

My Thoughts:

I find myself loving to delve into these cozy mysteries.  Sophie is up to her eyes in Rooms and Blooms showing off people's hard work, and then gets taken into a house contest for the late owner of her neighbor as they redo his house.  But murder is never far off, as one of the professor's students is murdered and keeps disappearing.

Add to it a cop murder, and the stakes are higher than normal.  It's up to Sophie and Nina to get to the bottom of murder gone crazy.  I just love coming back here and reading what everyone is up too.  Makes a great book to read when it's too chilly to do much else.
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