Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Review: A Charming Voodoo by: Tonya Kappes

Title: A Charming Voodoo
Author: Tonya Kappes
Publisher: Krew Publishing
Series; Magical Cure #10
Pages: 200
Format: e-book ARC
Source: Tonya Kappes Book Tour

Description:

Bubble. . . bubble. . .
Whispering Falls is abuzz with the new
housing development and new shops
popping up all over the magical
village right before the annual All
Hallow’s Eve celebration.

Cures and trouble. . .
June Heal’s intuition
is on high alert and she just can’t shake
that something bad is about to happen.

Magic stirs . . .
June finds Violet Draper standing over a dead body
In the new pumpkin patch hours before it’s supposed
to open for hayrides.

And trouble doubles . . .
Once again, June has to put her sleuthing skills to work
and figure out who the real killer is before the new
citizens pack up and move right back out of town.


My Thoughts:

This book follows June Heal whose back from her honeymoon with Oscar Park June has noticed alot of business appearing in their small town, along with non magical people moving into town as well.  Not long into this book we find everyone getting ready for All Hallows' Eve and Violet whose taking picture for the gallery stumbles upon a dead body Patty in the pumpkin patch.  Who wanted to kill Patty and why?  Was it a case of mixing Patty and his twin brother Patch up?  Was it a jealous boyfriend?  So many questions so little answers.  We also watch a relationship work itself out and new relationships begin.

I love reading this series as it really deals with magic and gifts, within the community you meet so many people of Whispering Falls, and the non magical who live in Lotus Grove.  Ms. Kappes has such a knack for story telling that pull you in wanting to know more while continuing the previous storylines.  I love Mr. Prince Charming such a cute cat with such attitude.  He's a true jem to the stories!  I can't wait to see what is next in this remarkable series!  Definitely a magical village with such treasured stories around every corner!

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Monday, September 19, 2016

Book Blast: Dandelion Dead by: Chrystle Fiedler

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Dandelion Dead by Chrystle Fiedler

DANDELION DEAD
Dandelion Dead: A Natural Remedies Mystery Cozy Mystery Pocket Books (September 27, 2016) Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages ISBN-13: 978-1476748931 E-Book ASIN: B00WRBQP22 goodreads-badge-add-plus

Synopsis

In a cozy mystery filled with natural cures and edible plants that you will love, an organic winery becomes the backdrop for murder! Fortunately, solving crimes comes naturally to charmingly unconventional amateur sleuth and holistic doctor, Willow McQuade, as she looks for clues that will reveal a killer’s true vintage.
Business is blooming at Nature’s Way Market & CafĂ©, and shop owner, holistic doctor, and amateur sleuth, Willow McQuade has never been happier. Her new medicinal herb garden is a hit, so is her new book, she’s in love with ex-cop and animal rescuer Jackson Spade, and enjoying teaching seminars about edible plants and natural remedies.
But everything changes when Willow’s old boyfriend and TV producer, Simon Lewis, winemaker David Farmer, and his wife Ivy, ask her to cater a party at Pure, their new organic vineyard, to kick off North Fork’s Uncorked! week and the competition for Wine Lovers magazine’s $200,000 prize. Pure’s entry, Falling Leaves, is the favorite to win, and the wine flows freely until after Simon’s toast when smiles give way to looks of horror. Ivy’s twin sister, Amy has been murdered! Turns out, the poison that killed her was actually meant for David. But who wants him dead? A rival vintner? Or someone closer to home? This time the truth may be a bitter vintage to swallow.
Chrystle-Fiedler-and-Wallander-her-Detective-Dachshund-11

About the Author

CHRYSTLE FIEDLER is a freelance journalist specializing in natural remedies, alternative medicine and holistic health and healing, and is the author of the Natural Remedies Mysteries series. Her many consumer magazine articles have appeared in USA Today’s Green Living, Natural Health, Remedy, Mother Earth Living, Spirituality & Health, and Prevention. She is also the author/co-author of seven non-fiction health titles including the Country Almanac of Home Remedies with herbalist Brigitte Mars, and The Compassionate Chick’s Guide to DIY Beauty with Vegan Beauty Review founder, Sunny Subramanian. Chrystle lives on the East End of Long Island, NY in a cozy cottage by the sea. Visit www.chrystlefiedlerwrites.com.
Author Links Website link: www.chrystlefiedlerwrites.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dandeliondeadbook/?fref=ts Twitter: @ChrystleFiedler GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3360187.Chrystle_Fiedler Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/chrystle123/dandelion-dead-a-natural-remedies-mystery/   Purchase Links: AmazonB&N - IndieBound

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Book Blast: Dandelion Dead by: Chrystle Fiedler

g-gif-update2 DANDELION DEAD BOOK BLAST large banner640

Dandelion Dead by Chrystle Fiedler

DANDELION DEAD
Dandelion Dead: A Natural Remedies Mystery Cozy Mystery Pocket Books (September 27, 2016) Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages ISBN-13: 978-1476748931 E-Book ASIN: B00WRBQP22 goodreads-badge-add-plus

Synopsis

In a cozy mystery filled with natural cures and edible plants that you will love, an organic winery becomes the backdrop for murder! Fortunately, solving crimes comes naturally to charmingly unconventional amateur sleuth and holistic doctor, Willow McQuade, as she looks for clues that will reveal a killer’s true vintage.
Business is blooming at Nature’s Way Market & CafĂ©, and shop owner, holistic doctor, and amateur sleuth, Willow McQuade has never been happier. Her new medicinal herb garden is a hit, so is her new book, she’s in love with ex-cop and animal rescuer Jackson Spade, and enjoying teaching seminars about edible plants and natural remedies.
But everything changes when Willow’s old boyfriend and TV producer, Simon Lewis, winemaker David Farmer, and his wife Ivy, ask her to cater a party at Pure, their new organic vineyard, to kick off North Fork’s Uncorked! week and the competition for Wine Lovers magazine’s $200,000 prize. Pure’s entry, Falling Leaves, is the favorite to win, and the wine flows freely until after Simon’s toast when smiles give way to looks of horror. Ivy’s twin sister, Amy has been murdered! Turns out, the poison that killed her was actually meant for David. But who wants him dead? A rival vintner? Or someone closer to home? This time the truth may be a bitter vintage to swallow.
Chrystle-Fiedler-and-Wallander-her-Detective-Dachshund-11

About the Author

CHRYSTLE FIEDLER is a freelance journalist specializing in natural remedies, alternative medicine and holistic health and healing, and is the author of the Natural Remedies Mysteries series. Her many consumer magazine articles have appeared in USA Today’s Green Living, Natural Health, Remedy, Mother Earth Living, Spirituality & Health, and Prevention. She is also the author/co-author of seven non-fiction health titles including the Country Almanac of Home Remedies with herbalist Brigitte Mars, and The Compassionate Chick’s Guide to DIY Beauty with Vegan Beauty Review founder, Sunny Subramanian. Chrystle lives on the East End of Long Island, NY in a cozy cottage by the sea. Visit www.chrystlefiedlerwrites.com.
Author Links Website link: www.chrystlefiedlerwrites.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dandeliondeadbook/?fref=ts Twitter: @ChrystleFiedler GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3360187.Chrystle_Fiedler Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/chrystle123/dandelion-dead-a-natural-remedies-mystery/   Purchase Links: AmazonB&N - IndieBound

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Sunday, September 18, 2016

Review: Death Among The Dollies by: Mollie Cox Bryan


Title: Death Among The Doilies
Author: Mollie Cox Bryan
Publisher: Kensington
Series: Cora Crafts Mystery #1
Pages: 320
Format: NetGalley e-book ARC
Source: GEBT & Kensington

Description:


For thirty-something blogger Cora Chevalier, small-town Indigo Gap, North Carolina, seems like the perfect place to reinvent her life. Shedding a stressful past as a counselor for a women’s shelter, Cora is pouring all her talents—and most of her savings—into a craft retreat business, with help from close pal and resident potter Jane Starr. Between transforming her Victorian estate into a crafter’s paradise and babysitting Jane’s daughter, the new entrepreneur has no time for distractions. Especially rumors about the murder of a local school librarian . . .


But when Jane’s fingerprints match those found at the grisly crime scene, Cora not only worries about her friend, but her own reputation. With angry townsfolk eager for justice and both Jane’s innocence and the retreat at risk, she must rely on her creative chops to unlace the truth behind the beloved librarian’s disturbing demise. Because if the killer’s patterns aren’t pinned, Cora’s handiwork could end up in stitches . . .


My Thoughts:

Cora Chevalier lives in small town Indigo Gap, working on setting up a retreat for crafters, not long into this her roommate Jane Starr who winds up in deep trouble when a librarian winds up dead two weeks prior and Jane's prints are at the scene now Jane has to defend herself, will the town boycott her or believe her?  Will Jane's past with her husband Neil be a problem that keeps haunting Jane or will Jane be stuck in her past forever? It doesn't take long before the town finds out Jane is a person of interest but what is her connection to the school librarian?

This book was full of so much you learn in this what Jane had gone through with her ex-husband and the choices she made along with learning about the librarian Sarah Waters and her family and their issues.  With so much going on and that to the retreat going on and Cora and Jane re-evaluating the type of people they allow at the retreat.  I really enjoyed it and found it a different change from the food themed cozies out there I often find the ones pertaining to crafts, sewing etc are so much fun as you learn about the characters passions and who prefers what type of craft.  Can't wait to see what is next for Cora, Ruby, Jane and Landon Jane's young daughter!


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Saturday, September 17, 2016

Interview with Cassidy Salem author Dying For Data


What genre do you write?
I write cozy mysteries with elements of romantic suspense.

How did you come to write (said) genre?
I enjoy all kinds of crime fiction, including traditional mysteries, police procedurals, and cozies. Cozies are fun and usually entertaining. I enjoy trying to follow the plots set forth by other writers in hopes of identifying the culprit. And they are typically light and enjoyable reads.  Because I enjoy reading them, I decided to try my hand at creating my own.

Who is your favorite character to write about?
At this point in the series, I’d have to say Adina Donati. Adina is smart and talented, and kind. She has an independent spirit, but is willing to accept help from others.

Who inspires your books?
No one in particular, though this series does draw a bit on my personal experiences. I knew I wanted to write a cozy mystery and that I wanted it to be in a “new” setting. After graduating from college, I worked in two different think tanks, one of them in D.C. When I decided to try my hand at writing, I wanted to create a mystery centered around a character that I could identify with, in a setting and job that would hopefully ring true.

What do you do when you’re not writing?
Phew. Finally, an easy question.  I love music, almost all kinds of music. And I love to sing and go dancing with my husband regularly.

If you were stuck on a deserted island what three things would you take?
1.    A wonderful man who knows how to make and fix things - my husband.
2.    My Kindle, filled to maximum capacity with great books.

3.    A self-renewing supply of chocolate. (I know there’s no such thing but there should be!)

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Review: The Champagne Conspiracy by: Ellen Crosby

Title: The Champagne Conspiracy
Author: Ellen Crosby
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Series: Wine Country Mysteries #7
Pages: 368
Format: NetGalley e-book
Source: NetGalley

Description:

Winter has come to the Montgomery Estate Vineyard in Atoka, Virginia. Lucie Montgomery and winemaker Quinn Santori have decided to make champagne, a first for the vineyard.

But then Gino Tomassi, Quinn’s uncle, turns up on their doorstep one afternoon, demanding help in solving the mystery of what happened to Zara Tomassi, the first wife of his grandfather, who died in a San Francisco hotel in 1923 under suspicious circumstances. And it seems there’s no coincidence that her death came the day after President Warren Harding passed away in that same hotel. Gino needs answers before his blackmailer takes him for all he’s worth―or exposes an explosive family secret.

Lucie searches for what happened almost a hundred years ago as she delves into Prohibition-era Washington, D.C.―a town of bootlegging and duplicity, jazz clubs and speakeasies. But then the investigation turns deadly, threatening Lucie, her relationship with Quinn, and the vineyard, as they realize someone is still out there nearly a century later who will go to any lengths to keep the truth about Zara’s death a buried secret.


My Thoughts:

This book all begins with a dress found by Lucie Montgomery in her attic from the era of the roaring twenties.  After trying on the dress and finding it fit perfectly an idea is formed to have a roaring twenties themed party called "Anything Goes" much like the parties held by Jay Gatsby in the Great Gatsby.

The next morning Quinn and Lucie get a visit from a cousin of Quinn's whose being blackmailed about a long held secret within the Tomassi family whose know for having a vineyard in California and supplying wine to the White House during prohibition.  Gino Tomassi asks Quinn and Lucie to look into who is blackmailing him and find out if Zara Tomassi his grandfather's first wife who died mysteriously had her child or lost it and what really happened?  Was Zara murdered and what happened to the baby?

This book brought in all sorts of people within the town and also showed alot of history with the roaring twenties, even involving President Warren Harding and some of it before he was the President.  I really enjoyed this book learning the history of Lucie's family and Zara and what happened it was incredible that the author was able to tell the story so clearly that you thought you were there during that time frame!  I really loved the wine series can't wait to see what is next!
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Monday, September 12, 2016

Review: Tagged For Death by: Sherry Harris

Title: Tagged For Death
Author: Sherry Harris
Publisher: Kensington
Series: Sarah Winston Garage Sale Mystery #1
Pages: 304
Format: Kindle e-book
Source: Personal Purchase

Description:

Starting your life over at age thirty-eight isn't easy, but that's what Sarah Winston finds herself facing when her husband CJ runs off with a 19-year-old temptress named Tiffany. Sarah's self-prescribed therapy happily involves hitting all the garage and tag sales in and around her small town of Ellington, Massachusetts. If only she could turn her love for bargain hunting into a full-time career.

One man's junk is another man's treasure

But after returning from a particularly successful day searching for yard sale treasures, Sarah finds a grisly surprise in one of her bags: a freshly bloodied shirt…that undoubtedly belongs to her ex, CJ, who now happens to be Ellington's chief of police. If that's not bad enough, it seems Tiffany has gone missing. Now it's up to Sarah to prove that her cold-hearted ex is not a cold-blooded killer…

But finding that treasure can be murder.

 My Thoughts: 

This book follows Sarah Winston whose trying to move on after her husband had an affair with a young girl Tiffany.  Sarah finds in hard to move on when she gets dragged back into CJ's world when the girl he slept with disappeared and Sarah finds bloody clothes in a bag in her car.  CJ seems to be in a world of trouble but did he have anything to do with what is happening to Tiffany?

I enjoyed this book so much I loved what Sarah's career turned into helping people set up yard sales and tag items.  Then the fact that Sarah keeps getting brought to CJ's world where people have drawn lines in the sand on who they supported during the divorce.  The biggest question everyone seems to ask is when is Sarah leaving  permanently?  This book just keeps bring you in and wondering if CJ or Sarah is guilty of something sinister!  Next up in the series is: 


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Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Review: Last Kiss of Summer by: Marina Adair

Title: Last Kiss of Summer
Author: Marina Adair
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Series: Destiny Bay #1
Pages: 384
Format: Paperback ARC
Source: NetGalley

Description:

 He's one bad apple she just can't resist . . .
Kennedy Sinclair never dreamed she'd own a pie shop and an orchard in a small town like Destiny Bay. But nestled between the mountains and the Pacific Ocean, it's the perfect place to cross something off her "Life's short so eat the icing first" list and start her life over from scratch. Her shop, Sweetie Pies, is famous for its hot, flaky apple turnovers and sinfully delicious deep dish pie. For Kennedy though, nothing is more enticing than the tall, strapping slice of temptation who keeps coming back for more.

Luke Callahan is determined to make his hard cider business a success. With his beloved father's cider recipe and the opportunity of a lifetime in his grasp, he'll stop at nothing to get this deal done. There's just one catch: he needs Kennedy's apples. At first, he thinks it'll be as easy as pie to charm those apples right off her trees. But Kennedy isn't falling for his tender charms or his wicked ways. When the negotiations start heating up, so do the feelings they have for each other. And it takes just one kiss to seal the deal . . .

My Thoughts:

When Kennedy Sinclair finds her fiance playing tango with a dance instructor Kenndy packs her stuff and heads to her home where her grandmother lives.  Her grandmother convinces Kennedy to take a deal of a lifetime owning her own pie shop and relocating to Destiny Bay.  When Kennedy gets there she learns that not everything is what it seemed and now Kennedy has a make it or break it type situation.

Kennedy also meets Luke Callahan whose been away and is working on making his business of hard cider a success what Luke didn't count on was the cute pie shop owner owning the apples he needs.  Of course that doesn't stop Luke from falling for Kennedy.  Will the second time with romance be the charm for Kennedy?

I love reading about Destiny Bay and learning about Luke, his mother Paula and his aunt Fi.  Paula and Fi are spunky and in alot of ways really blunt and to the point They teach Kennedy everything they can including what helps pie be so great.  I can see alot of this series being as great as Sherryl Woods, Robyn Carr and many others such a great small town romance!


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Review: Pumpkins in Paradise by: Kathi Daley


Title: Pumpkins in Paradise
Author: Kathi Daley
Publisher: Henery Press
Series: Tj Jensen Paradise Lake Mystery #1
Pages: 215
Format: e-book ARC
Source:  GEBT & NetGalley

Description:

Between volunteering for the annual pumpkin festival and coaching her girls to the state soccer finals, high school teacher Tj Jensen finds her good friend Zachary Collins dead in his favorite chair. When the handsome new deputy closes the case without so much as a “why” or “how,” Tj turns her attention from chili cook-offs and pumpkin carving to complex puzzles, prophetic riddles, and a decades-old secret she seems destined to unravel. 

My Thoughts:

This book follows Tj Jensen whose been raising her sisters living with her father and grandfather and goes to visit her good friend Zachary Collins only to find him dead.  The police along with the new deputy are quick to close the case but Tj isn't too sure something isn't smelling foul.  Inbetween getting ready for Halloween and doing cook offs and figuring out a mysterious present Zachary left for her.  

This book was a great and interesting adventure with lots of questions leading up to what happened to Zachary and whether Tj can solve the crime which leads to old secrets which in a mystery can be a great thing.  Can't wait to see what is next for Tj Hansen and her family and friends!
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Review: Mud Bog Murder by: Lesley A. Diehl


Title: Mud Bog Murder
Author: Lesley A. Diehl
Publisher: Camel Press
Series: An Eve Appel Mystery #4
Pages: 231
Format: NetGalley e-book
Source: GEBT

Description:

When Jenny McCleary leases her property to be ravaged by the annual mud bog races, the small rural town of Sabal Bay, Florida, is divided into warring camps: environmental activists versus monster truck fans. Jenny, who frequents the consignment store owned by Eve Appel and her friend Madeleine, doesn’t seem to mind when Eve and Madeleine join the protesters the day of the races. During the race, Eve catches Jenny’s airborne head after it is tossed into the air by the wheels of a truck. Now every protester is a suspect in Jenny’s murder. What’s left of her alligator-gnawed body is found near the airboat business of Eve’s Miccosukee Indian friends, Sammy Egret and his grandfather. When more evidence turns up nearby, Grandfather is arrested. Even without the disembodied head, Eve has her hands full. The town resents her role in the protests and is boycotting the consignment shop on wheels. She is torn between two men—GQ-handsome, devoted PI Alex and tall, dark, and exotic Sammy. Jenny’s sweet and needy teenage daughter is dating a petty criminal. Will Eve and Madeleine ever be able to move into their new digs? Not unless the town forgives them. And not if whoever decapitated Jenny gets to Eve before she and her sleuthing buddies solve the mystery. Book 4 in the Eve Appel Mystery series.

My Thoughts: 

This book follows Eve Appel and her business associate Madeline as they are working in their second hand thrift business and are also protesting Mud Bog Racing.  Lately Madeline has been with "flu like symptoms" when during the protesting Eve catches a head of Jenny someone who shopped in her second hand thrift stores.  Eve feels compeled to helped Jenny's daughter anyway she can.  Meanwhile she is also working on her store and finding out whether people will boycott her due to her protesting.

I love Eve and her friends and familyMs. Diehl write such great stories with characters so full of life.  Not hollow characters, Eve seems to have many levels to her.  I loved following their journey in this story to see where it will head!  This book offered so much great friends tons of mystery and Eve on lots of adventures.  I can't wait to see where Ms. Diehl takes up next!

GIVEAWAY TIME:


Tour Schedule: 

September 1 – Brooke Blogs – CHARACTER GUEST POST
September 2 – Bibliophile Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
September 3 – Mallory Heart’s Cozies – REVIEW
September 4 – Cozy Up With Kathy – INTERVIEW
September 5 – Shelley’s Book Case – REVIEW, GUEST POST
September 7 – Community Bookstop – REVIEW
September 8 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT
September 9 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST
September 10 – StoreyBook Reviews – GUEST POST
September 11 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT
September 12 – Island Confidential – INTERVIEW
September 13 – fuonlyknew – REVIEW
September 14 – Author Annette Drake’s blog – SPOTLIGHT

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