Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Review: American Pop by: Snowden Wright

Title: American Pop
Author: Snowden Wright
Publisher: William Morrow
Pages: 400
Format: Hardcover
Source: Library

Description:

The story of a family. The story of an empire. The story of a nation.

Moving from Mississippi to Paris to New York and back again, a saga of family, ambition, passion, and tragedy that brings to life one unforgettable Southern dynasty—the Forsters, founders of the world’s first major soft-drink company—against the backdrop of more than a century of American cultural history.

The child of immigrants, Houghton Forster has always wanted more—from his time as a young boy in Mississippi, working twelve-hour days at his father’s drugstore; to the moment he first laid eyes on his future wife, Annabelle Teague, a true Southern belle of aristocratic lineage; to his invention of the delicious fizzy drink that would transform him from tiller boy into the founder of an empire, the Panola Cola Company, and entice a youthful, enterprising nation entering a hopeful new age.

Now the heads of a preeminent American family spoken about in the same breath as the Hearsts and the Rockefellers, Houghton and Annabelle raise their four children with the expectation they’ll one day become world leaders. The burden of greatness falls early on eldest son Montgomery, a handsome and successful politician who has never recovered from the horrors and heartbreak of the Great War. His younger siblings Ramsey and Lance, known as the “infernal twins,” are rivals not only in wit and beauty, but in their utter carelessness with the lives and hearts of others. Their brother Harold, as gentle and caring as the twins can be cruel, is slowed by a mental disability—and later generations seem equally plagued by misfortune, forcing Houghton to seriously consider who should control the company after he’s gone.

An irresistible tour de force of original storytelling, American Pop blends fact and fiction, the mundane and the mythical, and utilizes techniques of historical reportage to capture how, in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s words, “families are always rising and falling in America,” and to explore the many ways in which nostalgia can manipulate cultural memory—and the stories we choose to tell about ourselves.

My Thoughts: 

This book follows the Panola Cola Company Forster family.  They have developed a soda pop that sells and goes worldwide.  What goes on within the family is all sorts of drama.  Will the Forster's reign for years or will they fail?

This book was great and read like Dallas or Dynasty.  There are secrets and big ones at that.  The siblings all have their own issues.  They want to succeed but success isn't always easy.  Their father has his hands full trying to figure out who will run the company when he no longer can.  Each child of his thinks it will be them but in the end it's someone else entirely.  

I loved the writing of historical events mixed in with fiction and reminds me of books like Gone with the Wind, or Saving CeeCee Honeycutt.  It's definitely worth checking out and can't wait to see what Mr. Wright pens next!
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Thursday, June 20, 2019

Book Tour: Jackson by: Emily March


Title: Jackson
Author: Emily March
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperback
Series: Eternity Springs: The McBrides of Texas Trilogy #1, Eternity Springs #16
Pages: 320
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

Description:

From New York Times bestselling author Emily March comes Jackson, the newest novel in the critically acclaimed Eternity Springs series. 

Sometimes it takes a new beginning 
Caroline Carruthers thinks she buried her dreams along with the love of her life…until a stranger named Celeste dares her to chase a dream all on her own. Moving to Redemption, Texas, is chapter one in Caroline’s new life story. Opening a bookstore is the next. Finding love is the last thing on her mind as she settles into this new place called home. But when she meets a handsome, soulful man who’s also starting over, all bets are off. 

to reach a happily-ever-after 

Jackson McBride came to Redemption looking only to find himself, not someone to love. Ever since his marriage ended, he’s been bitter. Sure, he used to believe in love—he even has the old song lyrics to prove it—but the Jackson of today is all business. That is, until a beautiful young widow who’s moved to town inspires a change of heart. Could it be that the myth of Redemption’s healing magic is true…and Jackson and Caroline can find a second chance at a happy ending after all?

“A brilliant writer you’ll love creates a world you’ll never want to leave.”—Susan Mallery, New York Times bestselling author 

My Thoughts:

This book follows Jackson and Caroline who seem to be at a crossroads in life.  Jackson helping rebuild a family property after a messy divorce and custody situation.  The last thing he's looking for is love.  Caroline is dealing with her husband whose got severe medical issues and is dying.  When he dies it's up to Caroline to figure out what she wants in life which seems to lead her to Redemption, Texas. 

When these two meet the sparks are there if the two can get past their issues.  What starts out as harmless flirting soon really heats up.  It seems Redemption is good for the soul.  Even when emergencies lead Jackson to Las Vegas and he has to decide when he gets back what he really wants and how to achieve it!

I really enjoy this series watching as Caroline and Jackson go around each other as they decide where their life will lead.  It was totally worth reading this series.  The author really knows how to spin a tale on second choices and moving on.  Can't wait to see what is next in the series!

GIVEAWAY:

I have one copy to giveaway to lucky USA resident I just need you to comment below what your favorite chic lit authors are?  Also be sure to include your email address.  You don't need to put dot and at just put jsmith@email.com.  Good luck to everyone who enters!

1.  You wrote a book! That’s pretty awesome. Why don’t you tell us a bit about what inspired Jackson and the rest of the books in the Eternity Springs world? 

The saying “Write what you know” says it all in my case. I’m a small-town girl and my family and friendships are center to my world. I write about love and family and friendships. I have roots in both the Colorado Rockies and the Texas Hill Country, so it was natural for me to set Eternity Springs and Redemption there. The idea for JACKSON grew out of my interest in the music currently being written and performed in Texas. I’ve always thought singer/songwriters are romantic figures so I was excited to create a hero with this background. Unfortunately, I’m not a musician and I’m definitely not a singer, but I am creative so it was fun for me to explore that aspect of a character. 

2.  Introduce us to your main character! 

Okay. Well, Americana singer/songwriter Jackson McBride is a bit damaged when the book begins. His famous, talented and wealthy ex has won a custody battle that severely limits his access to his six-year-old daughter, so Jackson goes home to the Texas Hill Country to nurse his broken heart. He finds solace in Enchanted Canyon hiking the trails with the dog he rescues and working to bring a historic dance hall back to life. The last thing he expects is to find love again with a woman whose heart is as battered as his own.

3.  Walk us through a day in the life of Emily March.

Ready to be bored? Now that my daughter’s and niece’s weddings are behind me—they consumed me for months—I’m boring and happy about it. I split my time between Fort Worth where we have a condo downtown in a 1930’s passenger train station and our lake house in the Texas Hill Country. I recently gave up my office in town because I’m spending more and more time at the lake. My husband also offices out of our condo, so on days when we are both working in town, I’ve started riding the new TexRail train that runs from our building to DFW airport. It’s quiet and comfortable and I don’t have Internet to distract me. And at $5 a day, it’s much cheaper than office rent. :) When I’m at the lake I’m either working or doing yard work. My new favorite toy is my power washer. 

4. Lots of aspiring authors out there. Any advice for them?

I’ve always thought that one of the most important things you can do for your writing is to read. And read. And read some more. Read across genres. You absorb so much about pacing and plotting and character development when you read. Plus, you get to READ! :)

5. How is the Jackson trilogy different than your other series? 

I don’t think it’s necessarily different from the rest of the Eternity Springs series. I write about love and family and friendship—that doesn’t change. Readers will still see old friends from Eternity Springs and a few scenes in JACKSON are set in Colorado. What’s new is we get to spend some time in the Texas Hill Country and meet a few new characters—Celeste’s cousin, Angelica, for example. 

6.  I know asking someone’s all-time favorite book is a loaded question so what’s your current favorite read?

I’m a big fan of Patricia Brigg’s Mercy Thompson series and I’m reading her latest right now, STORM CURSED.

7. Alright, the ultimate question: why should we read your book? 

My goals as a writer are to touch a reader’s heart, to entertain her and make her laugh, to maybe cry a little and sigh with satisfaction upon reaching the end. With JACKSON, I believe I’ve achieved those goals.

8. Describe yourself in 3 words. 

Family. Family. Family. :)

9. What is your most embarrassing memory? 

Walking out of the junior high school cafeteria in seventh grade, not realizing that my very short dress—it was the 70’s—had gotten hung up in my underwear and I inadvertently flashed my rear end to the entire cafeteria—including the tables where the football players sat. Thinking about it even today gives me the hives.

10. Favorite quote or scene you wrote in JACKSON? 

I love the ending.  Jackson is a songwriter who has lost his music and when he finds it again…the song he sings to Caroline…just makes me melt.

11. What is one piece of advice you would tell everyone?

Call your mother.

12.  What inspired you to become a writer? 

I’ve always loved to read, so that is part of it, but my father was my primary inspiration. He was a fabulous storyteller. I grew up sitting at his feet and listening to him tell stories about his youth and his experiences in Europe during World War II. Listening to him tell his stories was my favorite thing to do. I didn’t inherit his talent for verbal storytelling, but I think I learned from him how to tell a good story on the page.

13. Do you have any interesting writing quirks or habits?

Like I mentioned before, I’m pretty boring. My perks and habits are always evolving. The train writing thing is new for me. I usually write on a laptop and edit on a desktop. I listen to movie soundtracks when I write and always finish a book with The Last of the Mohicans.

14. What has been one of the most surprising things you’ve learned as a published author?

I’m always a little surprised and honored that readers are excited to meet me. Like I said…I’m a boring person.

15. What is your favorite state to visit? 

Colorado, of course, because I must keep returning to Eternity Springs. :)

16. What are hobbies or interests do you have? 

We are lake people, so I love waterskiing and boating and fishing. As I write this we’ve just finished Memorial Day weekend at the lake, so I sort of feel like chief cook and sheet-and-towel washer, too. I love, love, love hosting big holiday gatherings of family and friends at the lake house, but I will admit I do tire of the mountain of laundry in the aftermath. 

17. Can you tell us about what’s coming up next after this for you writing wise? 

I’m writing Tucker’s story. Fun fact for this—as part of my research I attended a survivalist training school for a weekend. I searched long and hard to find one where I could return to town to spend the night in a comfy hotel rather than sleep on the ground—I’m only willing to go so far for my art. I did learn to start a friction fire, though, something I’me VERY proud of. :)

18. How can readers connect with you online?

My website is www.emilymarch.com. I’m active on Facebook. My Facebook page is www.facebook.com/emilymarchbooks. You can also reach me by email at emily@emilymarch.com.

Sunday, June 16, 2019

Review: The Diva Sweetens The Pie by: Krista Davis

Title: The Diva Sweetens The Pie
Author: Krista Davis
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime
Series: Domestic Diva #12
Format: Audiobook
Length: 8 hours 51 minutes
Source: Library

Description:

In New York Times bestselling author Krista Davis’s new Domestic Diva mystery, Old Town’s annual Pie Festival crumbles into chaos after a celebrity judge is murdered, leaving it up to entertaining maven and sometime-sleuth Sophie Winston to dole out justice . . .

Nothing heats up Old Town quite like the annual Pie Festival, and this year is no exception, especially since Sophie’s professional rival, Natasha Smith, is barred from participating. Sophie, meanwhile, has been asked to oversee the pie eating contest. But the drama really rolls out when celebrity judge, Patsy Lee Presley, host of television’s most popular cooking show, bites the crust during the competition, and Sophie’s friends are suspected of the crime. 

As the folks of Old Town dish, the tough truth about Patsy’s meteoric rise to domestic stardom begins to leak. It turns out that Patsy’s sweet exterior hid a secret sour side, which alienated many of her closest allies, including a jilted ex-husband, a bitter ex-mentor, and a jaded ex-best friend. With the festival falling apart, and her friends in danger of being boxed up for murder, Sophie must cobble together the clues and stop a flakey fiend from serving up any more deadly desserts.

Includes delicious recipes and entertaining tips!

My Thoughts: 

This book follows Sophie Winston and her friends as the get ready for a pie contest.  During the competition a famous cooking show star Patsy Lee Presley winds up falling into a table holding pie's for a competition.  Who killed Patsy Lee and why?  Was it an ex-mentor or ex-husband or an angry friend?  Or someone else entirely?

When a young, child Aly Stokes contacts Sophie and Nina asking for help for her mom whose sitting in jail convicted of a murder.  Did she kill her boss or was it someone else and why?   Will Sophie and Nina be able to save the young girl's mother or is it too late?

When all attention gets brought to Sophie her firends circle her trying to help figure out who killed Patsy Lee and when Alex gets beaten up badly the pressure is on them to prove that Sophie didn't commit any crime.  Will they unflake the murderer or will Sophie wind up in the slammer?

I love the Domestic Diva series.  Ms. Davis really hits on something with her Old Town.  You feel like your with everyone.  The book captures your attention and won't let go until the story is solved!
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Friday, June 14, 2019

Review: Deco Dames, Demon Rum and Death by: Ellen Mansoor Collier

Title: Deco Dames, Demon Run and Death
Author: Ellen Mansoor Collier
Publisher: Decodame Press
Series: A Jazz Age Mystery #5
Pages: 251
Format: e-book

Purchase Links:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble 





 Description:

When Galveston Gazette society reporter Jazz Cross hears rumors of grave robbers at the Broadway Cemetery, she and photographer Nathan Blaine investigate, hoping to land a scoop. The ambitious young newshawks witness meetings held by clandestine gangs and enlist her beau, Prohibition Agent James Burton, to help capture the hoods red-handed.

Meanwhile, the supernatural craze takes Galveston by storm, and Jazz is assigned to profile the society set’s favorite fortune teller, Madame Farushka. Sightings of a ghost bride haunting the Hotel Galvez intrigue Jazz, who sets up a Ouija board reading and séance with the spiritualist. Did the bride-to-be drown herself—or was she murdered?

Luckily, Sammy Cook, her black-sheep half-brother, has escaped the Downtown Gang and works at the Hollywood Dinner Club, owned by rival Beach Gang leaders. During a booze bust, the Downtown Gang's mob boss, Johnny Jack Nounes, is caught and Jazz worries: will Sammy be forced to testify? 

Worse, when a trial witness is killed, Sammy is framed and Jazz must solve the murder to help clear his name. As the turf war between rival gangs rages on, Jazz relies on her wits and moxie to rescue her brother and pals before the Downtown Gang exacts its revenge.

My Thoughts: 

I love this series it offers so much a look at Galveston's history and how dangerous it was back then.  In this book Jazz and her photographer friend Nathan are found investigating cemetery's trying to find out whose grave robbing.  Which leads to more questions than actual answers.

Also she is looking into a ghost bride haunting the Hotel Galvez.  Lily a guest at the hotel has called on Jazz to investigate the ghost bride and find out what she wants.  Which leads Jazz to a fortune teller.  After seeing her once Jazz is far from sold on the whole fortune telling.  

When a witness is murdered Jazz tries to tell her beau Agent Burton about what is going on but with no corpse it's hard to investigate.  Who killed the witness and why?  Was it a gang over something he might spill or was it a cop whoever it was definitely was hiding something.The big question being what?

This series is great but I think to truly enjoy it you have to back to the first book in the series.  Jazz and Sammie and even Agent Burton have come a long way.  These books bring you back to an era where things were totally different then they are today! 

We also get to see some relationships grow and mature.  Which was nice to see the various couples and what they are up to.  I know if I ever need to go back to Galveston this series will be waiting for me!  Ms. Collier has really hit on something great and is definitely the bees knees for all those who love the 1920's and great mysteries!

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Tuesday, June 11, 2019

Book Spotlight: The Summer of Sunshine and Margot by: Susan Mallery

Title: The Summer of Sunshine and Margot
Author: Susan Mallery
Publisher: HQN
Pages: 368

Purchase Links:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | GooglePlay

Description:

The Baxter sisters come from a long line of women with disastrous luck in love. But this summer, Sunshine and Margot will turn disasters into destiny…

As an etiquette coach, Margot teaches her clients to fit in. But she’s never faced a client like Bianca, an aging movie star who gained fame—and notoriety—through a campaign of shock and awe. Schooling Bianca on the fine art of behaving like a proper diplomat’s wife requires intensive lessons, forcing Margot to move into the monastery turned mansion owned by the actress’s intensely private son. Like his incredible home, Alec’s stony exterior hides secret depths Margot would love to explore. But will he trust her enough to let her in?

Sunshine has always been the good-time sister, abandoning jobs to chase after guys who used her, then threw her away. No more. She refuses to be “that girl” again. This time, she’ll finish college, dedicate herself to her job as a nanny, and she 100 percent will not screw up her life again by falling for the wrong guy. Especially not the tempting single dad who also happens to be her boss.

Master storyteller Susan Mallery weaves threads of family drama, humor, romance and a wish-you-were-there setting into one of the most satisfying books of the year!

Book Spotlight: The Summer on Mirror Lake by: JoAnn Ross

Title The Summer on Mirror Lake
Author: JoAnn Ross
Publisher: HQN Books
Series: Honeymoon Harbor #3
Pages: 384

Purchase Links:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | GooglePlay

Description:

Summertime is the best time to lose yourself in the romance of Honeymoon Harbor…

When he lands in the emergency room after collapsing at the funeral of a colleague and friend, Wall Street hotshot Gabriel Mannion initially rejects the diagnosis of an anxiety attack. But when warned that if he doesn’t change his adrenaline-fueled, workaholic lifestyle he could end up like his friend, Gabe reluctantly returns to his hometown of Honeymoon Harbor to regroup.

As he adjusts to the sight of mountains instead of skyscrapers, Gabe discovers advantages to this small Pacific Northwest town he once couldn’t wait to escape. But it’s irresistible librarian Chelsea Prescott who, along with the two foster children she’s taken under her wing, makes slowing down seem like the best prescription ever.

Over the course of their summer romance, Gabe gets a taste of the life he might have had if he’d taken a different path. But with his return to New York City looming on the horizon, he’ll have to choose between the success he’s worked tirelessly for and a ready-made family who offers a very different, richly rewarding future…if he’ll only take the risk.

Friday, June 7, 2019

Book Spotlight: Killer Focus by: Victoria L.K. Williams

Title: Killer Focus
Author: Victoria L.K. Williams
Publisher: Sun, Sand & Stories Publishing LLC
Series: Mrs. Avery's Adventures, #1
Pages: 122

Purchase Links:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Google Play

Description:

When Piper was taking photos in town and noticed a small argument occurring she decided to take a picture of it just in case. Little did she know this decision would be what sets her on the path to try and find this man's murderer.

Author Bio:
Cozy Mysteries with a Tropical Twist

Victoria writes what she likes to call Cozy Mysteries with a Tropical Twist. Her series are set in small south Florida towns, with fun characters and a dog/cat or two. She also has one series that is paranormal cozy and the plans for a second. 

Victoria can often be found writing from her south Florida home, looking into her garden, watching the birds and squirrels fight over their next meal, while she writes. Her two cats, Miss Marple, and Fletch, often join her at the desk and each has their assigned spot. Victoria's not sure they are there to supervise her writing or watch the birds.

Victoria and her husband of 35 years share a love of gardening, and together they have written a gardening handbook for Florida gardeners.

The Williams are now empty-nesters, giving  Victoria plenty of time to dream up the next story.
Until then, you can read any of her current titles in the Citrus Beach Mystery series, Sister Station series and Storm Voices series. And Mrs. Avery's Adventures series.

Wednesday, June 5, 2019

Review: Murder She Wrote: Murder in Red by: Jessica Fletcher & Jon Land

Title: Murder She Wrote: Murder in Red
Author: Jessica Fletcher & Jon Land
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime
Series: Murder She Wrote #49
Pages: 320
Format: ARC
Source: NetGalley

Description:

In the latest entry in this USA Today bestselling series, Jessica loses a loved one to unnatural causes and sets her sights on the mysterious local hospital before more people wind up dead on arrival...

Jessica Fletcher's favorite gin rummy partner, Mimi Van Dorn, checks into the brand-new Clifton Care Partners, a private hospital that's just opened up shop in town, for a simple procedure--one that leads tragically, and inexplicably, to her death. Seeking justice in her inimitable fashion, Jessica decides to pursue her own investigation on the hospital and its shadowy business dealings.

On the trail of what initially appears to be medical malpractice, Jessica digs deeper and learns her friend was actually a victim of something far more sinister. Death is bad for business, but murder is even worse, and Jessica will find plenty of both as she races to bring down Clifton Care Partners before someone else flatlines...

My Thoughts: 

Jessica is back in Cabot Cove attending a funeral of the librarian who died.  When her friend Mimi is almost run over Jessica rushes to save her only to have her friend fall into a coma.  While at the funeral it is revealed that many of Seth's patients have been using a new company called Clifton Care Partners.  Which has Seth despondent and contemplating retiring.  When Mimi winds up dead the next day, Jessica has trouble buying what happened!

It isn't long before Jessica learns that George is in town seeking medical treatment from the same clinic.  Last time we saw George it was a Thanksgiving at Jessica's.  Jessica is still back to her tricks of sneaking around trying to find out who killed Mimi and why?  Could it have been an ex-husband or someone out to silence her for another reason?  

As Jessica digs in she finds she knows little about her friend.  She wonders if she ever knew Mimi.  The secrets Mimi holds are deep and shock Jessica and take her from Cabot Cove to Washington D.C. to Rhode Island.  What I love about this series is the various people we see.  Anyone from George to Seth to Harry McGraw it was such fun to go on a ride with Jessica and see where it ends up and we get to learn more about Frank and how he died.  Can't wait to see what the future holds for Jessica!
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Tuesday, June 4, 2019

Book Spotlight: The Book Supremacy by: Kate Carlisle

Title: The Book Supremacy
Author: Kate Carlisle
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime
Series: Bibliophile Mystery #13
Pages: 288

Purchase Links:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Google Play

Description:

 In the latest in this New York Times bestselling series, San Francisco book-restoration expert Brooklyn Wainwright investigates a mysterious spy novel linked to a string of murders...

Newlyweds Brooklyn and Derek are enjoying the final days of their honeymoon in Paris. As they're browsing the book stalls along the Seine, Brooklyn finds the perfect gift for Derek, a first edition James Bond novel, The Spy Who Loved Me. When they bump into Ned, an old friend from Derek’s spy days, Brooklyn shows him her latest treasure.

Once they're back home in San Francisco, they visit a spy shop Ned mentioned. The owner begs them to let him display the book Brooklyn found in Paris as part of the shop's first anniversary celebration. Before they agree, Derek makes sure the security is up to snuff—turns out, the unassuming book is worth a great deal more than sentimental value.

Soon after, Derek is dismayed when he receives a mysterious letter from Paris announcing Ned’s death. Then late one night, someone is killed inside the spy shop. Are the murders connected to Brooklyn's rare, pricey book? Is there something even more sinister afoot? Brooklyn and the spy who loves her will have to delve into the darkest parts of Derek's past to unmask an enemy who's been waiting for the chance to destroy everything they hold dear. 

Book Spotlight: Whiskers in the Dark by: Rita Mae Brown

Title: Whiskers in the Dark
Author: Rita Mae Brown
Publisher: Bantam Books
Series: Mrs. Murphy #28
Pages: 288

Purchase Links:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Google Play

Description:

Death stalks the Blue Ridge Mountains as a centuries-old mystery resurfaces and murder mars the lead-up to an annual beagle competition, in a thrilling new tale from Rita Mae Brown and her feline co-author Sneaky Pie Brown. 

"As feline collaborators go, you couldn't ask for better than Sneaky Pie Brown."--The New York Times Book Review

A massive nor'easter has hit northern Virginia, where Mary Minor "Harry" Harristeen joins groundskeeping efforts at the National Beagle Club at Aldie as the date for its springtime Hounds for Heroes veterans' benefit approaches. Harry's fellow volunteers, including her oldest friend, Susan Tucker, comprise a spirited group of hunting enthusiasts, some former service members themselves. But things take a sinister turn when, after a routine tree cleanup along the Club's hunting trails, retired foreign services officer Jason Holzknect is found dead, throat slit from ear to ear. Soon enough, another murder in their midst jolts the preparations, convincing Harry that the killer is familiar with the Club--and must be close by, masked in plain sight.

The intrigue extends to the grounds of Harry's beloved local church, where the identity of an eighteenth-century skeleton wearing precious pearls remains a mystery. The anonymous woman's neck had been snapped, and marks on the grave where her body was secreted indicate that someone recently tried to remove it, leading Harry to question how well she really knows those around her.

As always, Harry's crime-solving cats Mrs. Murphy and Pewter, and Tee Tucker the Corgi share her determination to sniff out the foes among friends, even those long buried. Harry will need her four-legged companions' help more than ever: a ghostly beagle only they can see may hold the key to the culprit. 

Book Spotlight: Murder at Royale Court by: G.P. Gardner

Title: Murder at Royale Court
Author: G.P. Gardner
Publisher: Lyrical Underground
Series: Cleo Mack #2
Pages: 278

Purchase Link:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Google Play

Description:

Harbor Village is a vivacious retirement paradise known for its beachy locale and active senior scene. But ever since murder moved in, the idyllic coastal community is becoming a little less lively . . .

With the first annual antique car show cruising into the tranquil bayside oasis of Fairhope, Alabama, there are bumpy roads ahead for Harbor Village director Cleo Mack. As an automobile-themed lecture series gets off to a rough start, she finds herself balancing one too many responsibilities—and dodging advances from a shady event sponsor. It’s enough to make Cleo feel twice her age. But the festivities reach a real dead end when she discovers a body at the Royale Court shopping center . . .

When an innocent man lands in the hot seat for murder, Harbor Village residents look to Cleo to crack the case. Aided by an eclectic group of energetic seniors, Cleo races to identify the true culprit from a growing list of harmless Sunday drivers—before a killer revs up for another hit and run! 

Book Spotlight: Barefoot Beach by:Debbie Mason

Title: Barefoot Beach
Author: Debbie Mason
Publisher: Forever
Series: Harmony Harbor #8
Pages: 356

Purchase Links:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Google Play

Description:

Can a summer of love make up for a lifetime of secrets?

Wedding fever has taken over Harmony Harbor this summer, and the local matchmakers have set their sights on Theia Lawson, a former navy pilot who's in town for a stay at Greystone Manor. And while Theia's got her reasons to put this small town behind her as fast as she can, there's a certain tall, dark, and irresistible man that she can't seem to get off her mind. 

Firefighter Marco DiRossi wants to beat the matchmakers at their own game so he conspires with Theia to pretend they've already fallen in love. It's only for the summer. What could go wrong? Yet as the beach season draws to a close, Marco and Theia find their pretend relationship has led to very real attraction. But when a secret from the past is revealed, jeopardizing everything they hold dear, can this unlikely couple find their way to a happily-ever-after?

Monday, June 3, 2019

Review: Sconed to Death by: Lynn Cahoon

Title: Sconed to Death
Author: Lynn Cahoon
Publisher: Kensington
Series: Cat Latimer Mystery #5
Pages: 288
Format: ARC
Source: NetGalley

Description:

Cat Latimer pursues a scone-cold killer who iced a top chef in a local bakery . . . 

Cat has a full plate at her Aspen Hills Warm Springs Resort, as a group of aspiring cozy mystery authors arrives for a writers retreat. So when baker Dee Dee Meyer stirs up trouble by filing a false complaint with the health inspector against the B&B--all because she insists Cat's best friend Shauna stole her recipes--Cat marches into the shop to confront her.

But Dee Dee's about to have her own batch of trouble. Greyson Finn--a celebrity chef and, until today, one of Denver's most eligible bachelors--has been found dead in her bakery. Cat's uncle Pete, who happens to be the chief of police, warns her not to engage in any half-baked sleuthing. But as her curiosity rises, Cat's determined to discover who served the chef his just desserts--before the killer takes a powder . . .

My Thoughts: 

Aspen Hills Warm Springs retreat is open again and before they can even open the doors Dee Dee Meyer has come to level accusations at Shauna for some of Shauna's recipes she is working on for a cookbook.  Threatening Shauna with trouble if she uses Dee Dee's recipes.  Cat tries to defuse the situation which only makes it worse.  

Not long after Cat talks to Dee Dee to find some sort of resolution a dead body is found in the bakery owned by Dee Dee.  Who killed Greyson Finn who was a famous chef and looking into opening a restaurant in Aspen Hills?  Could it be Dee Dee hating competition?  Or a family member he was rumored to be tumbling in the sheets with?  Or a girlfriend who was getting fed up with the fellow?

This retreat group was great they are cozy mystery authors which was such a kick to see how they come up with story ideas and how they are all from Chicago and got along great with each other even including the local college kid with them.  

This book doesn't disappoint in the least.  We see the relationship between Shauna, Cat and Seth.  Along with guests staying for the retreat.  They also get to help a guest whose having relationship issues which was great to read about.  Can't wait to see what is next for the writing retreat!

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