Review: Hourglass by: Myra McEntire

Title: Hourglass
Author: Myra McEntire
Publisher: Egmont
Pages: 275
Format: ebook
Source: Barnes&Noble
Series: Hourglass #1

Description:

One hour to rewrite the past . . .

For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn’t there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents’ death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She’s tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.

So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson’s willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may change her past.

Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he’s around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened?

Full of atmosphere, mystery, and romance, Hourglass merges the very best of the paranormal and science-fiction genres in a seductive, remarkable young adult debut.

My Thoughts:

I loved this book the relationship between Emerson her brother Thomas and his wife I thought was great.  I also loved when she met Michael and things they could together.  I enjoyed meeting the friends of the Hourglass and how Emerson could help someone else in pain.  Definitely a great book that I found myself wanting to read Timepiece.  To see where the story leads to.  OMG my new favorite author to say the least Ms. McEntire’s story telling was amazing!

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Review: File M For Murder by: Miranda James

Title: File M for Murder
Author: Miranda James
Publisher: Penguin Group
Pages: 304
Source: Purchase
Format: ebook

Description:

Athena College’s new writer in residence is native son and playwright Connor Lawton, known for his sharp writing-and sharper tongue. After an unpleasant encounter, librarian Charlie Harris heads home to a nice surprise: his daughter Laura is subbing for another Athena professor. 

Unfortunately her old flame Connor Lawton got her the job.

But before Connor finishes his newest play, he’s murdered-and Laura is the prime suspect. Charlie and his faithful cat, Diesel, follow Connor’s cluttered trail to find the true killer before his daughter is forever catalogued under M…for murderer.

My Thoughts:

Charlie Harris is back to work and meeting interesting people at the library enter Connor Lawton a pain in the rear playwright.  Charlie also discovers his lovely daughter Laura is home to teach a semester at Athena College.  When not long into her teaching career she finds Connor dead and herself the prime suspect, and the hidden secret to what is going on all sitting on a thumb drive.  Will 

 Charlie solve it in time or will his house go up in smoke.

With everything from attacks on Laura Harris to letter bombs and attempted fires on the Harris household it’s up to the Harris Kid’s and boarders Stewart and Justin along with Dante, Diesel and Charlie to find out who’s out to get the Harris’s. 

 I enjoyed this so much.  Seeing Charlie with a new relationship starting and getting to see how the kids interact with their father and how they all show love to Dante and Diesel.  A great cozy mystery I have fallen in love with.  I especially love reading about Athena!

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Review: Until There Was You by: Kristin Higgins

Title: Until There Was You
Author: Kristan Higgins
Publisher: Harlequin Books
Pages: 384
Source: NetGalley Arc

Description:

 Posey Osterhagen can't complain. She owns a successful architectural salvaging company, she's surrounded by her lovable, if off-center, family and she has a boyfriend—sort of. Still, something's missing. Something tall, brooding and criminally good-looking—something like Liam Murphy.

When Posey was sixteen, the bad boy of Bellsford, New Hampshire, broke her heart. But now he's back, sending Posey's traitorous schoolgirl heart into overdrive once again. She should be giving him a wide berth, but it seems fate has other ideas….

My Thought:

The main characters in this book are Posey Osterhagen and Liam Murphy.  In high school Posey  had a huge crush on Liam the bad boy.  Liam left NH after graduation and moved to California with his wife Emma Tate and had a daughter Nicole.  Now Liam is back with his daughter after his wife has died of cancer, and he is bumping into Posey everywhere he goes.  

Something about her stirs something in him. Liam is also suffering from numerous OCD, and anxiety issues.  I love Kristan Higgins books, they are great and always make me eager to learn about the love relationship she is dealing out now.  This one is just as good as her others, Ms. Higgins has a way of bringing her characters to life, and making you feel like they are friends of yours.  Great job!

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Review: My One and Only by: Kristin Higgins

Title: My One and Only
Author: Kristan Higgins
Publisher; Harlequin Books
Pages: 384
Source: NetGalley

Description:

Just when she thought she had life and love all figured out…

Divorce attorney Harper James can’t catch a break. Bad enough that she runs into her ex-hubby, Nick, at her sister’s destination wedding, but now, by a cruel twist of fate, she’s being forced to make a cross-country road trip with him. And her almost-fiancé back at home is not likely to be sympathetic.

Harper can’t help that Nick has come blazing back into her life in all of his frustratingly appealing, gorgeous architect glory. But in Nick’s eyes, Harper’s always been the one. If they can only get it right this time, forever might be waiting—just around the bend.

My Review:

Harper finds herself going to her sister’s wedding, although she tries everything in her power to convince her sister Willa that this wedding shouldn’t happen.  We learn more about the relationship between Nick and Harper and how their relationship fell apart.  I also learned alot about Harper’s parents and how she came to feel the way she does about things.

Nick has loved Harper since the moment he met her, never loosing sight of that.  When they see each other again it’s like a magnetic pull drawing them closer to each other again.  This book was full of adventure as the two travel back across the country to NY and Boston.

In the end Harper knows what she wants and finds herself wanting it to be a success this time and knowing the only way to get that is to jump in and not worry about what will happen.  Throwing caution to the wind she jumps in and what a bumpy ride it is.  I loved it!

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Review: Flight by: Alyssa Rose Ivy

Title: Flight
Author: Alyssa Rose Ivy
Pages: 255
Source: Full Moon Bites Book Tour
Format: ebook Arc
Series: The Crescent Chronicles #1

Description:

Sometimes you just have to take flight.

A summer in New Orleans is exactly what Allie needs before starting college. Accepting her dad’s invitation to work at his hotel offers an escape from her ex-boyfriend and the chance to spend the summer with her best friend. Meeting a guy is the last thing on her mind—until she sees Levi.

Unable to resist the infuriating yet alluring Levi, Allie finds herself at the center of a supernatural society and forced to decide between following the path she has always trusted or saving a city that might just save her.

My Thoughts:

I was given this book in exchange for a honest and fair review.  I received no money to sway my opinion.

Allie and her friend Jess take to New Orleans for a job working for Allie’s father.  Allie is all set in her path in life to go to Princeton.  What she didn’t count on was meeting Levi who seems to fire something inside of her not even she could predict.  Jess starts out as a typical friend the opposite of Allie early on Jess ends up leaving and in so leaves Allie on her own like her father does.  She takes up with Levi knowing that there is something mysterious about him and doing her best to figure it out.

We also meet Levi’s friend Jared, Owen and Owen’s sister Hailey.  Hailey ends up being a great friend to Allie bonding with her.  Filing in the hole left by Jess, Hailey fills in Allie on the supernatural side of Levi.

I really enjoyed this story I can’t wait to see how it continues it’s definitely up there with some of the greatest YA authors like Lauren Kate, Becca Fitzpatrick and Cate Tiernan to mention a few.  I think everyone who loves YA, paranormal will love this story!

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Review: Perception by: Kim Harrington

Title: Perception
Author: Kim Harrington
Publisher: Scholastic Point
Pages: 288
Source: Kindle Book

Description:

When you can see things others can’t, what do you do when someone’s watching you?

Everybody knows about Clarity “Clare” Fern. She’s the psychic girl in school, the one who can place her hands on something and see hidden visions from the past.

Only Clare would rather not be a celebrity. She prefers hanging back, observing. Her gift is not a game to her.

But then someone starts playing with her head . . . and heart. Messages and gifts from a secret admirer crop up everywhere Clare turns. Could they be from Gabriel, the gorgeous boy who gets Clare’s pulse racing? Or from Justin, Clare’s hopeful ex-boyfriend who’d do anything to win her back?

One thing is certain. Clare needs to solve this mystery, and soon. Because the messages are becoming sinister, and a girl in town has suddenly disappeared.

My Thoughts:

This series is great it follows the story of Clare, Perry and Starla Fern who are magically gifted with psychic abilities.  Also it’s the story of Clare, Justin and Gabriel.  Clare has two men pining for her while a stalker is looming around and it’s up to Clare and Perry to figure out what is going on.  Also Clare has to choose between Justin and Gabriel.  Gabriel’s mother shows up to take him back to NY. The only thing keeping Gabriel on the fence as to where to live is Clare and whether she can decide who she wants.  What a great series with romance, teen angst and drama and a mysterious stalker running around.  I love this series I end up reading it in one day!

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Review: The Glass Case by: Kristin Hannah

Title: The Glass Case
Author: Kristin Hannah
Pages: 38
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Source: Barnes and Noble Download

Description:

In her short story THE GLASS CASE, Kristin Hannah explores the heart and mind of a mother – April Bannerman is a young mother of three, married to her high school sweetheart & living in the same town she grew up in.  Although she loves her children and husband, April is plagued by the growing doubt that she has not lived up to the expectations of her own mother – who passed away years ago.  When her youngest son goes missing one afternoon, April’s views on her own life – and what is most important – goes through a sudden transformation.

My Review:

This was a cute story of April and her relationship with her mother prior to her death and her relationship with boyfriend turned husband Ryan and what happens when her son doesn’t come home from school.  It was cute although I wish it was longer at only 38 pages and most of that was the promotion for her next book.

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Review: Cottage By The Sea by: Robin Jones Gunn

Title: Cottage by the Sea
Author: Robin Jones Gunn
Publisher: Howard Books
Pages: 248
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher Request Review Howard Books

Description:

From bestselling and award-winning author Robin Jones Gunn—a poignant novel about a woman who must care for her ill and elderly father, hoping to mend both his health and their relationship. Erin’s new business as a wedding planner is running at full speed and her empty nest years are full of promise when she receives a call that puts everything on hold: her estranged father has had a stroke. The twinkle is fading from Jack O’Riley’s Irish eyes and his calloused second wife leaves, making it clear this is not what she signed up for. Suddenly Erin’s visit to her father’s cottage by the sea is extended indefinitely. At first the task before her is as daunting as the wild Oregon coast that has become her unwanted second home. Yet in the many hours she spends beside her ailing father, Erin finds a treasure hidden in the darkness. She reaches out and, at long last, receives the gift of healing.

My Thoughts:

This book was sent to me from Libby Reed at Howard Books for a honest and fair review.  Thank you Libby!  What a great journey Erin goes on, just as she is launching her business The Happiest Day she gets a phone call from her stepmother tellins her Jack O’Reilly her father has had a stroke.  Erin puts everything on hold to go to him, finding out he’s ok, or so she thinks she returns home after a few days.  Not long afterwards Erin has to return to the Cottage by the Sea to her father’s side as he is getting worse.  Jack and Erin spent their time reconnecting and sharing memories of Faith Erin’s mother as she had died earlier in life.  They really connect and Erin is able to get Tony her brother to reconnect with his estranged father.  What a great story about not taking things for granted or missing out on the time one has left.

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Review: Forever Frost by: Kailin Gow

Title: Forever Frost
Author: Kailin Gow
Publisher: The Edge
Pages: 254
Source: Kindle E-book
Series: Frost #2

Description:

Breena’s entry into Feyland is marred by danger and beauty. A prisoner in her own palace, she longs to see and touch her forbidden prince Kian. Yet her heart is also still with her friend Logan. The discovery of a long-lost figure in Breena’s life propels Breena into the heart of fae politics. In a stunning turn of events, Breena suddenly finds herself faced with the most heartbreaking decision in her entire life.

My Review:

This was the second book in the Frost Series Princess Breena finds herself making a deal with the Queen to trade Shasta for her Mother.  Little does she know that Shasta wanted to be kidnapped to stay with Rodney a Summer Knight she feel in love with.  Breena also learns that the wolf Logan is very much alive and kicking. She and Shasta devise a plan to rescue Logan and find with the help of Logan and Rodney they are successful.  Breena also learns that her mother and the Winter Queen are friends of a sort.  As Breena, her mother and her friend Logan are leaving the faeworld as part of a deal with The Summer Queen they are met with The Summer King who invites Breena to stay by his side, demanding The Summer Queen obey the King which is anything but what the Queen wants.  She demands that Rodney be killed for being in love with a Winter Princess, puts Breena in a room for violating terms of the service of rescuing her mother.  When Rodney is about to be executed someone executes the Summer Queen instead.  Making Breena a Queen very quickly.

I loved reading about Breena the decisions she has to make in short time.  What a great fae book and series.

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Review: Bitter Frost by: Kailin Gow

Title: Bitter Frost
Author: Kailin Gow
Publisher: The Edge
Pages: 235
Series: Frost #1
Source: Kindle E-book

Description:

All her life, Breena had always dreamed about fairies as though she lived among them…beautiful fairies living among mortals and living in Feyland.

In her dreams, he was always there the breathtakingly handsome but dangerous Winter Prince, Kian, who is her intended. When Breena turns sixteen, she begins seeing fairies and other creatures mortals don’t see. Her best friend Logan suddenly acts very protective.

Then she sees Kian, who seems intent on finding her and carrying her off to Feyland. That’s fine and all, but for the fact that humans rarely survive a trip to Feyland, a kiss from a fairy generally means death to the human unless that human has fairy blood in them or is very strong, and although Kian seemed to be her intended, he seems to hate her and wants her dead.

My Review:

Oh My Gosh what a great book, we meet Breena and Logan who are school friends and Breena keeps finding herself having dreams about faeries and a faery realm not sure what to make of it she shrugs it off as just a dream.  While going through the day on her birthday through school she keeps feeling like someone is watching her.  A pixie to be exact.  While celebrating her birthday with Logan they are interrupted and Breena is kidnapped.  What she learns next is enough to keep anyone going.

Breena is a Princess of Summer Court, Kian is Prince to the Winter Court and Logan is a werewolf who travels between the faery world and modern world.  Breena has been kidnapped by Kian to be brought and traded for Kian’s sister Shasta, who the Summer Queen is holding in a dungeon, little do Breena and Kian find out that the Pixie King wants to make Breena his wife and create half breeds of humans, faery and pixies.  Logan gets caught up trying to save Breena.

This book had it all action, adventure, mythology and history.  Definitely glad I got this series.  The author is a great story teller making me anxious to jump back into the world of faeries.  Can’t wait to start Forever Frost!

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Review: Murder Takes Time by: Giacomo Giammatteo

Title: Murder Takes Time
Author: Giacomo Giammatteo
Publisher: Inferno Publishing Company
Pages: 438
Source: Pump Up Your Books Promotion
Format: Paperback

Description:

A string of brutal murders has bodies piling up in Brooklyn, and Detective Frankie Donovan knows what is going on. Clues left at the crime scenes point to someone from the old neighborhood, and that isn’t good.

Frankie has taken two oaths in his life – the one he took to uphold the law when he became a cop, and the one he took with his two best friends when they were eight years old and inseparable. Those relationships have forced Frankie to make many tough decisions, but now he faces the toughest one of his life; he has five murders to solve and one of those two friends is responsible. If Frankie lets him go, he breaks the oath he took as a cop and risks losing his job. But if he tries to bring him in, he breaks the oath he kept for twenty-five years – and risks losing his life.

In the neighborhood where Frankie Donovan grew up, you never broke an oath.

My Thoughts:

This book was so incredible to read.  I loved the connection these boys turned into men had with each other.  The main story is about boys who grew up in a neighborhood, where when you took an oath you were connected with that oath, when they grow up after Nicky ends up risking himself to protect his friends.  Frankie Donovan ends up being a cop, distancing himself from Tony who is now with a mob.  When Nicky ends up connecting up with his friends and finds the roads they are leading. Definitely a great relationship of how the ties early on can sustain you.  I enjoyed the back in forth with this book between the present day and a time when the men were boys.  We also learn about a love interest with Nicky.   

Definitely an author I will check out time and again as I loved the story he wove.  Deep roots with Italian families, friends of all kinds.  A huge difference from your typical mystery and thriller!  An author I will check out again and again!  This book was given to me from Pump Up Your Promotions for a honest and fair review!

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Review: A Vine In The Blood by: Leighton Gage

Title: A Vine in The Blood
Author: Leighton Gage
Publisher: Soho Press
Pages: 289
Series: A Chief Inspector Mario Silva Investigation #5
Source: LibraryThing Contest
Purchase: Barnes&Noble / Amazon

Description:

It is the eve of the FIFA World Cup, the globe’s premier sporting event. The host country is Brazil. A victory for the home team is inextricably linked to the skills of the country’s principal striker, Tico “The Artist” Santos, the greatest player in the history of the sport. All the politicians in Brasilia, from the President of the Republic on down, have their seats squared-away for the finale, when they hope to see Argentina, Brazil’s bitterest rival, humbled by the Brazilian eleven. But then, just three weeks before the first game, Juraci Santos, Tico’s mother, is kidnapped. The star is distraught. The public is appalled. The politicians are outraged. And the pressure is on Chief Inspector Mario Silva to get her back.

Suspects aren’t lacking. Among them, are a cabal of Argentineans, suspected of having spirited the lady away to put Tico off his game, the star’s gold-digging, top-model girlfriend, whom his mother dislikes and has been trying to get out of his life, his principal rival, who wants to play in the World Cup in Tico’s place, and the man whose leg Tico broke during a match, thereby destroying his career. In the end, Silva and his crew discover that the solution to the mystery is less complex - but entirely unexpected.

My Thoughts:

This book I won via a LibraryThing Contest it’s a series about Chief Inspector Mario Silva in this book the FIFA World Cup is about take place when Tico Santos’s mother is kidnapped three weeks prior to the cup.  It’s up to Mario Silva to find her.  There are many people that could be potential suspects.  Some motives are to throw Tico off his game and insure he isn’t up to his game.  A gold digging future wife who his mother was investigating, a man whose career was destroyed by Tico.  This book is definitely full of action and adventure leaving you wondering who had the most to gain by Ms. Santos being out of the picture.  Definitely had you wondering up the end what happened and who had Tico’s mother. A great book.

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Review: Ever Bitter Thing by: Leighton Gage

Title: Every Bitter Thing
Author: Leighton Gage
Publisher: Soho Crime
Pages: 280
Source: LibraryThing Giveaway
Format: Paperback
Series: Chief Inspector Mario Silva #4
Purchase: Barnes&Noble / Amazon

Description:

The son of the Foreign Minister of Venezuela is found dead in his apartment in Brasilia. Due to the political nature of the crime, Chief Inspector Mario Silva of Brazil’s Federal Police is called in to investigate. As he delves deeper into the murder, he discovers that a chain of murders have occurred throughout Brazil, all with the same MO: victims are first shot in the stomach, then brutally beaten to death, and, even more puzzling, they were all passengers on TAB flight 8101 from Miami to São Paulo. What sinister motive connects these killings? And why does it appear one passenger on that flight, a fifteen-year-old boy who was later raped and killed in prison, is at the heart of it all?

My Thoughts:

When a Foreign Minister’s son ends up dead it’s up to Mario Silva to get to the bottom of what happened and who’s responsible.  What should be a normal murder investigation turns into to finding out who is killing all sorts of people from a plane flight.  As Silva and his partner goes around interviewing the passangers they find themselves dealing with mysterious deaths that seem to only have one thing in common, a flight from Miami to Brazil.  We meet all sorts of shady characters in this book, from a drug dealer to a child sent to prison to die there.  I love this series which delves deep into Brazil and people there.  Definitely a lover of Soho Crime Books!

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Review: Cinnamon Roll Murder by: Joanne Fluke

Title: Cinnamon Roll Murder
Author: Joanne Fluke
Publisher: Kensington Publishing
Pages: 304
Format: e-book
Series: Hannah Swensen #15

Description:

 April is a busy time for Hannah Swensen and her bakery; the warm weather makes folks in Lake Eden, Minnesota go wild for something sweet. When Hannah hears that the Cinnamon Roll Six jazz band will be playing at the town's Weekend Jazz Festival, she's more than happy to bake up a generous supply of their namesake confections to welcome the band to town. Before the festival even begins, tragedy strikes when the tour bus overturns. 

Among those injured is Buddy Neiman, the band's beloved keyboard player. Buddy's injuries appear minor, until his condition suddenly takes a turn for the worse - as in dead. Hannah's no doctor, but she suspects that the surgical scissors someone plunged into Buddy's chest may have something to do with it. Hannah isn't sure just how she'll unravel the mystery, but one thing's for sure: nothing's sweeter than bringing a killer to justice.

My Thoughts:

Hannah and her sister Michelle are heading to hear the band Cinnamon Roll Six who are performing at a local dinner in town when they stumble upon a massive accident.  Doing their civic duty they see if they are able to assist when they learn the driver of the group is dead suspended upside down when their bus flipped over.  They help the rescue crews getting people to the hospital to be cared for.  During the hospital stint Hannah finds her mom not looking well, begging Hannah to call Mike her boyfriend and local cop in town.  She can’t figure out why til her mother explains that a member of the band is dead.  By morning their are two dead bodies.  It’s up to Hannah and friends to figure out what happened.  The part of this book I found sad, really sad was the fact that Norman can’t talk to Hannah or visit his cat who has taken up residence with Hannah due to his fiance by blackmail.  Norman trying to do the right thing appears more miserable instead.

Andrea Hannah’s sister seems to be more on a take charge situation trying to help Hannah get to the bottom of Norman’s situation and help solving the murder.  We also see more of Michelle in this book which I enjoyed reading about the youngest Swensen.  Also Dolores Swensen the matriarch of the family, has been bonding more with her daughters and is more accepting of them.  Something definitely has changed in their mother and Hannah hopes it won’t end.

I definitely enjoyed the book especially the ending but I don’t want to give it away but it was definitely worth it!

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Review: Lake Eden Cookbook by: Joanne Fluke

Title: Lake Eden Cookbook
Author: Joanne Fluke
Publisher: Kensington
Series: Hannah Swensen

Description:

It’s a picture postcard December in Minnesota. Pristine white snow is glistening in the winter sunlight, and Main Street is brimming with festive holiday decorations. Best of all, it’s the day Hannah’s mother, Delores Swensen, is holding her annual Holiday Cookie Exchange at the Community Centre – catered by none other than The Cookie Jar! T

he whole Swensen clan, their friends, and members of “The Lake Eden Gossip Hotline”, of which Delores is a founding member, have gathered for the delicious event. And as they share their favourite juicy tales of Lake Eden and its residents over coffee and dessert, they also share their favourite scrumptious cookie recipes – plus a mouth-watering menu of luncheon recipes…plus all the recipes from Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder to Carrot Cake Murder. 

Whether this is your first taste of Lake Eden, or you’re back for another helping, you can now bring the irresistible flavours of The Cookie Jar into your very own kitchen.

My Review:

This book was full of fab recipes for every occasion along with some stories about cooking and mishaps and of course the men of Lake Eden appear at the end.  The next book Cinnamon Roll Murder should definitely be interesting with Norman’s predicament.  Can’t wait to read it!

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Review: Cream Puff Murder by: Joanne Fluke

Title: Cream Puff Murder
Author: Joanne Fluke
Publisher: Kensington Publishing
Pages: 310
Format: e-book
Series: Hannah Swensen #11

Description:

 Winter in Lake Eden, Minnesota, is the perfect time to curl up by a cosy fire with something - and someone - sweet. But while bakery owner Hannah Swensen can provide herself with the confections, cuddling will have to take a back seat to sleuthing when her sometime-squeeze becomes a murder suspect ...

With the launch party of her mother's novel around the corner, Hannah has a dress to fit into and a date with her sister, Andrea, at Lake Eden's new health club, Heavenly Bodies. Dragging herself out of bed on a frigid Minnesota morning for exercise, of all things, is bad enough. Discovering a dead body floating in the gym's Jacuzzi?

Okay, that's worse. Nor does it help that there's a plate of The Cookie Jar's very own cream puffs garnishing the murder scene. The fact that they were purchased by none other than Hannah's part-time flame, Detective Mike Kingston, is simply the icing on what's shaping up to be one very messy cake ...

Mike may be the prime suspect in the murder of man-eating bombshell Ronni Ward, but he's by no means the only one. Ronni, a fitness instructor at both the Sheriff's department and Heavenly Bodies, made a nasty habit of throwing her own heavenly body at every man, eligible or not, who crossed her path. Plenty of Lake Eden's ladies won't miss Ronni, including her ex-fiance's former girlfriend, the angry mother of one of her would-be conquests, and even the mayor's wife. Could any of them have wanted her gone badly enough to make it happen?

Mike's recruited Hannah to find out, and, as any suspended, suspected detective would, he's micromanaging her every step of the way...Between trying to narrow the list of Ronni's enemies down to fewer than half the town's female population and resisting the urge to remove Mike from the running by throttling him herself, Hannah has her plate full. Trouble is, when it comes to cookies - and to murder - there's always room for one more.

My Thoughts:

When Ronnie Ward the flirtiest girl in Lake Eden is found dead in Heavanly Bodies spa it’s up to the Swensen girls to figure it out.  With Mike, Bill, Lonnie and his brother all off the case due to connections with the book the pressure is on Michelle, Hannah and Andrea to figure out who killed Ronnie who anyone had motive to kill.  There are so many suspects it’s crazy and the ones you don’t think would be turn out to be the better suspects.  We also watch Hannah loose weight to fit into a regency gown her mother bought for the girls.  Definitely another great cozy mystery!

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Review: Carrot Cake Murder by: Joanne Fluke

Title: Carrot Cake Murder
Author: Joanne Fluke
Publisher: Kensington Publishing
Pages: 324
Series: Hannah Swensen #10

Description:

Summertime has finally arrived in Lake Eden, Minnesota, and Hannah Swensen, owner of The Cookie Jar bakery, is happy to help her business partner, Lisa, prepare for a big family reunion. Everyone is delighted when Lisa's long-lost uncle, Gus, makes a surprise appearance. Well, almost everyone. When Gus is found dead with two slices of Hannah's infamous carrot cake by his side, Hannah sets to work to uncover the secrets from his past. She'll have to sift through a long line of suspects to find a killer--and it could prove to be a recipe for her own demise...

 

My Thoughts:

This book takes place in August Lisa and Herb are hosting a family reunion where everyone shows up over 100 guests among those guests is Uncle Gus who slinked out in the middle of the night when he was in his twenties.  He’s back and flashing his gold, and money and success.  But is he all he claims to be?  When Gus is killed at the night of a family dance, it’s up to Hannah, Michelle and Andrea to figure out who killed the questionable Uncle!

This book had fellow characters traveling all over from researching someone at Michigan University to traveling to New Jersey and back.  We also learn about Delores hidden secret that she has been working on.  This was as always a great adventure with interesting things to learn about Lake Eden!

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Review: Key Lime Pie Murder by: Joanne Fluke

Title: Key Lime Murder
Author: Joanne Fluke
Publisher: Kensington Publishing
Pages: 342
Series: Hannah Swensen #9
Format: e-book

Description:

The yummy  small town cozy finds sometime sleuth Hannah Swensen, owner of the Cookie Jar in Lake Eden, Minn., judging the baking contest at the Tri-County Fair. When one of her fellow judges, home economics teacher Willa Sunquist, is murdered, Hannah determines to sniff out the killer. Was it a man from Willa's mysterious past? Or a student she flunked? Fluke has developed a charming supporting cast—Hannah's besotted (and slightly spineless) two suitors, her overbearing but likable mother, her endearing sisters and her levelheaded business partner all feel like friends by the time the murder is solved. The dozens of tempting recipes Fluke includes are an added treat. 

 

My Thoughts:

This book takes place during a fair being held in Lake Eden where people are doing all sorts of things to assist the community.  Michelle Swensen is entered in a beauty pageant.  Andrea and Tracey are entered in a mother daughter contest.  Norman Rhodes entered a picture he took of Hannah into a best picture contest.  Hannah is helping with judging a bake-off, helping her mother with her booth, also helping Herb her partner Lisa’s husband with his magic show.  When a friend of Hannah’s and fellow judge is found murdered.  This death hits Hannah hard and she gets mad at both Norman and Mike for their rough talk of the victim when to Hannah she wasn’t a victim she was a person.  Even Moishe is acting weird not eating and staring out the window.  This book has lots of people trying to figure out what is going on between Willa’s murder, a burglary, a bunch of fighting clowns, and what is Moishe doing in the dang window?

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Review: Cherry Cheesecake Murder by: Joanne Fluke

Title: Cherry Cheesecake Murder
Author: Joanne Fluke
Publisher: Kensington Publishing
Pages: 384
Format: e-book
Series: Hannah Swensen #8

Description:

Mystery and murder are afoot in Lake Eden as a Hollywood film crew comes to town and Hannah Swensen finds herself busily catering for the cast and crew--plus juggling two marriage proposals. Between the glamorous cast and crew, her rival suitors and a killer on the loose there's plenty of drama to go around in Joanne Fluke's New York Times bestseller!

 

My Thoughts:

When a film is being made in Lake Eden all sorts of things go crazy.  After having two men in Hannah’s life propose to her she finds herself backed into the wall on having to pick one of them.  Then a movie is being filmed in Lake Eden and everyone seems to have stars in their eyes.  Hannah’s niece Tracy Todd is one of the lead actresses in the film.  Hannah finds the director Dean less than desirable as he hits on everyone in a skirt, until he coaches the actor in the suicide scene using a gun and ends up killing himself.  It’s up to the Swensen sisters to figure out who had the motive for murder?

I love going back and catching up with Hannah, Norman, Mike, Andrea, Bill and everyone else in Lake Eden to see what they are up to next.  Even the language and suggestions in this book are very mild.  A book I could see just about anyone falling in love with the characters and what people are up too.

All sorts of prospects to the murder get knocked out soon enough and Mike and Hannah are left wondering who did it.  Not until the end of the book did anyone figure out who it was!  Definitely a great ride!

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Review: Murder on Parade by: Jessica Fletcher & Donald Bain

Title: Murder on Parade
Author: Donald Bain & Jessica Fletcher
Publisher: Penguin Group
Pages: 288
Source: Barnes and Noble Purchase
Format: e-book
Series: Murder She Wrote #29

Description:

The Cabot Cove residents are pulling out all the stops for their celebration of the 4th of July this year. But amidst the pleasures of planning the big event, there is tension too. Joseph Lennon, a very successful businessman, has recently relocated to Cabot Cave and is funding a big fireworks show and rock concert. There are many in town who don’t like him throwing his wealth and power around to get things done his way. 

When Mr. Lennon’s body is found the evening of the fireworks show, Jessica has a long list of potential suspects.

My Thoughts:

I have recently been introduced to the tv show within the past 8 years and have soaked up countless hours of it when I can.  When I discovered they were also a book series I jumped at the chance to read them.  I am partial to Cabot Cove books.  I enjoy reading about Seth, Jessica and the Sheriff Mort Metzger.  I find them to be a great cozy mystery. 

 This one dealt with Joseph Lennon a big money maker who decides to make Cabot Cove his home and tries to change parts of Cabot Cove that people love.  Alot of the people love what he’s done but just as many don’t like the change they like the simpleness of Cabot Cove, and find what Mr. Lennon is trying to do a horrible shame.  

This book also brings back Amos Tupper and a retired FBI agent that Jessica has worked with before.  While things are heating up for the fourth of July so are tempers when it comes to the changes being made by Joseph Lennon.  When he turns up dead it’s up to Jessica to get to the bottom of it.  

To me this series Murder She Wrote I think in a way started the world of cozy mysteries, after all she was a simple school teacher who wrote a mystery book and has continued to help friends who find themselves suspected of murder.  The people she has saved is too large to name but in the end Jessica always gets her man or woman if the case maybe.  While the show has long ended it’s nice to have these books to read and see what they are up to. 

Definitely a great book for those who love the show or characters from the show, you can almost hear them saying the lines in the book with the actors who portrayed them.

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Review: The Binding by: L. Filloon

Title: The Binding
Author: L. Filloon
Publisher: Kindle Edition
Source: Book Review by Author

Description:

 Two nights after her eighteenth birthday, Lily is attacked while out jogging, but is saved by Tharin Lunar, a Sidhe prince. When she discovers that her attacker is her own brother, Lucas, who disappeared four years ago, Lily refuses to believe that her brother would truly hurt her and becomes determined to find Lucas and bring him home. Lily finds that Lucas’ disappearance is somehow tied to Tharin; so when he informs her that she is his betrothed and must return with him to Velesi, fulfill a treaty between their families and unite the two strongest clans through their marriage, Lily agrees. However, she’s not going to Velesi for a wedding, but to bring home her only family, Lucas.

On their journey to the borders of Velesi, the realm of the Thirteen Clans, they’re pursued by a Sidhe assassin group call the Ange, meet with an ogre crime lord that ends badly, deal with a sleazy troll motel manager, and when they discover that there’s a bounty on their heads, they must keep one step ahead of every assassin, bounty hunter and low-life criminal in Velesi.

Protecting Lily has become the biggest challenge of Tharin’s life. Lucky for him he has help in the form of his twin brother, Tolan, Lily’s best friend Julia and his three bodyguard cousins.

My Thoughts:

I loved this book it’s the first in a series about Lily Michaels whose a princess elf and doesn’t know it yet.  She was raised by her brother Lucas until he disappears on his 18th birthday.  When Lily turns 18 she spots her brother trying to kill her, along comes Tharin and Tolan and their friends and relatives to help rescue the princess.  They find themselves collecting Lily’s friend Julia whose been beaten by her family.  They also find evil elves and other beings trying to kill the Prince Tharin and Princess Lily.  They travel through California, Nevada into Canada and to Velesi to get the Princess Lily back to Velesi for a arranged wedding.  During all this a binding takes place binding Tharin to Lily.  Lily finds out Tharin has a girlfriend in Velesi and just wants to fulfill this marriage and find Lucas and go home.  What Lily doesn’t know is that Tharin is binded to Lily, his relationship with his girlfriend is over and he only loves Lily.  Upon entering Velesi someone kidnaps Lily and Julia, Tharin and Tolan are desperately trying to find her.  This book was great full of action, adventure, romance times two between Julia and Tolan and Lily and Tharin!

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Review: Jessica Rules The Dark Side by: Beth Fantaskey

Title: Jessica Rules The Dark Side
Author: Beth Fantaskey
Publisher: Harcourt
Pages: 320
Format: Paperback Arc
Series: Jessica #2
From: Author Book Tour via Book Whisperer

Description:

 It’s one thing to find out you’re a vampire princess. It’s a whole other thing to actually rule. Newly married Jessica Packwood is having a hard enough time feeling regal with her husband, Lucius, at her side. But when evidence in the murder of a powerful elder points to Lucius, sending him into solitary confinement, 

Jessica is suddenly on her own. Determined to clear her husband’s name, Jessica launches into a full-scale investigation, but hallucinations and nightmares of betrayal keep getting in her way. Jessica knows that with no blood to drink, Lucius’s time is running out. Can she figure out who the real killer is—and whom she can trust—before it’s too late?

My Review:

This book takes place right after the Wedding of Jessica and Lucius and they are slowly filling into their role as Prince and Princess.  Jessica has little faith in herself as a Princess, when she can’t even get a cup of tea without being shooed out of the kitchen by a foreign speaking Chef.  Some of the elders don’t seem to think she is a capable Princess, which angers Lucius and he stands up for his Princess and wife.

Not long after that Claudius, Lucius’s uncle is found murdered and the murder weapon is Lucius’s stake.  Jessica finds herself having to assert her power as Princess and do things she would not normally do, including imprisoning her husband.  She decides it’s up to her to find out what is really going on before Lucius succumbs to the voilent nature of lack of blood.

What an incredible journey Jessica has gone on from being the girl mucking out stalls in P.A. to being a Princess in Romania.  Readers get to watch her transformation as she asserts her power while Lucius is jailed.  She finds the strength deep inside between her connection with her mother and her connection with her husband.

We also get to see Mindy and Raniero and their relationship and how she wanted more of a relationship from Raniero and how he was waiting for her and that time was definitely not on their side, or is it?

The family that Jessica thought was on her side had their own agendas and in the end the love and determination of Jessica and Lucius, Mindy and Raniero is what saved them.  I loved being their with them for the ride and what a ride it was.

I definitely love Beth Fantaskey’s view of vampires and teenagers.  Definitely going to keep my eye on her for her next book in this series!  I am definitely a huge Jessica fan!

*I received this book from Beth Fantaskey for a virtual book tour with Book Whisperer for a honest and fair review!

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Review: The Wedding of Antanasia Jessica Packwood and Lucius Valeriu Vladescu by: Beth Fantaskey

Title: The Wedding of Antanasia Jessica Packwood and Lucius Valeriu Vladescu
Author: Beth Fantaskey
Source: Internet Web Site Free Read
Series: Jessica 1.5
Link: Wedding

My Thoughts:

I loved that the author made this treat available to anyone who can’t get enough of Jessica and Lucius.  I was sucked in with the first book and came across this series thanks so much to Book Whisperer who’s doing the tour of the latest book which I will be involved with later this month.

Jessica is still getting use to her new home and is planning her wedding to her love Lucius.  Anyone who’s read the first book knows the two overcame alot to get to this point.  I enjoy that it’s not your typical vampire book.  I find myself being sucked in deeply with these two and their friends.

What a great wedding to read about.  Ms. Fantaskey did a great job describing a wonderful event!

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Review: Jessica's Guide To Dating On The Dark Side by: Beth Fantaskey

Title: Jessica’s Guide To Dating on the Dark Side
Author: Beth Fantaskey
Publisher: Hartcourt
Pages: 351
Series: Jessica #1

Description:

The undead can really screw up your senior year …

Marrying a vampire definitely doesn’t fit into Jessica Packwood’s senior year “get-a-life” plan. But then a bizarre (and incredibly hot) new exchange student named Lucius Vladescu shows up, claiming that Jessica is a Romanian vampire princess by birth—and he’s her long-lost fiancé. Armed with newfound confidence and a copy of Growing Up Undead: A Teen Vampire’s Guide to Dating, Health, and Emotions, Jessica makes a dramatic transition from average American teenager to glam European vampire princess. But when a devious cheerleader sets her sights on Lucius, Jess finds herself fighting to win back her wayward prince, stop a global vampire war—and save Lucius’s soul from eternal destruction.

 My Review:

I found this book different then your typical vampire book.  Not a ton of vampires going around sucking blood and killing humans.  This one find a girl who was born into royalty and kept hidden in the states while she grew unaware of her true calling, until a young vampire Prince approached her.  It had typical ups and downs with teens.  At first Jessica loathes the vampire Lucius wants nothing to do with him and for him to just leave.  

Slowly she begins to accept what he is by that point he has taken up with another teen girl, causing Jessica all sorts of jealousy issues. In the end the girl born princess flees to Romania to assume her identity as their princess and does the unthinkable to get her prince back.  I loved it the action and adventure as the two learn about each other and we get to see countless times that Lucius tries to see if there is a connection with Jessica.

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Review: High Five by: Janet Evanovich

Title: High Five
Author: Janet Evanovich
Pages: 317
Format: ebook
Series: Stephanie Plum #5

Description:

The speaker is Stephanie Plum, the glamorous if slightly ditzy bounty hunter from Trenton, New Jersey, and one of the most original creations in recent mystery fiction.

In this fifth entry in Janet Evanovich’s increasingly popular series, Stephanie’s problems are many and varied. She’s not making enough money picking up FTAs (Failures to Appear) for her cousin Vinnie, of Vincent Plum Bail Bonds; her red-hot love affair with Detective Joe Morelli has cooled off; and her giant extended family is no help at all. For instance, Uncle Fred the cheapskate has disappeared, leaving behind some suspicious photographs of body parts in garbage bags and links to some really dangerous people.

When Stephanie turns to her friend and mentor, Ranger, for financial advice, he gets her involved in a gang of toughs doing instant evictions for landlords. (She complains to Ranger about the job and its dangers, prompting one of the hired thug to say, “Man, you don’t like to get shot. You don’t like to get arrested. You don’t know how to have fun at all.”)

Most of Stephanie’s charm, of course, comes from her attitude–a combination of the brazen bravado that turns a failed lingerie buyer into a bounty hunter in the first place and the normal fears of a person in over her head.

My Thoughts:

Stephanie has herself in all sorts of trouble now, when the FTA’s aren’s appearing except for a little man she has to apprehend Stephanie decides to go to Ranger for some work.  Which has it’s ups and downs.  She’s also on again off again with Joe Morelli which has her all upside down.  I love this series and especially Stephanie’s crazy grandmother who up to her usual antics taking pictures of a dead corpse.  It’s always full of great humor and adventure.

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Review: Spectral by: Shannon Duffy

Title: Spectral
Author: Shannon Duffy
Publisher: Tribute Books
Pages: 242
Source: Tribute Books
Format: ebook
Purchase: Barnes&Noble / Amazon

Description:

Convinced she’s a part of the witness protection program, sixteen-year-old Jewel Rose is shuffled around the globe with her family like a pack of traveling gypsies. After arriving at lucky home twenty-seven, she stumbles upon a mysterious boy with magical powers claiming to be her guardian . . . and warning of imminent danger. Despite the obvious sparks between them, Jewel discovers a relationship is forbidden, and the more she learns about dark, brooding Roman, she begins to question who she can even believe—the family who raised her, or the supposed sworn protector who claims they’ve been lying to her all along.

As she struggles to uncover who her family has really been running from, she is forced to hide her birthmark that reveals who she is. With new realities surfacing, unexplained powers appearing, and two tempting boys vying for her heart, Jewel battles to learn who she can trust in an ever growing sea of lies, hoping she’ll make it through her seventeenth birthday alive.

My Thoughts: 

I loved this book.  This book follows Jewel who’s spent most of her life traveling from one small town to the next and having her named changed so many times.  In this latest move she is now True.  Deep down Jewel/True just wants to be a normal teenager, but as her birthday approaches she finds out everything is not as it should be.  Her aunt, grandmother and uncle have moved in with her family, giving Jewel/True no privacy.  All eyes seem to be on her to see if she is feeling any differently.  

Determined to find out what is going on she goes to the library to research it and stumbles upon being a witch that she never knew.  She also spends time with Roman who is a guide to Jewel/True.  She also develops a friendship with Chase which puts him in sticky situations.  The cover of this book is so beautiful and captivating.  Definitely a great book people will soak up.  I know I did in one sitting!  Shannon Duffy is a great powerful writer who’s book Spectral could be up there with Cate Tiernan’s Wicca series.

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Review: The Diva Cooks A Goose by: Krista Davis

Title: The Diva Cooks a Goose
Author: Krista Davis
Publisher: Berkley
Pages: 290
Series: Domestic Diva Mystery #4

Description:

A Scrooge steals presents right from under Sophie Winston’s family Christmas tree. Then her sister-in-law’s father show’s up with a diva girlfriend just a month after his separation. More than one person is thinking of committing a merry murder-until it actually happens! With many under suspicion for the deadly deed, can Sophie find the murderer and restore the Christmas spirit before it’s too late?

My Review:

Everyone in the Bauer family is excited to go to George and Laci’s for Christmas only to find that everyone in the neighborhood has been robbed, no presents under the trees which makes people wonder who the Grinch in the neighborhood is.  Add to that Laci’s family is deep in murder and mystery.  When Laci’s father brings a new fling to Christmas Laci, Shawna and their mother are deeply troubled by this let alone Boxing Day when the engagement between their father to Shawna’s boyfriends mother Bonnie is announced not even the groom saw this coming.  Within hours Bonnie is murdered and Shawna is knee deep in trouble.

I enjoyed this book even though I miss the interaction with Wolf as he is out of town with his family, as are Humphrey and Nina.  I missed the banter with those three characters but enjoyed learning more about George and Laci.  I also enjoyed Mars putting his foot down with Natasha who finally crossed the line with her Domestic Diva running crazy.  I think anyone who has read this series will be impressed that finally Mars took a stand against Natasha.

Definitely a great read for the holiday season.  One I could find myself reading again next Christmas.

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Review: So Damn Lucky by: Deborah Coonts

Title: So Damn Lucky
Author: Deborah Coonts
Pages: 400
Publisher: Forge
Series: Lucky O’Toole #3
Format: Paperback (Arc)
Source: FSB Media

Description:

Lucky O’Toole—Head of Customer Relations at The Babylon, premier mega-resort on the Vegas Strip—thinks it’s just another night in Las Vegas. But then a magician pulls a disappearing act, right under Lucky’s nose. Is it a stunt? Or something worse?

While Lucky chases leads, someone is trying to put her off the scent. As if this wasn’t enough to ruin her day, Lucky’s relationship with The Big Boss is coming to a head—past hurts can no longer be denied. Of course, she is already on shaky emotional ground: Teddie, her live-in, has been touring with a young and lovely pop star. Paxton Dane, former coworker and would-be suitor, is still circling, hoping to find a chink in the armor of Lucky’s resolve.

And then, there’s this French chef, who is proving to be too hot to handle….

My Review:

This book was sent to me via FSB Media for a honest and fair review.  Lucky starts out having relationship issues with Teddy who is performing around the world.  Lucky wonders where their relationship is headed and where it went wrong.  When he comes back to see her she can tell something is wrong and in the end the two part ways.  Teddy leaves her his sax, with no explanation why. And when he is back on the road he keeps calling her, wanting the friendship they once had.

A Magician disappears performing The Water Torture Stunt that Houdini performed back in his day.  

At first it appears the magician died, only discover he never made it to the hospital.  Lucky with the help of Flash (her best friend) who is local reporter helps Lucky find things out, along with Romeo the local detective who’s first case was made due to Lucky’s help, and the Beautiful Jeremy Whitlock.  They find out that sinister things are a foot.  Delving deep into area 51 to find out what happened to the magician and his friends.

The Big Boss gets some exciting news from his girlfriend (turn wife during this book) Mona, who’s pregnant with child.  Having missed out on Lucky’s childhood he jumps at the chance to be part of the baby’s.  Also Lucky, and The Big Boss decide that hiding the pedigree is long over due and screw those that want to write about his bastard child.  In a heartbeat Lucky’s life is turned upside down, and we get to see the relationship between her and her father slowly start to repair itself.  Lucky has since moved into the hotel.  Putting as much distance between her and Teddy as possible.

Meanwhile two men are cozying up to Lucky.  The french chef who wants Lucky to move in with him, which has rebound written all over it.  That one she enters very slowly with getting to know each other.  Then Paxton Dane who helps Lucky with the magician case she let’s him know she’s damaged and wants to start out as friends.

Me personally I have a feeling there is more to the Teddy breakup then is being revealed, I wonder if he returns how that will play out.  Also I think Paxton Dane and Lucky would be great together. They seem to be a lot alike.  This book as all Ms. Coonts books doesn’t fail to deliver.  As long as she writes about Lucky I will always be a huge fan of her story telling, and reading about the bright lights of Vegas!  Definitely a fan!  Keep them coming Ms. Coonts!

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Review: Lucky In Love by: Deborah Coonts

Title: Lucky in Love
Author: Deborah Coonts
Publisher: MPS
Pages: 32
Source: ebook

Description:

Lucky O’Toole, the vice president of Customer Relations for the Babylon, one of Las Vegas’s most over-the-top strip properties, is seriously regretting booking a reality television show, The Forever Game, in the hotel’s small theater.

The four contestant-couples add their own mischief to the incendiary mix normally available in Sin City while competing for a Las Vegas wedding extravaganza. The host of The Forever Game, Trey Gold, appears interested only in keeping the spotlight on himself while the contestants run wild, sampling all Vegas has to offer and threatening to blow the whole show out of the water.

Not only must Lucky keep the couples from killing each other, killing their relationships, or ending up on the front page of the Review-Journal, she has to navigate her own rocky road of love. Teddie, her live-in lover, seems ready to chase a new career as a singer, leaving Vegas . . . and Lucky . . . behind. And the Babylon’s new French chef seems determined to muddy the murky waters of love even further.

Then there’s Lucky’s mother, Mona, who never could leave well enough alone . . .

My Review:

Lucky finds herself in different sorts of trouble in this book.  Everything from a massage parlor gone wrong to contestants hiding secrets, to contestants missing.  Also she finds herself wondering about her relationship that seems to have ended the honeymoon phase.  She wonders often how to bring the spice back.

What a great novella we see more into the relationship between Lucky, her father “The Boss” and her mother Mona and how after a recent hospital visit and wake up call her Boss has decided to make his relationship with Lucky’s mother public.  Lucky avoids discussing father/daughter things as she’s isn’t sure how to cope with it.  The contestants for the reality show give Lucky a run for her money trying to keep them out of trouble.  In the end the couple to married is a mix of two of the couples with one lucky bride and one groom that no one saw coming.

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Review: Lenobia's Vow by: P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast

Title: Lenobia’s Vow
Author: P.C Cast & Kristin Cast
Pages: 160
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Format: ebook
Series: House of Night Novella #2

Description:

The second of the House of Night Novellas brings us Lenobia, the strong, beautiful horseback riding instructor, who guides Zoey through some of her darkest hours, and has a dark secret buried in her own past…

In a small southern town at the turn of the century, young Lenobia is developing into a beautiful young woman with ideas of her own. But when she is Marked as a fledgling vampyre, her world turns upside down, and she is drawn to the musical streets of New Orleans. There, she learns of the city’s dark underbelly, ruled by powerful black magic. As Lenobia experiences her first love – and loss – and discovers a passion for horses to sustain her, she must come face-to-face with Darkness itself. And she may not escape without scars.

My Thoughts:

This was an awesome novella of Lenobia, the girl born from her mother and a baron which made her a bastard child.  Her mother sends under the pretense of being the baron’s legitimate daughter who died and was supposed to marry a rich New Orlean’s man.  When she is aboard the ship to go to New Orleans she meets Martin a stable hand and finds herself being drawn to him, and then to her dismay she is discovered as a liar by a Bishop who has his own plans for the young girl.  Lenobia does everything to flee from the Bishop and her only salvation is being marked by a House of Night tracker.  But the Bishop makes sure no one has her.  Burning her lover Martin, Lenobia doesn’t escape without some scars and a vow to never love anyone else.  I loved this story of the wonderful Horse Lover who overcame so much and didn’t let it burden her.  She is also my favorite teacher at house of Night.

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Review: Destined by: P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast

Title: Destined
Author: P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Pages: 336
Format: ebook
Series: House of Night #9

Description:

Zoey is finally home where she belongs, safe with her Guardian Warrior, Stark, by her side, and preparing to face off against Neferet—which would be a whole lot easier if the High Counsel saw the ex-High Priestess for what she really is. Kalona has released his hold on Rephaim, and, through Nyx’s gift of a human form, Rephaim and Stevie Rae are finally able to be together—if he can truly walk the path of the Goddess and stay free of his father’s shadow…

But there are new forces at work at the House of Night. An influx of humans, including Lenobia’s handsome horse whisperer, threatens their precarious stability. And then there’s the mysterious Aurox, a jaw-dropping gorgeous teen boy who is actually more—or possibly less—than human. Only Neferet knows he was created to be her greatest weapon. But Zoey can sense the part of his soul that remains human, the compassion that wars with his Dark calling. And there’s something strangely familiar about him…

Will Neferet’s true nature be revealed before she succeeds in silencing them all? And will Zoey be able to touch Aurox’s humanity in time to protect him—and everyone—from his own fate? Find out what’s destined in the next thrilling chapter of the House of Night series.

My Thoughts:

I have been following this series for the get go and have found it great and fun to read.  This one has lines drawn in the sand with Stevie Rae and her group of friends and Neferet and the bad fledglings against each other.  Zoe and the gang are trying to find out what Neferet’s plan is this time when a new and mysterious boy named Aurox shows up.  Zoe and him feel a connection but what it is you don’t find out right away.  Rephaim is still dealing with trying to have a father who loves him and not one who uses him.  Also a new teacher shows up from the High Council to find out how dark Neferet is.

I love reading these books as they deal with teen angst and paranormal beings.  Can’t wait for the next thrilling installment to come out!

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Review: Sunrise Point by: Robyn Carr

Title: Sunrise Point
Author: Robyn Carr
Publisher: Harlequin
Pages: 378
Series: Virgin River #19
Format: Paperback

Description:

Former Marine Tom Cavanaugh’s come home to Virgin River, ready to take over his family’s apple orchard and settle down. He knows just what the perfect woman will be like: sweet, decent, maybe a little naive. The marrying kind.

Nothing like Nora Crane. So why can’t he keep his eyes off the striking single mother?

Nora may not have a formal education, but she graduated with honors from the school of hard knocks. She’s been through tough times and she’ll do whatever it takes to support her family, including helping with harvest time at the Cavanaugh’s orchard. She’s always kept a single-minded focus on staying afloat…but suddenly her thoughts keep drifting back to rugged, opinionated Tom Cavanaugh.

Both Nora and Tom have their own ideas of what family means. But they’re about to prove each other completely wrong..

My Thoughts:

I was so glad Nora finally got her own book.  After being left deserted in Virgin River by her drug happy ex-boyfriend Nora is determined to provide for her kids and do better than her mother was with her.  She meets Tom Cavanaugh who has an apple orchard with his grandmother who’s raised him for a long time.  Tom having returned from the war is trying to start a romance with Miss Picky Pants * her actual name is Darla* as his grandmother refers to her.  Tom tries to keep his newest employee Nora at arms length even though the sparks are there.  They relationship starts out slow as friends and when Nora is faced with a painful decision to make, Tom gives her something else to think about.  With the attraction reaching an all time high.

I really liked this story of a single mother turning her life around and doing well for her kids, also learning about her past and reconnecting with her father after her mothers passing.  Tom has his own issues he has to deal with the most of which is dealing with Nora and deciding if he can be a father to someone else’s kids.  It was such a great romance!  My favorite character in this book has to be Tom’s Grandmother Maxie I loved how she had her own opinions about the relationships Tom was dealing with!

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Review: Redwood Bend by: Robyn Carr

Title: Redwood Bend
Author: Robyn Carr
Publisher: Harlequin
Pages: 377
Source: NetGalley Arc
Format: e-book

Description:

Katie Malone and her twin boys’ trip along the beautiful mountain roads to Virgin River is stopped short by a tire as flat as her failed romance. To make matters worse, the rain has set in, the boys are hungry and Katie is having trouble putting on a spare. As she stands at the side of the road pondering her next move, she hears a distinct rumble. The sight of the sexy, leather-clad bikers who pull up beside her puts her imagination into overdrive. Dylan Childress and his buddies are on the motorcycle trip of a lifetime. But the sight of a woman in distress stops them in their tracks. And while the guys are checking out her car, she and Dylan are checking out one another.In one brief moment, the world tilts on its axis and any previous plans Katie and Dylan might have had for their futures are left at the side of the road.

My Thoughts:

Katie Malone and her boys are joining Connor in Virgin River.  Having lived so far away from Connor during the last book Hidden Summit, Katie has decided that was too far away and wants to be closer to Connor and Leslie.  On her way there a flat tire and a biker stumble into her path.  The child actor Dylan is now flying planes for a living and biking up in Virgin River with some friends when he meets the widow Katie Malone and something about her attracts him.  She is everything he avoids a mother of children, he vows time and again to her that he won’t settle down but something about Katie makes him wonder.  This book is a great add to the Virgin River series.  Reminds me alot of Sherryl Woods and Debbie Macomber.  Another great author who has a knack for writing tasteful romance.

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Review: Hidden Summit by: Robyn Carr

Title: Hidden Summit
Author: Robyn Carr
Publisher: Harlequin
Pages: 347
Source: Purchase
Format: Paperback
Series: Virgin River #17

Description:

SOMETIMES ROMANCE IS HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT…

When Connor Danson becomes an unwitting witness to a violent crime, he is forced to leave Sacramento and keep a low profile until the trial is over. He arrives in the tiny mountain town of Virgin River with a chip on his shoulder and an ache in his heart.

Leslie Petruso didn’t want to leave her hometown either. But she can’t stand another minute of listening to her ex-husband tell everyone that his new wife and impending fatherhood are the best things that ever happened to him. Virgin River may not be home, but it’s a place where she can be anonymous.

Neither Connor nor Leslie is remotely interested in starting a new relationship…until they meet one another. Even they can’t deny they have a lot in common – broken hearts notwithstanding. And in Virgin River, no one can stay hidden away from life and love for very long…

My Thoughts:

This was a great story about Connor Danson and Leslie Petruso.  Connor after witnessing a murder is placed in Virgin River to hide out until the trial, which also separates him from his family.  His younger sister Katie and her twin boys.  Connor begins to fall for Divorcee Leslie who is dealing with an ex-husband who just won’t let go regardless of the failed marriage.  She finds her own way to get on with her life with Connor in it, and realizes she can accomplish anything with her friends and new romance with Connor.  Connor decides in the end he would prefer to spend his life with Leslie and live in Virgin River.  What a great book full of humor, romance, and ups and downs of relationships!

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Review: Drop Dead On Recall by: Sheila Webster Boneham

Title: Drop Dead on Recall
Author: Sheila Webster Boneham
Pages: 408
Publisher: Midnight Ink
Series: An Animal in Focus #1
Format: Ebook Arc
Source: NetGalley

Description:

Dogs, cats, and murderous misdeeds

Animal photographer and dog show handler Janet MacPhail knows it’s the sure-footed, finely trained canine competitors that steal the attention in the obedience ring. But all eyes are on widely disliked star handler Abigail Dorn when she falls down dead at the drop on recall command with her border collie, Pip, an Obedience Trial Champion.

Janet suspects foul play when she uncovers a bitter rivalry between Abby and Suzette, the owner of Fly, Pip’s top-ranking competitor. Balancing her dementia-afflicted mother, threats aimed at her beloved pets, and a flirty-hunk dog handler, Janet investigates as another mur¬der takes place. And her nosing around reveals an ugly scandal in the dog show circuit.

My Thoughts:

This book was sent to me via NetGalley for a honest and fair review.  This is the story of Janet and what is happening in her circle of dog lover friends when Abigail Dorn falls dead, it’s up to Janet to find out what is going on. There is alot of cat and mouse with this book.  Someone is targeting Janet of what she might know and what she might not realize that she knows.

I loved this book was great that no animals got severely hurt in this book.  While the owners of some of the animals…well some just wound up dead regardless.  This book also introduced you into the world of show dogs and dog breeding that you may not know about but as I was reading I wound up learning alot about them.

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Review: Slay It With Flowers by: Kate Collins

Title: Slay It With Flowers
Author: Kate Collins
Publisher: Mass Market Paperbacks
Pages: 304
Series: A Flower Shop Mystery #2

Description:

Law school drop-out-turned-flower shop owner Abby Knight has been asked to be a bridesmaid by her cousin. But before the couple says “I do,” a groomsman disappears-and another member of the wedding party is found dead. Abby has to hurry down an aisle of suspects to unveil the truth-and make sure the bride still gets to the church on time.

My Review:

Abby finds herself knee deep in her cousins wedding and trying to solve who killed one of the groomsmen and where is Flip one of the other groomsmen. Add to that the shady spa nearby that has everyone up in arms.  Abby does more flirting with the handsome Marco who makes Abby weak in the knees.

So many possible suspects as the groomsman Punch was good at one thing fighting with all sorts of people from multiple ex’s to fighting with his good friend Flip.  Adding to that the Feds are following Abby to see what she is going to do and discourage her from leaking what they are doing around town.

I love this series and am always happy to see what Abby and Marco are up too.  Always a treat to go back and enjoy their stories.

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