Book Blitz: When The Stars Come Out & Giveaway

Excerpt:

“Short hair suits you. It’s—” He looked to the ceiling for a moment before dropping his gaze back to hers. “Spunky. Unique.”

Spunky? It made her think of an annoying, precocious child. The expression on her face must have been obvious.

His laugh rumbled like the leading edge of a storm, still miles away with plenty of time to take shelter. Yet all she wanted was to stand still and wait for the onslaught.

“Okay, how about tough and sexy?”


Sexy? The assessment was like a lightning bolt. Sizzling and scary. She had a difficult time coordinating her throat muscles. Her ability to handle men and attraction had been stunted at nineteen, and she felt her inexperience keenly. Her goal the past five years had been to hide her sexy.

GIVEAWAY:

Enter to win the first four (4) books in the Cottonbloom series!
Kiss Me That Way, Book 1
Then He Kissed Me, Book 2
Till I Kissed You, Book 3
Leave the Night On, Book 4
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/746772683/


a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Book Blitz: When The Stars Come Out by: Laura Trentham

Excerpt:

“I’m not a damn car.” Anger heated her voice.

“I know that.”

“Do you?” She stopped and he turned to face her. “You haven’t spared a thought about how much you pay me or what I wear or why fall is my favorite season for two years.”

“I know and that’s my bad. I should have been paying more attention to you.”

She made a scoffing sound. That’s exactly what she didn’t need. Everything depended on her staying under the radar. “You want to fix me like I’m some broken-down car. Or fix my problems or whatever. But that’s not how people work. Maybe I’m unfixable.”

Half his face was in shadows from the setting sun. Even in the best of times it was difficult to get a read on his mood, but the roughness in his voice was more pronounced than usual. “I don’t want to fix you. I want to help you. I want you to trust me.”

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Interview: Laura Trentham author of When The Stars Come Out

1. Who inspires your books?

Unlike some authors, I’m not inspired by actors or anyone in particular when I write. I don’t keep a “vision board” or a Pinterest board of character inspirations. I don’t want to taint the image the reader has drawn of my characters in their head as they read. It’s so disappointing to watch a movie of a book you’ve read and loved and the actors bear no resemblance to how you pictured the characters. It sounds a little tutti-frutti, but to me, the characters I write are as real as the people I interact with on a day-to-day basis. They just so happen to reside in my brain. Does that mean I need therapy? Lol.
So, it’s less of a who than a what. And, I get inspiration for plots all the time. Listening to news stories or music or even from commercials. The book I’m working on now was 100% inspired from a thirty second car commercial and asking “what happens next?”

2. How did you come up with the Cottonbloom series?

The original trilogy was a request from my publisher (St. Martin’s Press) for a “summer series.” They had the release dates already set; they just needed the books! I got out my old fashioned paper atlas and flipped through it looking for a setting. The east-west running border between Louisiana and Mississippi caught my eye, and the idea of competing summer festivals across a town split over the state line snapped into my head within seconds. I knew even before I pitched it to my editor, it was a winner. Sometimes writing feels like bleeding on the page and sometimes it’s pure magic.
Fun fact: The town was originally called Cottonwood, but the cover designer misheard the name and wrote Cottonbloom on the cover art. My editor and I decided we liked Cottonbloom better, and I changed the town name after I had written the first book!

3. Do you have any upcoming books coming out?

Set the Night On Fire, Book 6, releases July 31st. Later this year, I will release Book 4 in my Spies and Lovers Regency romance series. In 2019, I will have two military themed Women’s Fiction/romances release from St. Martin’s Press.

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Review: Pick and Chews by; Linda O. Johnston

Title: Pick and Chews
Author: Linda O. Johnston
Publisher: Midnight Ink
Series: Barkery & Biscuits Mysteries #4
Pages: 288
Format: e-book ARC
Source: NetGalley

Description:

As a technician for a local vet and the owner of the Barkery & Biscuits dog bakery, Carrie Kennersly is proud to give back to the community by helping out with a rescue animal adoption event. She's also happy to be in a relationship with veterinarian Dr. Reed Storme, despite his repeated pleas for her to butt out of the murder cases she keeps finding herself involved with. But when Reed is accused of killing nasty Dr. Raela Fellner, a former veterinary colleague who is now trying to compete with him, he seems a lot more amenable to having amateur detective Carrie butt back in. Can Carrie clear Reed--or does she care too much for a killer?

My Thoughts:

This book follows Carrie and her friends and family.  In this one Reed is trying to help hire a new veterinarian when someone from Reed's past comes back to make trouble in a big way Dr Raela Fellner is determined to undermine the local vet hospital anyway she can.  Before she  can implement her plan she winds up murdered in her own vet. clinic.  Did Reed kill her?  Or was it one of her other previous co-workers?  Carrie is determined to figure out who injected the lethal dose.  Can she figure it out in time or is Biscuit about to be a victim of murder?

I enjoyed seeing what everyone is up to in this series.  We got to see how things have been going or not going so to speak!  When Reed ends up in trouble Carrie really comes through to figure out what is going on.  I really thought it was a great animal cozy mystery for those animal lovers out there who love a great mystery.  I even found myself surprised at the end!

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Review: Raspberry Danish Murder by: Joanne Fluke

Title: Raspberry Danish Murder
Author; Joanne Fluke
Publisher: Kensington
Series: Hannah Swenson #22
Pages: 304
Format: e-book ARC
Source: NetGalley

Description:

Thanksgiving has a way of thawing the frostiest hearts in Lake Eden. But that won’t be happening for newlywed Hannah Swensen Barton—not after her husband suddenly disappears . . .

Hannah has felt as bitter as November in Minnesota since Ross vanished without a trace and left their marriage in limbo. Still, she throws herself into a baking frenzy for the sake of pumpkin pie and Thanksgiving-themed treats while endless holiday orders pour into The Cookie Jar. Hannah even introduces a raspberry Danish pastry to the menu, and P.K., her husband’s assistant at KCOW-TV, will be one of the first to sample it. But instead of taking a bite, P.K., who is driving Ross’s car and using his desk at work, is murdered. Was someone plotting against P.K. all along or did Ross dodge a deadly dose of sweet revenge? Hannah will have to quickly sift through a cornucopia of clues and suspects to stop a killer from bringing another murder to the table . . .

My Thoughts:

In this book we follow Hannah Swenson as she attempts to go through her days without her husband Ross who has taken off and Hannah wonders everyday if it was something she did.  When P.K. winds up dead in Ross's car after eating tainting candy.  Who killed P.K. and why?  Also where is Ross is he gone for good? 

This book had so much weirdness to it.  First of all it didn't read like a normal Hannah book I felt like the author was using names too much when talking directly to one person about one person sure say their name once but repitive was crazy.  Then there was the annalogy's with the pears, oranges etc.  She kept dreaming about fruit and screwing up her marriage.  Of course the conclusion was so much worse. 

Otherwise it was good book not great but good I'd rather read about Norman and Mike angle than read about Ross disappearing which only got creepier as it continued and found myself wondering if she mad a colossal mistake in her marriage.  I can only hope with time Hannah can get all the answers she deserves without loosing her mind in the process!

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Review: Dead Cold Brew by: Cleo Coyle

Title: Dead Cold Brew
Author: Cleo Coyle
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime
Series: Coffeehouse Mystery #16
Pages: 432
Format: e-book ARC
Source: NetGalley

Description:

From Cleo Coyle, the New York Times bestselling author of Dead to the Last Drop, comes a gripping new entry in the Coffeehouse Mystery series. 

THE PERFECT PROPOSAL LEADS TO A CHILLING COLD CASE...

Coffeehouse manager Clare Cosi sheds tears of joy when her NYPD detective boyfriend surprises her with an engagement ring. But her bridal bliss is put on hold when a chilling mystery brings a wave of deadly danger to those she holds dear...

After everything Clare and Mike have been through, they deserve a little bit of happily ever after. So when Mike decides to put a ring on Clare's finger, Clare's eccentric octogenarian employer is there to help. She donates the perfect coffee-colored diamonds to include in the setting and the name of a world-famous jeweler who happens to be an old family friend. But while the engagement is steeped in perfection, the celebration is not long lived. 

First, a grim-faced attorney interrupts their party with a mysterious letter bequeathing a strange, hidden treasure to Clare's daughter. Next, the renowned jeweler who designed Clare's ring is found poisoned in his shop. Both events appear to be connected to a cold case murder involving a sunken ship, an Italian curse, a suspiciously charming jewel thief, and a shocking family secret. With deadly trouble brewing, Clare must track down clues in some of New York's most secret places before an old vendetta starts producing fresh corpses.

My Thoughts:

This book starts out aboard the Andrea Doria and a couple fighting when the woman kills her husband as the boat is sinking.  What happens next is crazy!

Matt informs Clare that the Village Blend is in a coffee competition to serve a wonderful copy on the newly built Andrea Doria.  Which Clare knows is a bad omen rebuilding a sunk ship.  While this is going on someone is targeting New York's finest.  Which has Clare worried.  As the book progresses Madame begins acting bizarre in Clare's descriptions, and when she disappears Matt and Clare wonder what's up.  Will they figure it out in time or will Clare have downed her last cup of coffee?

This book was everything we've come to love about Cleo Coyle.  The ups and downs Clare goes on while trying to root out bad guys.  Then there is the old mystery of the Andrea Doria a beautiful ship that went down near the coast of Nantucket.   This book really centers on the Allegros and Campana families and what happened that day of the tragic sinking!

I enjoyed going and seeing everyone at Village Blend who make small appearances along with fellow officers who pop up in Clare's life.  Such a fun book and can't wait to see what is next for The Village Blend!

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Review: Dead to The Last Drop by: Cleo Coyle

Title: Dead to The Last Drop
Author: Cleo Coyle
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime
Series: Coffeehouse Mystery #15
Pages: 432
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

Description:

From the New York Times bestselling author of Once Upon a Grind comes a new installment in the Coffeehouse Mystery series.

After the White House asks coffeehouse manager and master roaster Clare Cosi to consult on the coffee service for a Rose Garden Wedding, she discovers a historic pot was used as a CIA “dead drop” decades before. Now long-simmering secrets boil over, scalding Clare and the people around her…

Clare’s visit to the nation’s capital is off to a graceful start. Her octogenarian employer is bunking with her in a charming Georgetown mansion, and she's invited to work with a respected curator on the Smithsonian's culinary salute to coffee in America.

Unfortunately, Clare’s new Village Blend DC is struggling to earn a profit—until its second floor jazz club attracts a high-profile fan, the college-age daughter of the U.S. President. Clare’s stock rises as the First Lady befriends her, but she soon learns a stark lesson: Washington can be murder.

First a stylish State Department employee suspiciously collapses in her coffeehouse. Then the President’s daughter goes missing. Is she a runaway bride or is something more sinister in play? After another deadly twist, Clare is on the run with her NYPD detective boyfriend. Branded an enemy of the state, she must piece together clues and uncover the truth before her life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness come to a bitter end.

My Thoughts:

This book leads Clare and Mike all over D.C. when the President's daughter Abby goes missing it's up to Clare and Mike to figure out what happened and whose trying to throw Clare to the wolves.  They will definitely needs lots of coffee to get through this nightmare.

I really enjoyed going with Clare to D.C. and meeting all the people there that Clare and Mike interact with.  The book also introduces you to a lot of politics and secret things in the White House.  I really enjoyed the adventure Ms. Coyle brings you on!

This book also brought a closing to Mike's big career in D.C. He finally shows Clare what he's been up to and what is really going on with Metro Police.  Will Mike bring down the bad guys in time or get him and Clare killed instead?

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Review: Iced by: Carol Higgins Clark

Title: Iced
Author: Carol Higgins Clark
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Series: Regan Reilly Mysteries, #3
Pages: 272
Format: Hardcover
Source: Personal Purchase

Description:

The frontier spirit is alive and well in the old silver-mining town-turned-trendy resort of Aspen, Colorado, despite an influx of the rich and famous - and Regan Reilly. Regan has arrived with her mystery-writing mom and suave, funeral director father to spend the Christmas holidays on the slopes and visiting friends. Secretly, she wouldn't mind meeting a single man or two. She never expects to be rubbing shoulders, and maybe risking her neck, with varmints, desperadoes, or art thieves. Million-dollar paintings have been disappearing from elegant condos and chic chalets all over town. Suspicion immediately falls on a congenial ex-con caretaker named Eben Bean, who seems to have absconded with the loot. Worse, Regan not only knew and liked Eben, but also had helped him get his caretaking job. Now she may be the only person in town who believes he is innocent.

My Thoughts: 

This book follows Regan and her friends and family as they arrive in Aspen Colorado for a much needed break and vacation spent skiing and having a wonderful time.  When they arrive they find Eben the housekeeper missing.  As they wonder what happened they hear about a Santa who is stealing from the wealthy over paintings.  Regan begins to wonder what really happen to Eben?  Is he a true bad guy or just a guy in a horrible situation?

This is a great winter tale at Christmas time where you can enjoy Aspen without going there with a great mystery inside of another mystery to boot!  I really enjoyed following Regan and other guests as they try to put together what happened before their arrival and the truth was incredible and really threw me for a loop but I loved it all the same!

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Review: Holiday Buzz by: Cleo Coyle

Title: Holiday Buzz
Author: Cleo Coyle
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime
Series: Coffeehouse Mystery #12
Pages: 384
Format: Paperback
Source: Personal Purchase

Description:

Holiday time is party time in New York City, but after a sparkling winter bash ends with a murder, Village Blend coffeehouse manager Clare Cosi vows to put the killer on ice…

At the Great New York Cookie Swap, pastry chefs bake up their very best for charity. Clare is in charge of the beverage service, and her famous Fa-la-la-la Lattes make the gathering even merrier. But her high spirits come crashing down to earth, when she discovers the battered body of a hard-working baker’s assistant.

Police suspect a serial attacker whose escalating crimes have become known as “The Christmas Stalkings.” Clare’s boyfriend, NYPD detective Mike Quinn, finds reason to believe even more sinister forces are involved. Clare isn’t so sure—and when she finds a second bludgeoned baker, she becomes a target. Now Clare is spending the holiday season pouring over clues, and she’s not going to rest until justice is served.

My Thoughts:

This book follows Clare Cosi whose getting the Vilage Blend ready for Christmas with a Cookie Swap when her worker ends up dead. Who killed Moirin and why?  Was it someone from her past or from her present?  As the book progresses someone else winds up dead and Clare is sifting through the clues to find the Grinch this holiday season!

I love the Village Blend with Clare's friends and family and this one didn't disappoint. This one had Clare going all over to find out who the killer is as well as getting information from her boyfriend Mike Quinn whose now in D.C. The truth to the whole situation was shocking in itself!  Can't wait to see what is next for Clare, Mike and everyone else at the Village Blend! 

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Review: Lilac Lane by: Sherryl Woods

Title: Lilac Lane
Author: Sherryl Woods
Publisher: Harlequin
Series: Chesapeake Shores #14
Pages: 352
Format: e-book ARC
Source: NetGalley

Description:

No one writes about friends, family and home better than Sherryl Woods. Told with warmth and humor, Lilac Lane is a brand-new story in her beloved Chesapeake Shores series, one readers all over the world have waited two years to read!

At the heart of Lilac Lane is Keira Malone, who raised her three children alone after her first marriage broke apart, and who, after years of guarding her heart, finally finds love again. But that love is short-lived when her fiancé suffers a fatal heart attack. Grieving and unsure of what’s next, Keira agrees to move from Dublin to Chesapeake Shores, Maryland, to spend time with her daughter, Moira, and her new granddaughter, Kate, as well as to help her son-in-law, Luke, with his Irish pub, O’Briens

Not wanting to live underfoot, she rents a charming cottage on Lilac Lane, replete with views of the ocean and her neighbor’s thriving garden—not to mention views of the neighbor himself. The neighbor is none other than Bryan Laramie, the brusque and moody chef at the pub, with whom Keira is constantly butting heads. But things get real when Bryan’s long-lost daughter, whom he hasn’t seen since she was a baby, shows up out of the blue. As Bryan and Keira each delve into their pasts, reopening wounds, the rest of the town is gearing up for the Fall Festival Irish Stew cook-off, and making no bones about whose side they’re on. It’s Kitchen Wars meets This is Your Life—a recipe for disaster…or a new take on love?

You won’t want to miss this epic return to Chesapeake Shores, a place we’re betting you’ll want to stay forever.

My Thoughts:

In this book Keira Malone who has been living in Ireland is dealing with a failed marriage, and then death of her fiance Peter when her daughter Moira calls her to convince her to come to Chesapeake Shores for a much needed break.  Instead of wallowing and closing herself off to everyone.  Keira decides this is what she needs maybe it will help awaken herself.  What she didn't count on was butting heads with the pub chef Bryan Laramie.  Can she find her happily ever after or will she go home to Ireland?

Bryan Laramie has been doing everything he can to locate his lost wife and daughter who left so long ago, when all is lost he finds himself dealing with Keira who has a knack for getting under his skin regardless of what he really wants.  As he tries to broker some kind of peace with her sparks begin to fly all over the place and the O'Brien's see it as a new project to work on.

I love this series it's great granted I came in midway and still have to read earlier books it's such a blessing to go back to the shore and see what everyone is up too.  This one didn't disappoint in the least.  It pulls you in and before you know the last page is flipped and the story is told.  I would love to see Ms. Woods come back and write more but only time will tell!

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Review: Willow Brook Road by: Sherryl Woods

Title: Willow Brook Road
Author:Sherryl Woods
Publisher: Mira a division of Harlequin
Series: A Chesapeake Shores #13
Pages: 379
Format: Paperback
Source: Personal Purchase

Description:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Sherryl Woods sweeps readers away with the story of a beloved member of the O'Brien family as she claims the life she's always dreamed of...

Spirited, spontaneous Carrie Winters has grown up under the watchful eyes of not only her grandfather Mick O'Brien, but the entire town of Chesapeake Shores.

Now that she's home from Europe, a glamorous fashion career behind her and her heart broken, there seem to be far too many people watching to see if she'll live up to the expectations her family has for her.

As if that weren't enough pressure, Carrie finds herself drawn to sexy, grief-stricken Sam Winslow, who is yearning for someone to help him raise the nephew who's unexpectedly come into his life after a tragedy.

With her own life in turmoil, is Carrie really ready to take on a new career and a new man? Or is Sam exactly what she needs to create the strong, loving family she's always wanted?

My Thoughts:

In this book we follow Carrie as she comes home to Chesapeake Shores to figure out what to do now that she has given up the fashion life.  Unsure of where to go she flutters from thing to thing her grandfather Mick drags her too.  While visiting the local Irish Pub she has an encounter with Sam Winslow who has recently inherited his nephew after his sister and her husband died. 

As the two go through various stages of their relationship between Sam trying not to depend on people to help with his nephew which proves to be harder that it looks.  While Carrie is trying to figure out what to do with her life which leads her down the path of daycare's.

Both Carrie and Sam have a lot to get through to get where they want to be but can they move forward or are they too set in their ways?

I love the O'Brien's they are great, funny and nosy as all get out but their intentions are good even if they go about things a tad dysfunctional.  This one didn't disappoint in the slightest.  It was great watching Sam and Carrie dance around each other and watching it all played out was great to see, as well as seeing what other family members are up too.  Including Susie and Mack who are having a difficult time adopting a baby.

I can't wait to see what is next for the O'Brien's they are a great group and I am curious to see where they wind up next!

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Review: Survival of The Fritters by: Ginger Bolton

Title: Survival of The Fritters
Author: Ginger Bolton
Publisher: Kensington
Series: A Deputy Donut Mystery #1
Pages: 256
Format: e-book ARC
Source: GEBT & NetGalley

Description:

Emily Westhill runs the best donut shop in Fallingbrook, Wisconsin, alongside her retired police chief father-in-law and her tabby Deputy Donut. But after murder claims a favorite customer, Emily can’t rely on a sidekick to solve the crime—or stay alive.

If Emily has learned anything from her past as a 911 operator, it’s to stay calm during stressful situations. But that’s a tall order when one of her regulars, Georgia Treetor, goes missing. Georgia never skips morning cappuccinos with her knitting circle. Her pals fear the worst—especially Lois, a close friend who recently moved to town. As evening creeps in, Emily and the ladies search for Georgia at home. And they find her—murdered among a scattering of stale donuts . . .

Disturbingly, Georgia’s demise coincides with the five-year anniversary of her son’s murder, a case Emily’s late detective husband failed to solve before his own sudden death. With Lois hiding secrets and an innocent man’s life at stake, Emily’s forced to revisit painful memories on her quest for answers. Though someone’s alibi is full of holes, only a sprinkling of clues have been left behind. And if Emily can’t trace them back to a killer in time, her donut shop will end up permanently closed for business . . .

My Thoughts:

This book follows Emily who works at a Donut Shop with her father-in-law.  While working at the Donut shop she notices that a knitter Georgia is missing and no one seems to know why and not long until the knitting girls decide to visit her house to find out what is going on.  A newcomer to the shop shows up Lois who is a friend of Georgia's and is really worried about her friend being missing.  What the knitter's find next is shocking to all of them.  Georgia dead in her kitchen with a box of Emily's donuts around her.  Who killed Georgia and why?

As Emily and Lois wonder what happened someone attacks Lois who lives next door to Emily.  Which leads Emily and Lois into trying to figure out what is going on and the connection between now and 5 years ago when Georgia's son was murdered.  Emily's husband Alec was the investigator on that case and it was never solved could Lois and Emily solve it now?

I like this story and how we learn quite a bit about Emily and Alec, how Emily left her career after her husband died and still hasn't moved on past him.  Also seeing the people Emily interacts with them.  Especially as the pressure is on to solve the crime or someone is determined to point the finger at Randy Lois's great nephew.  Even Emily has trouble believing Randy committed this horrible crime! Such a fabulous story.  Can't wait to see where it leads next! 

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Review: The Ghost and Mrs. Mewer by: Krista Davis

Title: The Ghost and Mrs. Mewer
Author: Krista Davis
Publisher: Berkley
Series: Paws and Claws Mystery #2
Pages: 320
Format: Nook e-book
Source: Purchase

Description:

Wagtail, Virginia, the top pet-friendly getaway in the United States, is gearing up for a howling good Halloween—until a spooky murder shakes the town to its core . . .

Holly Miller doesn’t believe in spirits, but the Sugar Maple Inn is filled with guests who do. The TV series in development, Apparition Apprehenders, has descended on Wagtail’s annual Halloween festivities to investigate supernatural local legends, and Holly has her hands full showing the ghost hunters a scary-fun time.

But the frights turn real when Holly’s Jack Russell, Trixie, and kitten, Twinkletoes, find a young woman drowned in the Wagtail Springs Hotel’s bathhouse—the spot of the town’s most infamous haunting. The crime scene is eerily similar to the creepy legend, convincing Holly that the death wasn’t just accidental. Now she’ll have to race to catch a flesh-and-blood killer—before someone else in town gives up the ghost . . .

My Thoughts:

In Wagtail people are gearing up for Halloween included are a group of ghost hunters who are going to film their show in Wagtail.  Holly Miller doesn't believe in ghosts and things that go bump in the night.  What she doesn't count on is Wagtail having their own murder mystery.  When one of the members of the ghost hunting group Mallory winds up drowning in a Hotel Bath House she could sit up in Holly wonders what really happened?  There are no shortage of possibilities in this situation! As Holly tries to find out what happened the town seems very divided in their opinions of what happened to Mallory who wanted her out of the way and why?

I loved going to Wagtail meeting people and seeing what Holly is up too. It was also great learning more history and how it plays in this mystery!  I really enjoyed learning about the history of Wagtail and some residents who lived there.  Definitely a great book to read during Halloween season. 

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Review: Claws for Concern by: Miranda James

Title: Claws for Concern
Author: Miranda James
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime
Series: Cat in the Stacks #9
Pages: 288
Format: e-book ARC
Source: NetGalley

Description:

Charlie Harris and his Maine Coon cat, Diesel, are embroiled in a new mystery when a cold case suddenly heats up in the latest installment of the New York Times bestselling series.

Charlie Harris is busy enjoying his new grandson when a mysterious man with a connection to Charlie's family starts visiting the library, bringing with him troubling questions about an unsolved murder...

Charlie may be a proud new grandfather, but he and Diesel still have work to do at Athena College and the small Mississippi town's public library. He's too busy to deal with true-crime writer Jack Pemberton, who wants Charlie as the subject of his latest book--and who won't take no for an answer. 

A more appealing proposition for Charlie is spending time helping a kind, elderly man navigate the library's genealogical database. But he's shocked when he learns that the visitor's search is focused on a member of his own family: his late aunt's husband.

Charlie befriends the man and considers inviting him to stay in his home, but he's soon given reason to question that notion. Jack is certain that Charlie's new houseguest was involved in a shocking homicide that took place years ago in a small town near Athena. As this cold case heats up, Charlie and Diesel have to uncover a killer who may already be too close to home...

My Thoughts:

This book follows our beloved Charlie Harris and his cat Diesel.  While working at the library they meet a man who has interest in Charlie's family.  Also Charlie is being contacted by Jack Pemberton a true crime writer who seems fascinated by Charlie's solving murders.  Charlie is hesitant to work with Jack until his long lost relative Bill Delaney ends up almost killed in a car accident.  After Laura and her husband witness the accident Charlie becomes determined to help Bill whether he wants it or not.  This case leads back to a 20 year old crime that happened.  With Jack determined to find out who killed a family that Bill was the prime suspect for could Bill be the killer or was it someone else?

I love Cat in the Stacks.  I have been such a fan since I picked up the first book and these books never disappoint.  It's like going back to Athena to see all sorts of people that we've come to know and love and see Diesel and Charlie and see what they are involved with now.  I can't wait to see where the next journey will lead and hopefully with a new baby whose very due soon! 

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Review: Ginger Snapped by: Gail Oust

Title: Ginger Snapped
Author: Gail Oust
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Series: Spice Shop Mystery #5
Format: e-book ARC
Source: NetGalley

Description:

Piper Prescott and Police Chief Wyatt McBride might have gotten off on the wrong foot but, over the past year, their interactions have evolved into a friendship of sorts. And when the body of Shirley Randolph is found floating in a fishing hole, their relationship reaches entirely new territory.

Shirley, the town's Realtor of the Year, was also Wyatt's suspected romantic interest, and now the residents of Brandywine Creek are speculating that Wyatt is responsible for her death. As the town council moves to suspend the handsome lawman, Piper springs into action to save his reputation and possibly his freedom. She enlists the aid of her BFF, Reba Mae Johnson, along with Wyatt himself, to help solve the puzzle and find Shirley’s real killer.

Pointing them toward high-powered real estate tactics and possible affairs, the investigation soon becomes personal when Piper's shop, Spice It Up!, is burglarized, and she’s forced off the road late one night, narrowly escaping serious injury. Realizing that she must be close to uncovering the truth, and that the evidence against Wyatt is no longer circumstantial, Piper resorts to drastic measures to prevent a grave miscarriage of justice.

My Thoughts:

This book follows Piper Prescott as she is getting ready for Melly her ex's mother get married on the day of the wedding the police are called to Chief Wyatt McBride's house where a naked woman is found in his fishing hole.  The victim is none other than real estate agent Shirley Randolph.  Who killed Shirley and why?  And of course why would someone put her in McBride's fishing hole?

As Piper is determined to clear the chief someone seems to think Piper has something that ties to Shirley's death!  Will Piper figure it out or become a new victim?

This book is great mix of friends and family and watching as Piper weeds through the suspects along with her BFF Reba Mae and even Wyatt himself helping along the way.  As the murder case points to Wyatt things also heat up between Piper and Wyatt which I loved reading about.  Can't wait to see where this series goes next, especially with Piper's daughter going off to college.  

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Review: Bless Her Heart by: Debby Mayne

Title: Bless Her Heart
Author: Debby Mayne
Publisher: Abingdon Press
Series: Class Reunion #2
Pages: 331
Format: Paperback ARC
Source: Book Tour

Description:

As Priscilla Slater s 15-year class reunion approaches, she decides to attend out of curiosity and to flaunt her latest achievement taking her business to a national level with the possibility of a TV show. As if getting ready for the event and putting up with the pranks of her former classmates isn t enough, Priscilla s hometown visit is further complicated by her parents separation. With the once-solid sanctuary of her home broken at the foundation, there s only one thing Priscilla s parents can agree on: no matter what sort of accolades their daughter receives as a hair stylist, she s not living up to her potential. Eager to escape the painful reality of her childhood home, Priscilla bolts as soon as a call from New York brings good news: her offer to purchase one of the best salons in the country is likely to come through. But returning to New York means returning to Tim, Priscilla s best friend and business pal who has been impatiently suggesting their relationship should be more than a friendship. Despite her recent achievements, will Priscilla learn that success doesn't always result in popularity or love?

My Thoughts: 

This book follows fellow graduates of high school Priscilla, Laura, Celeste, and Trudy along with Tim.  We see how things lead up to the reunion and how everyone has been doing the past 5 years and where everyone is at.  Of course things don't always go as planned but I think that is what makes this book such an interesting take.  You get to see people adjust to things around them and see where they are going from where they were.  I really enjoy this series and find it easy to go back and see what this group of people are up to next!

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Review: Stowed Away by: Barbara Ross

Title: Stowed Away
Author: Barbara Ross
Publisher: Kensington
Series: A Maine Clambake Mystery #6
Pages: 280
Format: e-book ARC
Source: GEBT & NetGalley

Description:

It’s June in Busman’s Harbor, Maine, and Julia Snowden and her family are working hard to get their authentic Maine clambake business ready for summer. Preparations must be put on hold, however, when a mysterious yacht drops anchor in the harbor—and delivers an unexpected dose of murder . . .

When Julia’s old prep school rival Wyatt Jayne invites her to dinner on board her billionaire fiancé’s decked-out yacht, Julia arrives to find a sumptuous table set for two—and the yachtsman dead in his chair. Suspicion quickly falls on Wyatt, and Julia’s quest to dredge up the truth leads her into the murky private world of a mega-rich recluse who may not have been all that he seemed . . .

My Thoughts:

This picks up with June hitting Busman's Harbor Maine and Julia and her family are working getting their clambake business underway.  When Julia's mother wants to fix up the house on the Island.  What Julia didn't count on was who they were meeting with one of the mean girls Julia went to school with.  After the meeting Julia, Chris and Quentin are invited to Wyatt Jayne's boyfriend's yacht.  They meet the mysterious boyfriend but it isn't long before Wyatt's boyfriend winds up dead and Julia wonders if it is connected to Busman's harbor or just convenient!

I love this series to go back to Busman's Harbor see what everyone is up to and meeting new characters all the time.  This one showed more of Julia's past which was great to see even if it wasn't the best memories.  We also learn more about Chris's family and why he's not big on discussing them as well as learning more about Quentin.  So much going on while getting ready for the summer business to begin!

This book was so full of mysterious people and the secrets they hold including Chris and Quentin who have their own secrets they haven't told Julia and I think confiding in her helped build the relationships.  As well as finding out the future of the house on the island and what will come of it.  I can't wait to see what comes next in this series!

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