Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Review: Fire in Carriagetown by: Edith Maxwell

Title: Fire in Carriagetown
Author: Edith Maxwell
Publisher: Kindle
Pages: 8
Format: e-book
Source: Personal Purchase

Description:

In this short story, When Quaker mill worker Faith Bailey encounters an arsonist who burns down the town's carriage industry in 1888 Massachusetts, she uses her smarts and her faith to track down the killer. 

My Thoughts: 

This book follows Faith Bailey whose hoping to see her beau Zeb  but misses him.  Later at night with her father and family they witness a fire to one of the factories in town.  Who caused the fire and why?  Faith is determined to figure it out will she figure it out in time or will the flames catch her?

Granted this was a short book but still it was great watching how Faith pieced the puzzle together and was able to get justice for those who died in the fire.  I love this book and the other ones in the series such great fun!
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Review: Turning The Tide by: Edith Maxwell

Title: Turning The Tide
Author: Edith Maxwell
Publisher: Midnight Ink
Series: Quaker Midwife Mystery #3
Pages: 288
Format: e-book ARC
Source: NetGalley

Description:


A suffragist is murdered in Quaker midwife Rose Carroll's Massachusetts town

Excitement runs high during Presidential election week in 1888. The Woman Suffrage Association plans a demonstration and movement leader Elizabeth Cady Stanton comes to town to rally the troops. When Quaker midwife Rose Carroll finds the body of the group's local organizer the next morning, she can't help but wonder who could have committed the murder.

Rose quickly discovers several people who have motives. The victim had planned to leave her controlling husband, and a recent promotion had cost a male colleague his job. She had also recently spurned a fellow suffragist's affections. After Rose's own life is threatened, identifying the killer takes on a personal sense of urgency.

My Thoughts:

In this book the Woman Suffrage Association is in full swing as they plan a demonstration at the elections.  While some are against the movement women are all for it.  What could possibly go wrong?  After Rose delivers a baby and heads home she finds Rowena Felch is dead and her house has been ransacked.  Who killed the woman and why?  Add to that the missing husband and this mystery was slow moving.  Then Rose gets a talking to at her Friend's meeting about being shunned from the Quaker faith if she pursues marrying David which is of course marrying outside the faith!

I enjoy this book as it has great look at history and what women went through between relationships with people, their faith and more.  This one didn't disappoint in the least.  Our lead gal Rose has so much going on and all sorts of things working against her.  Add to trying to help her brother in law Fredrick who has taken to the bottle to easy the pain of his wife's death!

I found myself so drawn into this book I couldn't put it down it was a great mystery that really pulled you in with it's various aspects like the women's movement, Quakers and midwifery.  I can't wait to see what is next for Rose and her friends and family!

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Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Review: The House of Memory by: Carolyn Haines

Title: The House of Memory
Author: Carolyn Haines
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Series: Pluto's Snitch #2
Pages: 318
Format: e-book
Source: Personal Purchase

Description:

Raissa James not only sees the dead but she’s caught the ears of the living—especially now that she’s solved her first case. Word of Pluto’s Snitch, her private-investigation agency specializing in the occult, has spread far and wide. It’s even come to the notice of Zelda Fitzgerald, the nation’s most celebrated flapper. And Zelda’s in need of its services.

Along with Reginald Proctor, her partner in detection, Raissa travels to Montgomery, Alabama, where Zelda’s friend Camilla has suddenly become prone to violent fits and delusions. Has Camilla gone mad…or has she been possessed?

Raissa and Reginald soon discover that Camilla’s not the only young lady in the area to fall victim to something unnatural. Now it’s up to the Snitches to follow the clues and save Camilla, locked away behind the walls of the formidable Bryce Hospital asylum. But the key to her rescue might not lie among the living at all. Because Raissa knows that the dead have their secrets, too.

My Thoughts:

This book follows Raissa James and her partner in crime Reginald Proctor who get a pleading letter from Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald whose friend Camilla is in trouble and about to have a lobotomy if Raissa and Reginald can't help her.  Unprovoked she has attacked her fiance twice and no one can figure out why.  It's up to Zelda, Raissa and Reginald to figure out what is going on and why?  Add to the mystery of girls disappearing and a connection between both.

I really enjoyed reading this book and traveling with Raissa Zelda and everyone else they come in contact with while they try to sort out the history of the new house purchased by David, Camilla's fiance.  There seems to be a lot of history connected to the one house and with Camilla's heritage.  It was such a treat I couldn't put it down until the last page was turned and look forward to seeing what is next for Raissa and Reginald as they seem to travel all over the south helping those in need!
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Monday, February 19, 2018

Cover Reveal: Dead As A Doornail by: Tonya Kappes


Beauty is skin deep, but ugly goes clear to the bone. And doesn’t our Sheriff Kenni Lowry know that? Well, she knows a lot of things.
Lucy Lowell takes great pride in writing negative reviews in the local newspaper for anything that does not go her way. When Lucy is found dead, it appears to be from natural causes.
But Sheriff Kenni Lowry knows there is more to it because the ghost of her grandfather, the ex-sheriff, is standing over the body.
His presence can only mean one thing: Murder!
Since Kenni’s relationship with Deputy Finn Vincent has heated up, Kenni is having trouble conducting the investigation without Finn questioning her every move.
Can Kenni unravel the mystery on her own or will she have to tell Finn the real reason she knows it was murder—the ghost of her poppa?
It’s blowin’ up a storm and only Kenni knows how it’ll end.

Sunday, February 18, 2018

Review: The Book of Beloved by: Carolyn Haines

Title: The Book of Beloved
Author: Carolyn Haines
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Series: Pluto's Snitch #1
Pages: 332
Format: Kindle e-book
Source: Personal Purchase

Description:

As a young woman widowed by World War I, Raissa James is no stranger to ghosts. But when an invitation arrives from Caoin House, her uncle’s estate in Mobile, Alabama, she’s finally ready to cast off the shadows of her past. And what better way to do so than with a grand party in her honor? An aspiring authoress, Raissa’s eager to soak up more of life—and immerse herself in the dark history that haunts the estate.

But the revelries come to an abrupt end when one of her uncle’s guests takes a deadly plunge. And when a ghost from the property’s past, a Confederate soldier, reveals himself to Raissa, she’s more determined than ever to get to the heart of the mysterious deaths that plague Caoin House. Enlisting the help of Reginald Proctor, a self-proclaimed medium, she holds a séance to shed light on old secrets. But she discovers that some secrets, even those long dead, still have a startling hold on the living…

My Thoughts: 

This book follows Raissa James who has finished teaching school and been invited to her Uncle Brett's house in Mobile, Alabama.  Having been widowed for two years she decides to take the break and see how things are going in Mobile and a hope of visiting with a psychic to have a seance done.  

There in Mobile Raissa meets alot of people her Uncle works with, and some interesting ghosts add to the mix.  When a new friend winds up dead falling off Caoin House Raissa is determined to find out what happened.  Which isn't so easy for a woman during those times as no one really wants to talk to a female about these things!  Will Raissa figure it out in time?  Or will there be more death and demise?

I enjoyed this book as we learn about Raissa it also shows us how she met Reginald Proctor and how they became the detective group they are now.  It also showed Raissa stubbornness to get to the truth no matter where it led.  I felt like I was in Mobile right along with everyone else.  Definitely a great series to check out, especially if you like historical paranormal mysteries!  This one definitely didn't disappoint!
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Review: Best of Luck by: Corrine Scott


Title: Best of Luck
Author: Corrine Scott
Publisher: Camel Press
Series: O'Briens #2
Pages: 248
Format: e-book ARC
Source: GEBT

Description:

Crew Costa isn’t Irish, but for a kid from the school of hard knocks, he’s had the luck of the Irish with his chain of faux-Irish pubs, O’Shaughnessy’s Shenanigans. Number 13 is set to open in time for St. Patrick’s Day. The Bronx is already the site of several authentic Irish pubs, including The Lion O’Brien. Started by Liam O’Brien, the pub is now managed by his youngest daughter Siobhan, but only after her four older brothers refused the job. Now Siobhan has to prove she is worthy. 

Siobhan falls for Crew, literally, after they collide while he is moving into her apartment building. Their attraction is immediate and powerful, but they are rivals. Siobhan is counting on the Lion winning the St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl, which Crew has entered as well. The lead-up to the event involves “pranking” your competition, and the older pubs band together against the gaudy newcomer, with its McNaughty the Leprechaun and other cultural stereotypes. For Crew and Siobhan, the pranking quickly gets personal and expensive. 

Siobhan and Crew can’t resist the electricity between them, but can Siobhan trust this streetwise charmer? Can Crew trust this daddy’s girl whose overriding passion is her pub? And will the rage brewing among the other pub owners put their lives in danger?

My Thoughts:

This book follows both Crew Costa and Siobhan O'Brien they are both involved in the St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl.  Part of the crawl is pranking other pub owners but when the tricks go to far Crew and Siobhan wonder what is going on?  Crew has had a hard life and done things he had to get by whether they were proper or not.  Can he let Siobhan in or is he destined to keep traveling city to city with no love life?

Siobhan O'Brien hasn't had the greatest love life.  One boy back in high school is the extent of her experience.  Siobhan spends most of her time trying to get her father's approval with the pub. She may not be her brothers but that doesn't change her love of The Lion their family pub.  When she meets Crew she finds herself drawn to him which only makes matters worse when she finds out that Crew owns a chain of faux irish bars.  As it gets closer to the pub crawl the tension between them rises.  Can Siobhan be true to Crew or will her being so naive work against her?

Someone is sabotaging the pranks and making them more severe.  Somebody is out to destroy the pubs but why?  Everything from bugs and fire.  Could it be one of the pub owners or someone out to get revenge of some sort?

This book is great as a continued book of the first one we get to see what Siobhan and others are up too.  Also seeing Siobhan fall in love and her determination to get her father's trust and support with the pub.  This was a great journey to go on and I would go back and visit them again and again!  Can't wait to see what is next for the O'Brien's!
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Friday, February 16, 2018

Review: Diamond Girl by: Julie Mulhern

Title: Diamond Girl
Author: Julie Mulhern
Publisher: Henery Press
Series: Country Club Murders
Pages: 39
Format: Kindle e-book
Source: Personal Purchase

Description:

From USA Today bestselling author, Julie Mulhern, comes a short worthy of the Country Club Murders name. 

For Aggie DeLucci, former assistant private investigator and current housekeeper extraordinaire, 1975 is turning out to be a banner year. There’s a new man her life, Mac. He makes her laugh, takes her dancing, and makes a helluva salami sandwich. 

When Mac is accused of theft, it’s up to Aggie to clear his name. She’ll have to polish her slightly tarnished investigative kills and tame her fears (and her hair) to catch the real thief. 

My Thoughts: 

This novella follows Aggie DeLucci who is the housekeeper of Ellison Russell and her daughter.  When Aggie's boyfriend Mac winds up in trouble over theft of missing jewels he begs Aggie to help him and she along with Ellison get to the bottom of the theft in time for Valentine's Day.  

I enjoyed this story it was quick and enjoyable.  With Ellison as a background character and not central to the story.  This one gave you more insight into Ellison's housekeeper/miracle worker.  Things you might not know of her past and her own investigative skills.  Definitely a nice break as no one was dead either!  Can't wait to see what is next!
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Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Review: The First Kiss of Spring by: Emily March

Title: The First Kiss of Spring
Author: Emily March
Publisher: St. Martin's
Series: Eternity Springs #14
Pages: 368
Format: e-book ARC
Source: NetGalley

Description:

Spring has come to Eternity Springs in the newest installment in this New York Times bestselling series by Emily March.

When Josh Tarkington gets stuck on a gondola with the lovely Caitlin Timberlake, he thinks his consistently bad luck might have changed.

After their blossoming romance is interrupted, Caitlin realizes that her encounter with Josh was a sign that she needed to make a major life change. So she packs up her things and moves to Eternity Springs, opens a day care, and sets her cap for the town’s mechanic—Josh.

But Josh is hiding a well of secrets that would ruin him, and his relationship with everyone in Eternity Springs—especially Caitlin. When tragedy strikes, Josh and Caitlin find themselves, and their relationship, tested beyond imagining. Will they be able to find their way back to each other?

My Thoughts:

This book follows Caitlin and Josh who are both looking for their happily ever after.  Caitlin has had enough of New York and fashion design and wants to move home to Eternity Springs and work on her new goal in life which is to open a daycare.  What she doesn't count on was meeting Josh Tarkington and falling for him. 

Josh Tarkington has been working on his garage and being a good guy while keeping his past hidden.  Josh isn't quite who he says he is but will Caitlin ever figure it out?

These two have lots of baggage and past following them.  Caitlin trying to get to the bottom of what is up with her parents and the secrets they seem to be hiding the other is the mysterious Josh Tarkington and the secrets he won't talk about.

It was a great journey to go on.  This book was an incredible adventure to go on and watch as Caitlin and Josh work through their issues to get to the happily ever after!
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Monday, February 12, 2018

Review: Yews With Caution by: Kate Collins

Title: Yews with Caution
Author: Kate Collins
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime
Series: A Flower Shop Mystery #19
Pages: 336
Format: e-book ARC
Source: NetGalley

Description:


Flower shop owner Abby Knight is out to help a friend in need but soon finds herself in the weeds…

The Spring of Abby’s Discontent

It’s April in New Chapel, and Abby and her husband, Marco, are off to buy shrubs for their new house. But the owner of the local landscaping company is nowhere to be found. Abby’s best friend, Nikki, meanwhile, believes she unwittingly helped a group of her hospital coworkers conspire to kill the man.

After the police get involved, Nikki becomes a suspect. Abby digs deeper for clues to save her friend only to discover bushels of folks bearing a deep-rooted hatred for the two-faced business owner. Marco attempts to help Abby with the case but soon falls critically ill. Now Abby must find the real culprit on her own before everything goes to pot… 

My Thoughts:

This book follows Abby and Marco who are working on beautifying their yard with new shrubs.  While there Abby nearly falls into a well.  Not long after that Nikki approaches Abby about having planned a murder with some co-workers what she didn't count on was the husband going missing.  Add to that Marco is working on finding an employee of a jewelry store is stealing from their boss.  All that changes when Marco's falls sick and Abby has to figure out what is going on and who is the bad guy!

This book was like all the others in the series a great adventure to go on following with Abby and Marco as they dig through the clues to find out what is going with those close to them.  It especially gets worse when Marco falls ill and the pressure is put on Abby to figure everything out quickly!
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Saturday, February 10, 2018

Review: A Stardance Summer by: Emily March

Title: A Stardance Summer
Author: Emily March
Publisher: St, Martin's
Series: Eternity Springs #13
Pages: 307
Format: e-book ARC
Source: NetGalley

Description:

Lili Howe took a leap of faith when she decided to join the Tornado Alleycats, her elderly landlady’s all-female glamour-camping club. Lili’s always given everything to her career, putting herself on track to become her CPA firm’s youngest partner. But now that Lili’s carefully planned future is shattered, she’s willing to let summer work its magic on her―at all costs.

There’s never a dull moment at Stardance Ranch, the Colorado resort Brick Callahan built from the ground up. Still, a late night skinny-dipping session involving a bunch of “glamping” grannies. . .with his best friend’s kid sister Lili among them? He couldn’t have made up such story if he tried. The undeniable mutual attraction between Brick and gorgeous, spirited Lili is a reminder that life is full of surprises. But when Brick’s ex-girlfriend suddenly shows up, he’s faced with a desperate choice: Do right by a woman he once loved or take a chance on Lili. . .and do everything he can to win her heart?

My Thoughts:

In this book we follow Lili Howe and Brick Callahan who both have seem to have their issues in Lili's case her job and family are a mess and she runs off to Etenity Springs to find her way.  What she doesn't count on is running into her brother's friend know known as Brick Callahan.  Brick has been running far from his ex-girlfriend Tiffany who did a huge number on him.  Will they find their way to each other or continue their downward spiral?

This book is such a great romance with so much going on.  Camping with a group of ladies on top of reading about Lili and the things she has been through and how she moves forward in life and love.  Then there is Brick whose running his business and trying like hell to avoid a relationship with his best friend's little sister but he can't keep Lili off his mind!  I really enjoyed it immensely.
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Wednesday, February 7, 2018

Review: Real Murders by: Charlaine Harris

Title: Real Murders
Author: Charlaine Harris
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime
Series: Aurora Teagarden #1
Pages: 175
Format: e-book
Source: Personal Purchase

Description:

Though a small town at heart, Lawrenceton, Georgia, has its dark side-and crime buffs. One of whom is librarian Aurora "Roe" Teagarden, a member of the Real Murders Club, which meets once a month to analyze famous cases. It's a harmless pastime—until the night she finds a member killed in a manner that eerily resembles the crime the club was about to discuss. And as other brutal "copycat" killings follow, Roe will have to uncover the person behind the terrifying game, one that casts all the members of Real Murders, herself included, as prime suspects-or potential victims.

My Thoughts:

This book follows Roe Teagarden as she discovers a dead body while juggling two guys.  When Roe meets with her group the Real Murders Club about to give a discussion on Julia Wallace's murder and who committed it she is shocked to discover a club member is found dead in the kitchen staged like Julia Wallace's death.  Who killed the club member and why?  Was it another club member or someone out to get the club?

I love Roe she's great the way she investigates the crimes and helps solve them while juggling her life.  Such a wonderful adventure to go on!  As she picks through the clues and suspects.  With the help of Robin and Arthur Roe figures out who is killing people and why.  I found I enjoyed the complexity of the characters and how they weren't perfect and muddled through various scenarios!
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Monday, February 5, 2018

Review: The Vineyard Victims by: Ellen Crosby

Title: The Vineyard Victims
Author: Ellen Crosby
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Series: Wine Country Mysteries #8
Pages: 335
Format: e-book ARC
Source: NetGalley

Description:

The death of a former presidential candidate in a fiery car crash at her Virginia vineyard has ties to a thirty year-old murder, as well as to Lucie Montgomery’s own near fatal accident ten years ago, as she searches for a killer who now may be stalking her.

When Jamison Vaughn―billionaire real estate mogul, Virginia vineyard owner, and unsuccessful U.S. presidential candidate―drives his gold SUV into a stone pillar at the entrance to Montgomery Estate Vineyard, Lucie Montgomery is certain the crash was deliberate. But everyone else in Atoka, Virginia is equally sure that Jamie must have lost control of his car on a rain-slicked country road. In spite of being saddled with massive campaign debts from the recent election, Jamie is seemingly the man with the perfect life. What possible reason could he have for committing suicide . . . or was it murder?

Before long Lucie uncovers a connection between Jamie and some of his old friends―an elite group of academics―and the brutal murder thirty years ago of a brilliant PhD student. Although a handyman is on death row for the crime, Lucie soon suspects someone else is guilty. But the investigation into the two deaths throws Lucie a curve ball when someone from her own past becomes involved, forcing her to confront old demons. Now the race to solve the mystery behind the two deaths becomes intensely personal as Lucie realizes someone wants her silenced . . . for good.

My Thoughts:

In this book early on Lucie Montgomery witness an accident of a unsuccessful United States President Jamie Vaughn who crashes into the same wall Lucie crashed into with her ex-boyfriend Greg Knight.  Jamie pleads to Lucie to tell someone he's sorry and Lucie feels compelled to follow this through no matter where it leads.  Did Jamie commit suicide or did someone hush him up for good?

This book leads Lucie back 30+ years to investigate an old college crime that involved everyone around Jamie.  Who killed someone 30 years ago and is the proper person in jail or was it frame job?  With so much on the line obviously someone is determined to keep the past buried but at what cost?

I enjoyed this journey it's always nice to see what everyone is up to and who winds up dead this time! We also get the pleasure of reading as Lucie digs deep to find out what happened to whose responsible and to come to terms with her own demons.  Definitely a pleasure to read!
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Friday, February 2, 2018

Review: When The Stars Come Out by: Laura Trentham


Title: When The Stars Come Out
Author: Laura Trentham
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperback
Series: Cottonbloom #5
Pages: 320
Format: e-book ARC
Source: NetGalley and Book Tour
Book Tour Link

Description:

Cottonbloom. A beautiful, faraway place where a woman can escape her past—and find reason to stay forever. . .

Willa Brown never planned to stay in Cottonbloom. She was on the way to somewhere else when she landed there and found work at the Abbot brothers’ garage. . .and a sense of comfort and safety that she had never known. The same holds true for Jackson Abbott himself. With one glance in her direction, he can make Willa’s heart melt. But what begins as an unrequited crush turns into something far more powerful than Willa could have ever imagined. . .

Jackson’s most meaningful relationship has always been with his car—and he’s not afraid to admit it. Still, he can’t help but become emotionally entangled with his new star mechanic Willa, who is definitely hiding some dark secrets of her own beneath the hood. Jackson desperately wants Willa to trust him, and to seek protection in his arms. But even as the two slowly surrender to their shared attraction, the danger lurking in Willa’s past remains a stubborn obstacle. Can she open up enough to give them both a chance at having real and lasting love?

Excerpt:

“I’ll have a pork plate and sweet tea to go.” Willa did a mental calculation for tax and pulled out two fives. More than she should spend, but her stomach vetoed any protest.
Now not only was she saving to fix her car, but she needed a cushion. If she had to move, money was a necessity. Any decent place required a deposit for rent. Not to mention utilities. And how long would it take her to find another job that didn’t require her Social Security number or real name? The thought made her stomach hurt from something other than hunger.
“Make that two for here, Rufus, and I’m buying.”
Willa spun around. Jackson Abbott’s chest filled her vision. The animallike noises her stomach was making must have drowned out his approach.
“Sure thing, Jackson.” Rufus favored them with a grin and turned to dole out barbeque, baked beans, and slaw.
She tucked her hair behind her ear, feeling intensely vulnerable without her steel-toed work boots, coveralls, and ball cap. Her flip-flops, worn-out jeans with a rip at one knee, and a black T-shirt with the emblem of a band she’d never listened to were from the thrift shop down the street.
“You don’t have to pay.” When she found her voice, it was breathy.
“I want to.” His words were low and rumbly and sexy, and she resisted the urge to lay her cheek against his chest, desperate to have someone, anyone, to lean on, even for a moment. Obviously, hunger was impeding her mental faculties.
In the two years she’d lived in Cottonbloom, she’d never run into Jackson outside of the garage. Her forays to secretly watch him race didn’t count since he’d never noticed her. The only place she was a regular was at the library, because it offered free Internet and entertainment—two things she couldn’t afford to waste money on.
Her mental faculties slipped further away as she allowed her gaze to wander over his shoulders before rising. He’d showered, his damp hair darker than its usual rich brown, but hadn’t shaved, his stubble even more pronounced from the afternoon. The scent of soap and clean laundry was mouthwatering in a different way than the barbeque was. The butterflies in her stomach did a slow bump and grind. God, she was hungry for so many things.

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My Review:

This book follows Willa Brown who is the only female mechanic at Abbott's garage, as she secretly hides a crush from Jackson Abbott.  She never planned to stay in Cottonbloom as long as she has but can really force herself to leave?  Willa has been running for so long will she ever find a time to stop?

Jackson Abbott has his work cut out for him dealing with his brother Ford and finding out his female mechanic has had her eye on him for so long.  Will Jackson build a relationship with Willa or will he totally screw it up?

This is such a great series with so much going on between the brother's issues with Ford adding Willa to the mix sure makes life interesting in Cottonbloom.  This book had everything going on between the sibling issues with the garage, people making second chances and deciding in the end if it's worth the trouble or just moving on.  I can't wait to see what happens next in Cottonbloom.  Definitely a town you can visit time again!
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