I loved this fantastic historical romance. I loved both Louisa and Josh. I loved the emotions that both characters seemed to bring out in each other and how they seemed to inspire each other. I enjoyed learning about this town. I recommend reading this series in order to enjoy all of the characters more. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
I give this book a five out of five stars.
PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION
Doctor-in-training Louisa Vaughn has no intention of remaining in Sweetwater Crossing. She’s just there for a few days to help a friend. But she can’t abandon the injured man she finds at the side of the road. Until his broken leg heals, she’ll serve as the town’s doctor and midwife. She may not be fully qualified yet, but surely she’s better than nothing.
Josh Porter’s plans to win his grandfather’s challenge and fulfill his father’s final wish to gain full control of the family business hit a roadblock when he breaks his leg. But his enforced stay in Sweetwater Crossing gives him new ideas about the expansion of the company into new territory–ideas Louisa could help turn into reality.
If only the town were more accepting of Louisa’s talents! Someone is determined to convince her to abandon her dream of healing others. Can Josh help her uncover the person behind the threats before it’s too late? And is there any future for them together when neither of them plans to stay?
I really enjoyed this suspense filled story with a bit of romance. I loved all the thrills that Rowan and Jack get into throughout the story. I enjoyed learning some of the process that Rowan went through to help people find their family. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
I give this book a five out of five stars.
PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION
A talented genetic analyst and a detective who’s haunted by an elusive cold case team up in the new standalone romantic suspense from New York Timesbestselling author Laura Griffin.
Forensic genealogist Rowan Healy has made a name for herself by helping investigators trace the family trees of violent criminals who have eluded justice for years. But the pressure of police cases left her burned out, and she’s shifted her focus to helping adoptees find their biological parents.
Austin detective Jack Bruner has spent his career successfully tracking down vicious criminals—with the notable exception of the West Campus Rapist, a meticulous offender in Texas who has never been identified. When the latest two victims come to light, Jack sees his target is escalating his violent behavior—and only with Rowan’s help does he stand a chance of cracking this case.
Moved by Jack’s dedication and the brutal details of the attacks he lays out, Rowan agrees to help. When her ground-breaking DNA research sheds new light on the criminal’s background and helps them zero in on a search radius, Rowan and Jack must race against the clock to find a ruthless killer who’s growing bolder the longer he evades the law.
This is a fantastic story filled with romance, suspense and friendship. I loved Carrie and Trevor. I loved the descriptions of Alaska and what it is like for the bush pilots. I loved the twists and turns. I enjoyed how each of their lives comes together. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
I give this book a five out of five stars.
PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION
Montana Detective Trevor West is desperate to learn what happened to his sister, who went missing in Alaska over a year ago, leaving nothing but a few photographs as clues to her whereabouts. At the advice of Police Chief Autumn Long, Trevor enlists the help of an experienced bush pilot. If Carrie James can’t help him find the places in the photographs, no one can.
But Carrie has her own agenda. Grieving the death of her closest friend and the only person she could trust, Carrie will help Trevor find his sister on one condition–that he help her track down her friend’s killer.
As the two close in on the answers they crave, they’ll face dangers and connections they could not have imagined. They’ll have to learn to trust one another–and face the dark secrets of the past–if they are ever to discover the truth and bring a killer to justice.
I needed lots of tissues around while reading this story. I loved this contemporary novel filled with some romance and lots of learning about family and how to improve on your life. I loved Cora and Widgy. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
I give this book a five out of five stars.
PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION
Cora Matthews has long wondered why her mother stopped taking her to visit her grandparents’ lodge in the small Northwoods Minnesota town of Moonberry Lake. Now, after burying her mother and breaking off her engagement just two weeks before her wedding, Cora has a chance to find out. Once there, she is stunned to learn that the old lodge is her inheritance–with a surprising condition attached. Maybe some time to regroup on the shores of a beautiful lake is just what Cora needs to figure out what’s next for her.
But Cora’s days on the lake are anything but relaxing. The only thing that’s a bigger mess than her own life is the dilapidated building she’s living in. Add a cantankerous handywoman, an angry neighbor, and an elderly woman who spends all her time talking to the “residents” in the cemetery and Cora’s not sure she can stick it out. But if she can, she may find a love she never expected–from the most unexpected people imaginable. This homespun tale of new friendships, sweet romance, and ordinary miracles will have you wishing you could spend a summer (or a lifetime) on Moonberry Lake.
I loved learning whether Mae and Hank get married. I loved that a new character in Normal was introduced. I enjoyed all the descriptions that Mae gives as she reminisces as she walks through the campgrounds. I felt this was a very interesting mystery wrapped around Mae and Hanks lives. I could not put the book down and can’t wait for the next book.
I give this book a five out of five stars.
SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY WITH A SMIDGEN OF HOMICIDE
USA Today Bestselling author Tonya Kappes brings you southern and quirky characters in her mystery series. Her stories are charged with humor, friendship, family and life in small southern towns.
Welcome to Normal where nothing is normal.
In the heart of the charming town of Normal, Kentucky, Mae West has patiently awaited her wedding day to Hank Sharp. Friends and family gather, the crisp autumn air carries the scent of fallen leaves, and laughter dances through the warm Southern breeze. Everything is set for a picture-perfect day, a celebration of love in a town nestled by the serene Daniel Boone National Forest.
But in the South, they say, “Mishaps at weddings are like the rain in April—unexpected but not unusual.” Just as Mae is about to say her vows, a bolt of lightning struck. The news hit like a tornado—literally—a young girl had been murdered, and a tornado has torn through the town, turning everything upside down, including the carefully laid wedding plans.
In a town where mysteries were as common as fireflies on an autumn night, Mae West and the Laundry Club ladies venture where others fear to tread, unearthing long-buried secrets and confronting a darkness that threatened to shatter the tranquility of their beloved Normal.
Another question is on everyone minds, will Mae and Hank finally tie the knot?
I really enjoyed this fun mystery. I loved Karina, Rick, Jillian and Tony. I loved that there was a paranormal aspect to this story. This was my first book in this series and I had no problem getting to know all the characters. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
I give this book a five out of five stars.
Spectral Revelations: A Karina Cardinal Mystery Cozy Mystery 6th in Series Setting – Williamsburg, Virginia Power to the Pen (October 5, 2023) Print length : 285 pages ASIN : B0C7WQVTNH
Is Karina’s missing aunt on vacation…or on the lam?
Karina is trying to keep her mind on getting a cosponsor for a bill, but it’s tough with her Mom blowing up her phone. By the time Karina finally stops hitting “ignore”, Mom is frantic. It appears Karina’s Aunt Vera has disappeared, fibbed to her employer about the reason for her absence, even abandoned her beloved cat, Nightshade—which is completely out of character. Karina would bet her favorite pair of designer shoes that Vera is in some kind of trouble.
However, when Karina hauls her cookies from D.C. to historic Williamsburg to search Vera’s house, she finds nothing suspicious. Except for a mischievous Civil War ghost who scares the bejesus out of her and keeps trashing Vera’s office. Until Karina realizes his seemingly random ectoplasmic tantrums have a purpose—revealing key evidence.
Something is definitely fishy, but the clues aren’t adding up. And as the spirit’s visitations become more urgent, Karina calls on reinforcements for help—her latest squeeze Rick Donovan and her sister Jillian. Because the cops are following faulty leads, which could put Vera on the wrong end of an arrest warrant … if she’s found alive.
International bestselling and award-winning author Ellen Butler presents book six in the Karina Cardinal mystery series! Fans of Elizabeth Peters and Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum will adore this gripping mystery adventure.
About Ellen Butler
Ellen Butler is the internationally bestselling author of the Karina Cardinal mystery series. Her experiences working on Capitol Hill and at a medical association in Washington, D.C. inspired the mystery-action series. Book critics call the Karina Cardinal mysteries, “intelligent escapism” and “unputdownable adventures that will take readers on an electrifying yet light-hearted and humorous journey.” Butler also writes historical spy fiction. Her WWII spy novel, The Brass Compass, recently won a 2022 Speak Up Talk Radio Firebird Book Award for historical fiction. The second book in the duology, Operation Blackbird: A Cold War Spy Novel, is Butler’s latest historical fiction. The novel is inspired by true events, and won a Next Generation Indie Book Award gold medal for historical fiction. Reviewers are calling it “riveting,” and, “a thrilling adventure.”
I loved this newest Amish romance with some intrigue and mystery. I loved Trudy and enjoy that she is so level headed. I liked Micah and loved that he can be a bit scatter brained. I love the parts of Trudy’s bird watchers book. I enjoyed the intrigue and mystery. I liked the twists and turns on whether this Amish group should leave the area they live in or not. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
I give this book a five out of five stars.
PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION
Trudy Yoder shares a passion for birding with Micah Weaver–and she has an even greater passion for Micah. Their friendship is finally turning romantic when Micah abruptly grows cold. Worse still, he wants to leave Stoney Ridge.
Micah Weaver thought he was over Trudy’s older sister. A year and a half ago, Shelley had broken his heart when she ran away from Stoney Ridge to pursue a singing career in Nashville. Then, out of the blue, she’s started to leave distressing phone messages for him.
When the bishop asks for volunteers to scout out a possible church relocation in Tennessee, Micah is the first to raise his hand. Despite scant details, he’s confident he can find Shelley. After all, his reputation as a field guide is based on finding birds that don’t want to be found.
What Micah doesn’t know is that what you’re looking for isn’t always what you find.
I really enjoyed reading this fun cozy mystery. I loved Jaymie and her family. I liked the mystery that had a lot of twists and turns. I liked how Jaymie could get information from people. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that i gave of my own free will.
In the new Vintage Kitchen Mystery from the author of A Calculated Whisk, Jaymie’s not sure who to believe when every suspect’s alibi has as many holes as a sieve . . .
Vintage cookware collector Jaymie Müller is stunned when an irate woman accuses her pharmacist friend Val of tampering with her prescription. When more unfounded accusations follow, it seems clear the woman has a personal grudge against Val. But before they can figure out why, Jaymie and Val stumble upon the woman’s dead body on the steps of Val’s pharmacy. Given her altercations with the woman and the location of the body, the police naturally suspect Val.
Jaymie has heard rumors that the victim had become forgetful and erratic, but could that explain her death? And why was Val being framed as her murderer? Determined to find the clues that connect the woman’s strange behavior to her death, Jaymie begins questioning the people in her life—and soon suspects that the culprit is among them. But she’ll have to be careful about who she confronts, because while solving murders is hard work, there’s a killer on the loose who finds committing them all too easy . . .
Includes a vintage recipe!
About Victoria Hamilton
Victoria Hamilton is the pseudonym of nationally bestselling romance author Donna Lea Simpson. Victoria is the bestselling author of four mystery series: the Lady Anne Addison Mysteries, the Vintage Kitchen Mysteries, the Merry Muffin Mysteries, and A Gentlewoman’s Guide to Murder Mysteries. Visit her website at victoriahamiltonmysteries.com.
I loved this fun and crazy cozy mystery. I love all the characters but my favorites are Noodles and Scooter. I loved this dog and parrot combo. I loved that this murder could have been committed by so many different people. I really enjoyed the ending. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
I give this book a five out of five stars.
About the Book
Book: Spoon to Be Dead
Author: Dana Mentink
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release Date: October 31, 2023
A murder for the holidays is about to shake things up!
Trinidad Jones is starting the festive season with sugary confections and a heaping scoop of worry as her shake shop enters its first Oregon winter. With snow abound and tourists trickling through, she’ll do anything to keep her milkshake dreams afloat, even if it means catering a holiday steamboat party for some new arrivals in town.
But when her good-for-nothing ex crashes through her shop’s door claiming he’s being charged with murder, things go sideways. With clues piling up like whipped cream on a sundae and motives abound, Trinidad and her fellow ex-wives must solve this murder before she’s finally thrown for a scoop.
The third book in the Shake Shop Mysteries following Trinidad Jones who makes sweet confections and solves sticky situations in her small town!
Dana Mentink is a USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author as well as a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and the recipient of a Holt Medallion for excellence in mystery/suspense. She was honored to receive the Author of the Year award from West Coast Christian Writers. A California native, she’s written over fifty titles for the general and Christian markets in the suspense, lighthearted romance, and mystery genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense and Poisoned Pen Press. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com if you’d like to learn more.
More from Dana
It seems like just yesterday that I was dreaming up decadent freakshake recipes for book one in the Ice Cream Shop mysteries and here we are in book three! It’s Christmas time in Upper Sprocket and there’s a wedding in the works, but most surprising of all is the appearance of Gabe Bigley, the cheating ex of Trinidad and her two besties. You can imagine there is going to be a hefty helping of murder, mayhem and merriment in this next installment in the series. Hope you love book three as much as I do!
I loved this wonderful historical fiction novel that talks about many interesting secrets that many of these characters possess. I enjoyed getting to know some of what paleontologists do and that some women did do some work at the time of this novel. I loved Anna and Joshua. I enjoyed how Julian was handled in the story. I could not put the book down. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
I give this book a five out of five stars.
PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION
Some secrets can only stay buried for so long. . . .
Anna Lakeman has spent her life working alongside her paleontologist father, drawing intricate sketches at every dig. When they find dinosaur bones near their home in Wyoming Territory, they’re given the opportunity of a lifetime and are swiftly caught up in the competitive era of the Bone Wars. But after her father becomes sick and Joshua Ziegler, an old beau, returns for the summer, Anna’s world is upended, and the practical, orderly life she has made for herself shatters.
Medical student Joshua Ziegler left his hometown to forget Anna, the one woman he truly loved and deeply hurt. But when he returns, time hasn’t erased the feelings they’ve always had for each other. After Joshua’s nephew goes missing–just like his sister did years ago–and Anna’s job is threatened, tensions mount and dangerous secrets are unearthed. “Kim has long been a favorite author of mine, and her book The Secrets Beneath is no exception. This book is full of intrigue and adventure, twists and turns.”–TRACIE PETERSON, USA Today bestselling author