Gavels, Tinsel and Murder - Spotlight

 

 

Gavels, Tinsel and Murder: A British Cozy Mystery with a Female Amateur Sleuth (A Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery) by Victoria Tait

About Gavels, Tinsel and Murder

 

Gavels, Tinsel and Murder: A British Cozy Mystery with a Female Amateur Sleuth (A Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery) 

Cozy Mystery 4th in Series Kanga Press (November 4, 2022) 

Number of Pages c. 240 

Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0B6Y4H13L

A charity ball. A dead guest. Can an amateur sleuth solve the case or will it ruin Christmas for ever?

Aspiring antiques expert, Dotty Sayers, is excited about organising a ball in a Cotswold country house. When a lecture on modern art leads to a kiss under the mistletoe she thinks all her Christmases have come at once. But her festive cheer turns sour when a partygoer is found dead on the dance floor.  

The police ask Dotty to help wrap up the case of a stolen painting, but as the search continues she becomes entangled in the murder investigation. When this amateur detective realises the culprit could be a close friend, will she face the Yuletide music?

 

Can Dotty put aside her personal feelings and herald a murderer?

 

Gavels, Tinsel and Murder is the fourth book in the charming Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery series. If you like to eat, drink and be merry with a group of entertaining characters, then you’ll be entertained by Victoria Tait’s festive tale.

 

Christmas comes but once a year so buy Gavels, Tinsel and Murder today!

 

About Victoria Tait

I was born and raised in Yorkshire, UK, and never expected to travel the world. But I fell for an Army Officer, and I’ve followed him from Northern Ireland, up to the Scottish Highlands, across to Africa and the Kenyan Savannah, back to the British Cotswolds, and we are now living in Sarajevo, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in Southern Europe.

I never expected to be an author, but all this moving is not ideal for holding down a job. Instead, I’ve taken the experiences of the places I’ve lived to write vivid and evocative cozy mystery books with determined female sleuths.

I have two fast growing teenage boys, and together we’ve learnt to ski on the Bosnian mountains. I also enjoy horse riding, mountain biking and I’ve started running as a way to improve my physical fitness, mental well-being and shed some excess pounds.

For access to exclusive content, giveaways and freebies, sign up for my newsletter at my website: VictoriaTait.com

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It Came Upon a Midnight Shear - Book Spotlight

 

It Came upon a Midnight Shear (A Riverbank Knitting Mystery) by Allie Pleiter

About It Came upon a Midnight Shear

It Came upon a Midnight Shear (A Riverbank Knitting Mystery) 

Cozy Mystery 3rd in Series 

Setting - Maryland 

Berkley (November 1, 2022) Mass Market Paperback ‏ : ‎ 304 pages 

ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0593201825 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593201824 

Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09RPVTR4M

 

A murder in her yarn shop’s backyard puts Libby Beckett’s holiday plans on thin ice.…

 

The holiday season looks merry and bright for Libby and her friends at Y.A.R.N. The store is expanding for a holiday boom, and she’s gathered Collinstown’s businesses to decorate a community Christmas tree. Dashing “Gallant Herdsman” Vincenzo Marani arrives to showcase the rare vicuña, whose coat produces the world’s most luxurious yarn. It’s a perfect yuletide—until Libby’s ex-husband, Sterling, turns up in town…and then turns up dead.

 

The murder unravels Libby’s life faster than a hand-knit Christmas stocking. The luxe yarn goes missing, Sterling’s domineering family comes to town, and the vicuña attempt an escape. If Libby can’t stitch up a solution to the case, she may be trading in her knitting needles for a set of handcuffs.

 

About Allie Pleiter

The bestselling author of over fifty titles, Allie Pleiter's twenty-year career has sold 1.6 million books. Allie also coaches on writing productivity and speaks nationally on time management for creatives. Allie is an avid knitter, confirmed coffee junkie and firm believer that “pie makes everything better.” She lives in the suburbs of Chicago with her husband and the world’s most adorable dog.

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Review: A Crafter Knits a Clue by Holly Quinn

A Crafter Knits a Clue 

A Handcrafted Mystery Book 1

Author: Holly Quinn 

Publisher: Crooked Lane Books 

Publication Date: October 9, 2018 

ISBN: 9781683317715 

336 pages

Blurb:

For fans of Betty Hechtman and Maggie Sefton, the latest craft frenzy is this charming cozy mystery series debut starring amateur sleuth Sammy Kane—and featuring bonus knitting patterns!

Sammy Kane just moved back to her hometown to run a craft store. But when the owner of a nearby yarn shop is murdered, Sammy will needle little help finding the killer.

When a heartbroken Samantha “Sammy” Kane returns to her hometown of Heartsford, WI, for her best friend Kate’s funeral, she learns that Kate’s much-loved craft store is in danger of perishing with its owner. Confounding all her expectations of the life she would live, Sammy moves back home with her golden retriever and takes over Community Craft. A few doors down Main Street, fellow new arrival Ingrid Wilson has just opened the Yarn Barn, a real “purl” of a shop. But when Sammy strolls over to see if Ingrid could use a little help, she finds Ingrid’s dead body—with a green aluminum knitting needle lodged in her throat.

Detective Liam Nash is thrown for a loop as every single citizen of Heartsford seems to have a theory about Ingrid’s murder. And nearly everyone in town seems to be a suspect. But the last time Sammy did any sleuthing was as a little moppet. And this is not fun and games. Sammy is eager to help the handsome Liam—who seems to be endlessly inventive in finding reasons to talk with her—and when Liam arrests affable woodworker Miles Danbury, Sammy puts everything on the line to help clear Miles.

As the case comes dangerously close to unraveling, Sammy must stitch the clues together. But the killer has other plans—and if Sammy’s not careful, she may wind up in a perilous knot in A Crafter Knits a Clue, the first warm and woolly yarn of Holly Quinn’s new Handcrafted mysteries.

My Thoughts:

What a fun read!!! I really enjoyed not only the characters but the storyline as well! Being a crafter and knitter, I found it refreshing to find a book that centers around my interests and because of that, I think I may have gotten more involved in the story. 

The characters themselves were quite easy to be able to identify with and all were quite likeable. I will say that Sammy could be a bit "over the top" at times, but I think that made her more fun. Then there's Detective Nash, he's, well... you will just have to read the book to find out more about him.

I found A Crafter Knits a Clue  a very enjoyable and an easy read. It went quickly, almost too quickly! I was almost sad to have finished the book but happy to find out if my theory of "who done it" was correct. There were enough red herrings that I changed my guess a couple of times. Once I get caught up on my reading list, I will definitely be getting the next book in the series: A Crafter Quilts a Crime! 

This is definitely a must read for anyone that loves cozy mysteries - especially those that love cozies based on their passion of crafting!

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. I was not required to post a positive review - but one of my honest opinion. 

Book Review - Fairy Cake Fatality

Fairy Cake Fatality 

(Cake Fairy Mysteries #1)

Author: Sabrina Hartford

Kindle Edition, 321 pages
Published May 16th 2017
ASIN: B072FHDXF3

About the book:

Faye left California to start a new life in England. Things aren’t going well and her new cake shop is close to bankruptcy, but she gets a lucky break when she is chosen to be featured on the town’s popular radio program. Unfortunately, on the day of the recording, a murder occurs and she is the prime suspect! 

She tries to solve the case herself, but each clue she finds only leaves her more confused. To make things worse, she keeps having hallucinations about being a fairy, but these only occur when a certain kitten is around. Or maybe there is something to these visions? Can Faye befriend the kitten and master her fairy past while solving the case? 

My Thoughts:

I'll admit it - I'm a sucker for cats - especially kittens. When I find one that not only mixes kittens with delicious desserts, but makes it the theme of a cozy mystery, it's a must read for me!

"Fairy Cake Fatality" was a fun read with just enough humor, twists and suspense to keep me interested. I enjoyed the main character, Faye, who loves, and I mean LOVES to bake. I'll admit, there were times I wondered if I could actually be smelling those delicious cakes she was baking. Oh the descriptions!  There were times she had a somewhat snarky attitude that I didn't totally appreciate. However, I imagine I would have been as irritated as she was at times if I were in her shoes. I mean - she was questioning things that really weren't making much sense, let alone never being to explain them to anyone else because they'd think she was crazy.

I enjoyed the story line and had flip flopped between who I though was the murderer. Finally, I did figure out who did it, but not much before they were revealed. There was also another character I had a feeling about who they were and did figure that one out - but won't say any more about that. You'll have to read the book to know about that one. I'm not going to give anything away :D

"Fairy Cake Fatality" is a brilliant start to the series. It can be read as a stand alone with a nice wrapped up ending; however, it does have a lead into the next book. And yes - I really want to read the next book because of that lead!

About the Author:

Sabrina Hartford loves solving crimes and baking. So she combines both her passions by writing recipe books and cozy mysteries filled with sweet treats! She lives in SoCal with her darling hubby, her adorable kitten Seamus and her two wonderful children. She has had a variety of jobs in her time, but now, when she's not doing her first love of writing, she enjoys baking, traveling, volunteering and reading books.

I received a copy of this ebook from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

The Sussex Downs Murder by John Bude

The Sussex Downs Murder
A British Library Crime Classic
Author: John Bude
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
Publishing Date:   May 5 2015
Paperback ISBN: 9781464203718
eBook ISBN: 9781464203725
Print Length: 210 pages

About the Book:

'Already it looked as if the police were up against a carefully planned and cleverly executed murder, and, what was more, a murder without a corpse!’

Two brothers, John and William Rother, live together at Chalklands Farm in the beautiful Sussex Downs. Their peaceful rural life is shattered when John Rother disappears and his abandoned car is found. Has he been kidnapped? Or is his disappearance more sinister – connected, perhaps, to his growing rather too friendly with his brother’s wife?

Superintendent Meredith is called to investigate – and begins to suspect the worst when human bones are discovered on Chalklands farmland. His patient, careful detective method begins slowly to untangle the clues as suspicion shifts from one character to the next.

This classic detective novel from the 1930s is now republished for the first time, with an introduction by the award-winning crime writer Martin Edwards.

My Thoughts:

There is something about a good British mystery that can't be topped. From the way the mystery is presented to the inquisitive detective, the Brits just know how to draw the reader in and keep them captive from beginning to end and believe me, "The Sussex Downs Murder" is no exception.

From the opening pages, we meet John and William Rother. Both run a business making and selling lime. When John leaves on a trip, he says goodbye to his brother and his wife, reminding the brother to take good care of the business. John's car is found abandoned with other clues that scream foul play.

Enter Superintendent Meredith... He has been called to lead the investigation and he leaves no stones upturned as he searches for answers - following lead after lead and suspecting first one then another. Full of great red herrings, this book will leave the reader guessing through to then end.

This captivating mystery was written in 1936 by Ernest Carpenter Elmore, an English theatre producer and director who penned his mystery novels under the pseudonym John Bude. He published more than 30 crime novels, this being the 3rd. Elmore died at the young age of 56 in 1957.

Recommended to those that love British mysteries, Agatha Christie, or any well written mystery that has some good red herrings!

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley courtesy of the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

A Winter Discovery by Michael Baron

A Winter Discovery
Author: Michael Baron
Publisher: The Story Plant
ISBN:9781611880274
Paperback: 60 pages

About the Book:

Reviewers have rejoiced in Michael Baron's "emotionally charged relationships" (RT Book Reviews), "deep sensitivity" (#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Wiggs), and "talent and depth" (Romance Writers Reviews), while calling his work "a masterpiece" (Book Reviews R Us), "unforgettable" (Fresh Fiction), and "beautiful" (My Book Retreat). Now Baron presents us with his first novelette and his first holiday story, a touching, luminous, and openhearted tale of love, wonder, and revelation.

Returning to the characters of his first novel, When You Went Away, Baron takes us again into the world of Gerry Rubato, a man who has been marked by loss and revived by love, and his son Reese, now five, who celebrates life at a remarkable level but is only now starting to understand that he was robbed of the chance of ever knowing his mother. Reese is old enough now to get caught up in the excitement of the Christmas season and he throws himself into it with abandon. His sense of celebration takes on entirely new levels of meaning, though, when it leads him to an unexpected and most remarkable discovery.

At once buoyant and poignant, and filled with irrepressible spirit, A Winter Discovery is a story of that will take you to new places in your heart.

Michael Baron is the fiction pseudonym for a successful author of nonfiction books. He is the author of five novels, When You Went Away, Crossing the Bridge, The Journey Home, Spinning and Anything.

My Thoughts:

This holiday story will warm your heart and is perfect for holiday reading as well as any time you want a nice sweet story. Centered around a 5 (almost 6!) year old boy named Reese, who lives with his step-mother and father and has an older sister that is in college. Reese wants nothing more than to spend some time with his mother. She died not long after he was born, so he doesn't know her, but he feels the need to want to get to know her.

Reese is a delightful child who has a very vivid imagination. This imagination will charm you and make you smile. He's adorable and funny and he makes the reader want to grant him his wish.

Put this on you must reads for your holiday reading or just any time you may want a good short story that warms your heart. This could be considered the second story in the "series". It follows "When You Went Away" but can also be read as a stand alone. The reader won't feel like they have missed anything.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley courtesy of the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

Jack Templar Monster Hunter by Jeff Gunhus

Jack Templar Monster Hunter
The Templar Chronicles - Book One
Author: Jeff Gunhus
Publisher: Seven Guns Press
ISBN: 9780988425903
Paperback: 204 pages
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

About the Book:

Orphan Jack Smith has no memory of his parents and only the smallest details from his Aunt Sophie about how they died. But the day before his fourteenth birthday, things start to change for him. At first it's great: A sudden new strength helps him defend his nose-picking friend "T-Rex" from the school bully, and even his crush, Cindy Adams, takes notice. But then a mysterious girl named Eva arrives and tells him two facts that will change his life forever. First, that he's the descendent of a long line of monster hunters and he's destined to be in the family business. Second, that there's a truce between man and monster that children are off-limits...until their fourteenth birthday! Jack has only one day to prepare before hundreds of monsters will descend on his little town of Sunnyvale and try to kill him.

As if that weren't enough, Jack discovers that the Lord of the Creach (as the monsters are collectively known) holds a personal grudge against him and will do anything to see that Jack has a slow and painful death. To stay alive and save his friends, Jack will have to battle werewolves, vampires, harpies, trolls, zombies and more. But perhaps the most dangerous thing he must face is the truth about his past. Why do the other hunters call him the last Templar? Why do they whisper that he may be the "One?" Why do the monsters want him dead so badly? Even as these questions plague him, he quickly discovers survival is his new full-time job and that in the world of monster hunters, nothing is really what it seems.

My Thoughts:

Jack is a character that I totally adore! Told from his point of view, I had no choice except fall in love with his character. Jack is to the point, quirky, hilarious and just a teen that wants to be a teen, however that's not in his future. When Jack finds out that his life is not what it appeared to be, he embraces what faces him and does what he needs to do.

I love the voice that Jeff Gunhus gave Jack - perfect for a  14 year old boy. I also love how when he is telling the story, Jack stops and interjects something for the audience and that pulls one into the story even more! But lets not stop with Jack - Eva is great, too, and she's a strong female character that "works" well with Jack.

Perfect for the male young adult audience, but not exclusive. This great beginning to the series will bridge both sex and age groups. Jack Templar Monster Hunter has been likened to Percy Jones, but I think it's better. I love the storyline and more importantly, I love Jack. Add this to your TBR list. It's a fun read and a must for a day when you need to unwind and just be entertained!

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley courtesy of the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

Return to Grace by Karen Harper

Return to Grace
A Home Valley Amish Novel #2
Author: Karen Harper
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA
ISBN: 9780778313236
Paperback: 368 pages
Genre: Amish fiction, mystery

About the Book:

In the shadows of a graveyard, a SHOT rings out…

Hannah Esh fled the Home Valley Amish community with a broken heart, throwing herself into her worldly dreams of a singing career instead. But as much as she tries to run from her past, something keeps pulling her back. On a whim, she brings four worldly friends to the Amish graveyard near her family’s home for a midnight party on Halloween. But when shots are fired and one of her friends is killed, Hannah is pulled back into the world of her past.

The investigation into the shooting uncovers deep-buried secrets that shock the peaceful Amish village to its core. Determined to prove her value to the community she left behind, Hannah attempts to bridge two cultures,working closely with both handsome, arrogant FBI agent Linc Armstrong and her former betrothed, Seth Lantz,now widowed with a young daughter.

Caught between Seth and Linc, between old and new, Amish and worldly, Hannah must choose her future. Unless a killer, bent on secrecy, chooses it for her.

About the Author:

New York Times bestselling author Karen Harper is a former high school and college English teacher. Winner of the 2005 Mary Higgins Clark Award for her outstanding novel Dark Angel, Karen is the author of seventeen romantic suspense novels and six historical novels, as well as a series of historical mysteries. Karen and her husband, who divide their time between Columbus, Ohio, and Naples, Florida, love to travel both in the U.S. and abroad. For additional information about Karen and her novels, please visit www.KarenHarperAuthor.com.

My Thoughts:

The story line for "Return to Grace" was an exciting and page-turning experience, but I did have issues with it, and those issues detracted from the enjoyment of the story for me. First let me clarify why. I live in an area of Old Order Amish and have an Amish friend. This story's Amish customs are  far from the Amish customs and community that I know here. I'm not saying they are incorrect as each order has their own ways, but they don't match with what I know.

With that said, the story and the characters didn't ring true to me. The sheriff felt contrived and quite forced and I really couldn't "get into it" the way I would have liked. Yes - my problem and not fair to the story.

Another issue I had was coming into the series with this as my first book. I don't think that helped at all and I honestly think I should have started with book one. I strongly suggest that anyone interested in this series should start at the beginning.

Lastly - I don't like any type of sex in my Amish fiction. It has to be clean for me.

If you like Amish fiction and don't get hung up on the different ways of each order and don't mind your story being a little risque, you shouldn't have any issues with this. Really, the basic story is good. I just got hung up on the details.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley courtesy of the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

Fatal Puzzle by Catherine Shepherd

Fatal Puzzle
Zons Crime Book One
Author: Catherine Shepherd
Translator: Julia Knobloch
Publisher: AmazonCrossing
ISBN: 9781477826508
Paperback: 154 pages

About the Book:

1495: In the peaceful medieval city of Zons, on the banks of the Rhine, a young woman is found hanging from a parapet, raped and mutilated. A month later, another maiden falls prey. Bastian Mühlenberg, head of the City Guard, is determined to decipher the murderer’s gruesome code, unaware that he and the woman he loves are in the killer’s sights. With the help of an old psychic, a priest, and the stars above, Mühlenberg must solve the “fatal puzzle” before it’s too late.

Present day: Journalist Emily Richter is thrilled when she’s assigned a series of articles about the historic Zons killings. However, right before her stories are to be published, a young woman’s body is found hanging from a city tower—grossly maimed and wearing a linen gown, like her medieval predecessors. Detective Oliver Bergmann leads the investigation, tapping the knowledge of the attractive young journalist. Working together—and using Mühlenberg’s old notes—they race to stay one step ahead of the copycat killer.

About the Author:

Thriller author Catherine Shepherd lives with her family in the medieval town of Zons, Germany, the setting of Fatal Puzzle. Since leaving her successful career as a project manager at a major German bank, Shepherd has devoted herself to writing full-time. Fatal Puzzle, the first book in the Zons series, hit number one on Amazon's bestseller list in Germany.

My Thoughts:

This mystery thriller is definitely worth taking notice of. From the beginning, I was really taken in by the shifting of time frames and how the story unfolded. In the late 1400's we are introduced to a serial killer and the detective that "hunts" him. In the present day, we are introduced to a journalist who is researching that killer. As she researches why the killer did what he did, and the pieces of the puzzle fall into place, there is a real life serial murder going on that mimics the 500 year old murder mystery.

As I read more and more translated novels, I'm finding that I love the fresh take on story telling they provide. This story was no exception! Full of suspense and a some red herrings, I really didn't figure out who did it until close to the end when it was revealed. I love stories that keep me guessing and I love the fact that there was a puzzle involved where you learned along with the main character.

I'm looking forward to seeing more of Catherine Shepherd's work translated into English. The translator (Julia Knobloch) for "Fatal Puzzle" did a superb job and there was no awkward feel to sentence structure or any misunderstanding in what was being said.

This is a great mystery/thriller to settle in with. It's not very long and the characters are fleshed out enough to really enjoy them. If you enjoy translated works, a good thriller or mystery or just like a well told story, then this is a must to add to your reading list!!

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley courtesy of the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

ARCHETYPE by M.D. Waters

ARCHETYPE
Author: M.D. Waters
Publisher: Dutton
ISBN: 9780525954231
Hardcover: 384 pages
Genre: fiction, sci-fi, futuristic, suspense

About the Book:

Introducing a breathtakingly inventive futuristic suspense novel about one woman who rebels against everything she is told to believe

Emma wakes in a hospital, with no memory of what came before. Her husband, Declan, a powerful, seductive man, provides her with new memories, but her dreams contradict his stories showing her a past life she can’t believe possible: memories of war, of a camp where girls are trained to be wives, of love for another man. Something inside her tells her not to speak of this, but she does not know why. She only knows she is at war with herself.

Suppressing those dreams during daylight hours, Emma lets Declan mold her into a happily married woman and begins to fall in love with him. But the day Noah stands before her, the line between her reality and dreams shatters.

In a future where women are a rare commodity, Emma fights for freedom but is held captive by the love of two men—one her husband, the other her worst enemy. If only she could remember which is which. . . .

The first novel in a two-part series, Archetype heralds the arrival of a truly memorable character—and the talented author who created her.

My Thoughts:

Emma is a woman who has powerful and pulling dreams. They, at times, seem more real than the life she leads with her husband, Declan. These dreams are disturbing and bother Emma, yet she is reluctant to divulge these dreams with anyone. Until she meets Noah. He could be the key to what is really going on in Emma's life. Or is he?

ARCHETYPE is a novel that kept me quite intrigued to the end. The reader only finds out information when Emma does, so this keeps one wondering and trying to figure out what is really going on. I love this style of writing. As each piece of the puzzle is revealed, the story picks up to a heart-pounding bittersweet ending. Well, ending for book one of the series anyhow. The ending is satisfying enough that you could walk away from the series with closure, but you still have the type of ending where you want to go on to see where things go from here.

I enjoyed Emma's character. She's strong and smart and she's a ... oh well, you'll have to read the book to find out exactly what she is - that's part of the intrigue of the story line.

Make sure you add this to your must read list today. I'd recommend it to anyone who loves sci-fi, dystopian, or futuristic type novels. While you're at it, you may just want to pick up the second one, "Prototype" as well!!

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley courtesy of the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

Plain Admirer by Patricia Davids

Plain Admirer
Love Inspired Series
Author: Patricia Davids
Publisher: Harlequin
ISBN: 9780373878178
Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages

About the Book:

Love Is Only A Letter Away

So what if Joann Yoder's Amish community deems her a spinster? She's content to stay single. In the meantime, she's working hard to finally buy her dream house. So it's problematic when she's fired from her job to make room for the nephew's owner, Roman Weaver. His blue eyes aside, she simply can't stand him! Good thing she has the secret letters she's been exchanging with a mystery man to keep her going. But who is writing her letters? And could she possibly fall for him in real life, too?

My Thoughts:

Since her parents died, Joann Yoder no longer has a real home to call her own. She is passed from brother to brother since she is now their responsibility. She dreams of having her own home and works hard at her job - saving for that dream. Then, she finds she will be losing her job and has to train Roman, her new replacement.

The only way Joann copes with things when they get tough, it to go fishing. On one trip, she loses her pole and a later trip back, she finds it along with a letter. This starts an unusual and very understanding relationship with someone she has never met.

A well executed story, "Plain Admirer" kept me quite engrossed throughout. It was a hard book to put down because I had to see what the next letter would bring and wondered if and when the big reveal would be. This was a quick read with a spirited female and a broken male that could capture the reader's heart. Although the story was predictable, it was still a very satisfying read.

Recommended to anyone who enjoys Amish or clean romance or anyone who enjoys a quick read with a satisfying outcome.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley courtesy of the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

Stonefly by Scott J. Holliday

Stonefly
Book one of the Jacob Duke series
Scott J. Holliday
Haley Road Publishing
ISBN: 9780988555433
Paperback: 326 pages
Genre: Literature/Fiction (Adult), Mystery & Thrillers

About the Book:

Jacob Duke has come back to Braketon­—a sleepy, backwoods town bordering Dover, the mental institution where he spent his formative years. Jacob's intention is to enjoy Braketon's woods and water for the first time as a free man, but he soon discovers that Dover isn't through with him yet. Driven by a curse that compels him to grant any wish he hears, Jacob is drawn back into his disturbing former life by a young boy's desire to see his own father dead.

Complicating things is the irresistible and erratic Lori Nelson, who continues to put new boyfriends in Jacob's path, along with Motown, Jacob's friend from his years at Dover, who carries a secret that rocks Jacob's foundation and makes him question his own morality.

Stonefly is a suspense thriller that rockets to a surprising, but satisfying end. Stay tuned for the second book in the series, Broken Horizon.

My Thoughts:

I am totally ashamed to say that I thought I had published my review of this book and found that it sat in my drafts with only notes and didn't get reviewed. This is a true travesty as this book was so worth the recognition that I should have given it, but didn't. So, here's the recognition that it should have gotten.

"Stonefly" is one of those books that you might just pass up because of the title or maybe the cover. It was on a whim that I chose it and I really didn't expect a whole lot from it. Instead, it pretty much knocked my socks off! It was brilliantly written, better yet, memorable. It's been a long time since I've read it, and Jacob Duke still stands out in my mind. He is pretty much an unforgettable character for me - especially with how he tried to deal with ridding himself of his gift.

Written in Jacob's point of view, one can really come to feeling things and experiencing things through Jacob's eyes. Things make sense this way, where as a by-stander, things may not at all be understandable and more importantly,why would they since Jacob has come out of a long stay in a mental hospital. This really gave me a great connection to the story - and that's what made it so unforgettable.

If you enjoy suspense, a great main character, a bit of supernatural, a gift that is really a curse and some great storytelling, then this is truly a novel you will enjoy. Make sure to add it to your must reads today!!

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley courtesy of the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

Travels with Gannon and Wyatt: Ireland

Travels with Gannon and Wyatt: Ireland
Book #5
Authors: Patti Wheeler, Keith Hemstreet
Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group
ISBN: 9781626341951
Hardcover: 192 pages
Genre: Young adult, adventure, travel

About the Book:

While on vacation in Ireland, Gannon and Wyatt visit medieval castles, climb the Cliffs of Moher, and explore the ancient Newgrange monument. But after Gannon kisses the Blarney Stone their adventure takes a dramatic turn. While volunteering on a farm to connect with their Irish roots, they learn that a deadly blight is wreaking havoc on the Irish farmland. Determined to uncover the true cause, the courageous explorers embark on a secret mission to gather evidence against a ruthless suspect, but soon find themselves running for their lives. Ultimately, they must rely on their wilderness survival skills and Gannon’s “gift of gab” if they hope to bring justice to their ancestral home.

In the tradition of the historic journals kept by explorers such as Lewis and Clark, Dr. David Livingstone, and Captain James Cook comes the adventure series Travels with Gannon and Wyatt. From Africa to the South Pacific, these twin brothers have traveled the world. You never know what they will encounter as they venture into the wild, but one thing is certain wherever Gannon and Wyatt go, adventure is their constant companion.

You can find Gannon and Wyatt’s blog, photographs, and video footage from their real-life expeditions at travelswithgannonandwyatt.com.

My Thoughts:

Get ready to go on adventure with Gannon and Wyatt in Ireland! Book number 5 of the Travels With Gannon and Wyatt series, this book will take you on an adventure to the Emerald Isle! Visit some exciting landmarks including the Blarney Stone (complete with pictures). I had no idea how "fun" it would be to kiss that stone until Gannon gives it a try!

Full of adventure with two home schooled boys, this novel is sure to keep the reader engrossed to the end! Throughout the boys travels, one will see and experience Ireland and the locals as well as become entwined in a great mystery adventure.

Gannon and Wyatt are both great characters. Like most brothers, they are both interested in life but from different points of view - one from the scientific side and the other from the humanities side. This leads to some disagreements but also shows how things are viewed from all sides and creates an interesting story from both points of view.

Great for middle school boys and girls, this series can be started anywhere. Match them to your studies to bring a sort of living history to them. This series is fun, so don't be surprised if your young reader wants to read them all!

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley courtesy of the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

Invasion by Jon S. Lewis

Invasion
A C.H.A.O.S. Novel - Book #1
Author: Jon S. Lewis
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 9781595547538
Hardcover: 336 pages
Genre: Young Adult, Sci-fi

About the Book:

He didn't ask to be a hero, but now all that stands between us and chaos . . . is Colt.

Colt McAlister was having the summer of his life. He spent his days surfing and his nights playing guitar on the beach with friends. He even met a girl and got his first car. But everything changes when his parents are killed in a freak accident.

He's forced to leave his old life behind and move to Arizona with his grandfather. The only person he knows at the new high school is a childhood friend named Dani. And Oz, a guy he's sure he's never met but who is strangely familiar.

But what if his parents' death wasn't an accident? His mother, an investigative reporter, was going to expose a secret mind-control program run by one of the world's largest companies. Before she could release the story, what if agents from Trident Biotech made sure she couldn't go public?

Vowing to uncover truth, Colt is drawn into a secret world of aliens, shapeshifters, flying motorcycles, and invisible getaways.

The invasion has begun.

My Thoughts:

A great start to a fun trilogy, Invasion keeps readers interested both emotionally and with lots of action. The main character, Colt, has a hardship that takes him to live with his grandfather. This hardship may end up being much more tragic that first expected and Colt intends to find out exactly what happened.

This young adult sci-fi novel starts out a bit slow but picks up with lots of action and secrets. Of course with sci-fi, there has to be fighting and aliens, so get ready to snuggle up with a book that takes the reader "out of this world"!

This book is recommended for young adults as well as older readers that enjoy a young male protagonist. Great to give to pre-teen/early teen readers, especially boys.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley courtesy of the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

Forced Alliance by Lenora Worth

Forced Alliance
Love Inspired Suspense
Author: Lenora Worth
Publisher: Harlequin
ISBN: 9780373446018
Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers, Romance

About the Book:

AN UNEASY PARTNERSHIP

By-the-book FBI agent Josie Gilbert has no business falling for her confidential informant, but she can't walk away. She needs this case—her career needs this case. And suave thief turned FBI asset Connor Randall is too deep in the mob syndicate to pull out now. But when the crime boss they are trying to take down becomes a target himself, Josie is forced to take Connor into hiding without blowing his cover. Now, dodging hit men and fighting a perilous attraction, she has to make a life-and-death decision. Can she trust the man who has stolen her heart…or is he working one last con?

My Thoughts:

This quick paced, action packed thriller kept me turning pages to see what happened. Every time I think I figured it out, some twist would make me second guess myself. Although quite formulaic and predictable, I still enjoyed the story line and the characters. Josie is a strong woman and Conner is a great con-man that you can't help but like but not sure you trust. These characters both worked for me and worked well in the story. Nothing seemed out of character and all seemed quite realistic.

Forced Alliance is a good quick read that will keep you flipping the pages to see what happens next. I enjoyed it enough to want to read more by this author and also from Harlequin's Love Inspired Series!

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley courtesy of the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

On Her Father's Grave by Kendra Elliot

On Her Father's Grave
Rogue River Novella Book 1
Author: Kendra Elliot
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Print Length: 100 pages
Kindle Edition - no ISBN

About the Book:

The first of four thrilling Rogue River novellas, On Her Father’s Grave launches a new romantic suspense series from Kendra Elliot and Melinda Leigh, with each author alternating writing books in the series.

In a small town like Solitude, Oregon, keeping a secret can be murder.

Stevie Taylor had left her sleepy Oregon hometown for a more exciting life. But after her police chief father passes away, the LAPD cop returns to Solitude and signs on as a patrol officer, hoping to heal from her loss…and from the horrific things she’s seen in the city.

In Solitude, everyone knows everyone else’s business—and, to Stevie’s dismay, local gossip soon ties her to the new police chief and a man from her past. Tragedy then shakes up the small town when a teenager dies after taking a strange new drug. Now, the seasoned LA cop must hunt down the dealer while investigating the most important case of her life, one that could divide her tranquil town.

About the Author

Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Kendra Elliot has always been a voracious reader, cutting her teeth on classic female sleuths and heroines like Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden before proceeding to devour the works of Stephen King, Diana Gabaldon, and Nora Roberts. She has a degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. A Golden Heart, Daphne du Maurier, and Linda Howard Award of Excellence finalist, Elliot shares her love of suspense in Hidden, Chilled, Buried, Alone, and Vanished. She lives and writes in the rainy Pacific Northwest with her husband, three daughters, and a Pomeranian, but dreams of living at the beach on Kauai.

My Thoughts:

Stevie Taylor left Oregon to work for the LAPD. After her father dies and she has tired of seeing everything going on in the big city, she decides to return to her hometown - not only to relax but to heal after the passing of her father. Things don't remain quiet though and Stevie is thrown into something that reminds her of her past dealings in LA.

I enjoyed the first book to the series and must read the others. The characters are interesting, Stevie is layered and is slowly revealed throughout the story. She is quite a complex person and she has guilt issues among other things. She is not only interesting but is pretty enough to catch the attention of her boss, but will there be love? Business and pleasure don't mix or do they?

A great story line and good characters make this beginning of the series one to add to your TBR list. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in Stevie's not-so-quiet town, the mystery behind her father and finding out if there will there be a love interest after all.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley courtesy of the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

Sekret by Lindsay Smith - Review

Sekret
Lindsay Smith
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
ISBN: 9781596438927
Hardcover: 352 pages
Genre: Young Adult, Teen

About the Book:

An empty mind is a safe mind.

Yulia's father always taught her to hide her thoughts and control her emotions to survive the harsh realities of Soviet Russia. But when she's captured by the KGB and forced to work as a psychic spy with a mission to undermine the U.S. space program, she's thrust into a world of suspicion, deceit, and horrifying power. Yulia quickly realizes she can trust no one--not her KGB superiors or the other operatives vying for her attention--and must rely on her own wits and skills to survive in this world where no SEKRET can stay hidden for long.

About the author

Lindsay Smith's love of Russian culture has taken her to Moscow, St. Petersburg, and a reindeer festival in the middle of Siberia. She writes on foreign affairs and lives in Washington, D.C. Sekret is her first novel.

My Thoughts:

Yulia and the other children have abilities that get them kidnapped and trained for missions that will help Russia undermine the United States. Taking place during the Cold War in the 1960's this novel will have you on the edge of your seat at times. Russia was not known as a place that treats their prisoners well, so the children are basically prisoners with above average psychic abilities - so you can imagine how things are for them.

Even so, the children have learned to adapt and learned how to do things to keep them off radar. The are strong, intelligent and of course, have feelings that they learn how to protect.

This novel was both disturbing and exciting. I had a hard time putting it aside and an even harder time when I closed it up and realized it would be a while before I could read the next installment. The characters were engrossing to me - each had personalities that were quite a bit different than the rest, but they all had the same problem/outcome facing them. I really appreciated the mix and the feelings that to me were quite true to form for that situation.

This book should appeal to most that enjoy fiction centered around true historical time periods/events as well as those that just enjoy a great page-turning young adult novel. I loved it for both reasons.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley courtesy of the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

A Killer Retreat by Tracy Weber - Review

A Killer Retreat
A Downward Dog Mystery #2
Author: Tracy Weber
Publisher: Midnight Ink
ISBN: 9780738742090
Paperback, 336 pages
Genre: cozy mystery

About the Book:

Yogi Kate must clear her name of murder in this charming yoga mystery

When Kate Davidson gets an offer to teach yoga classes to wedding guests at the Elysian Springs resort, she jumps at the opportunity, even though it means being forced to endure the wedding ceremony of the center’s two caretakers. Avoiding the M-word turns out to be the least of Kate’s problems when a wedding guest is found floating face-down in the resort’s hot tub, shortly after a loud, public (and somewhat embarrassing) fight with Kate.

The police pick Kate as their number-one suspect, so she’s forced to team up with boyfriend Michael, best friend Rene, and German shepherd sidekick Bella to find the real killer. But they’ll have to solve the murder before the police arrest Kate, or her next gig may last a lifetime—behind bars.

My Thoughts:

Tracy Weber has done it again in this second installment of the Downward Dog Mystery series! I have been anxious to read this one after such a great start to the series in "Murder Strikes a Pose".

Kate Davidson is back along with Michael, Rene and Bella, and this time she's teaching yoga classes at a resort. A nice calming place and a nice calming job - except for one small problem. There's a murder and guess who not only found the body but is now more involved than she ever wanted to be!

I love Kate - she's a quirky, far from perfect person who seems to be at the wrong places at the wrong time. She's headstrong and doesn't listen which seems to get her in a heap of trouble at times. Michael is also a great character, but how could I even forget Bella - a German Shepherd with a digestive problem.

Another great humorous and quirky mystery that is sure to not only to draw you in but entertain you from the first page. I love Tracy's writing style and truly enjoy everything about this series. I can't wait for the next installment to come out!

If you haven't read any of Tracy's mysteries, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy today. I would recommend starting at the beginning so you can really get to know Kate's character - she's just too great to miss anything about her.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley courtesy of the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

The Fatal Tree by Stephen Lawhead - CSFF Tour

The Fatal Tree
Bright Empires Series Book 5
Author: Stephen Lawhead
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 9781595548085
Hardcover: 368 pages
May be purchased here.

About the Book:

Kit stared at his fellow questors. “Is this it . . . the End of Everything?”

It started with small, seemingly insignificant wrinkles in time: A busy bridge suddenly disappears, spilling cars into the sea. A beast from another realm roams modern streets. Napoleon’s army appears in 1930s Damascus ready for battle. But that’s only the beginning as entire realities collide and collapse.

The questors are spread throughout the universe. Mina is stuck on a plain of solid ice, her only companion an angry cave lion. Tony and Gianni are monitoring the cataclysmic reversal of the cosmic expansion—but coming up short on answers. And Burleigh is languishing in a dreary underground dungeon—his only hope of survival the very man he tried to murder.

Kit and Cass are back in the Stone Age trying to reach the Spirit Well. But an enormous yew tree has grown over the portal, effectively cutting off any chance of return. Unless someone can find a solution—and fast—all Creation will be destroyed in the universal apocalypse known as The End of Everything.

In this final volume of the fantastic Bright Empires series, Stephen R. Lawhead brings this multi-stranded tale to a stunning and immensely satisfying conclusion.

My Thoughts:

As much as I wanted to read this book, I didn't want to start because I knew it would end a great series. I had come to know each of the characters so well. Some I absolutely adored and some I greatly disliked and I really didn't want to say goodbye to them. One I started this bittersweet read, I so wanted to find out the ending and just had to keep going, staying up past my bedtime and devoured the book.

Was I satisfied with the ending? Yes and no. Yes, it was great - no because it ended :) There were some surprises I didn't see coming and some of my favorites seemed to get themselves into some fascinating and heartpounding situations. I am thrilled that I finally got a chance to read this book, but so sad the series is over.

If you have not read any of The Bright Empires series, please, please don't start with this one. You really need to start at the beginning as these books build on each other. If you have read the series, don't miss out on this exciting conclusion - I'm sure you won't be disappointed with how everything turns out.

This whole series comes HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

About the Author:

Stephen R. Lawhead is a prolific and bestselling author of mythic history and imaginative fiction. He is best known for his King Raven trilogy, a re-telling of the Robin Hood legend, and Pendragon Cycle, centering on the King Arthur legend. Other notable works include the Song of Albion, Celtic Crusades and Dragon King Trilogies, Byzantium, Patrick, Avalon, and the works of science-fiction Dream Thief and Empyrion saga. Lawhead makes his home in Oxford, England, with his wife.

To learn more about the series or about the author himself, Stephen's website can be found at: http://www.stephenlawhead.com/
or on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/StephenRLawhead
and Twitter: https://twitter.com/StephenLawhead

Make sure to visit the other participating tour members listed below and see what they have to say about The Fatal Tree:

Julie Bihn
Thomas Clayton Booher
Beckie Burnham
Jeff Chapman
Karri Compton
April Erwin
Victor Gentile
Jason Joyner
Janeen Ippolito
Carol Keen
Emileigh Latham
Rebekah Loper
Shannon McDermott
Meagan @ Blooming with Books
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Nissa
Jalynn Patterson
Writer Rani
Nathan Reimer
Audrey Sauble
Jojo Sutis
Rachel Starr Thomson
Robert Treskillard
Steve Trower
Shane Werlinger
Phyllis Wheeler

In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a favorable review.

The Healing Quilt by Wanda E. Brunstetter

The Healing Quilt
Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club - Book #3
Author: Wanda E. Brunstetter
Publisher: Shiloh Run Press
ISBN: 9781616260873
Paperback: 320 pages

About the Book:

Retired Amish newlyweds Emma and Lamar Miller have decided to buy a winter place in Sarasota, Florida. But it wouldn't feel like home if Emma didn't take her quilting materials and offer classes. Wounded and hurting people have a knack for finding their way to her classes for some quilting therapy: Jennifer, a pregnant new mom; Mike, a charter boat owner; Erika, a wheelchair-bound teen; Kim, a waitress; Noreen, a newly-retired widow; and BJ, an artist facing illness. And when Jan visits from Indiana, romance is also added to the class discussions.

My Thoughts:

This fun series is about an older Amish woman who opens her home to 6 people who want to take quilting lessons. In each book, the quilters are a mixture of people from all walks of life - both male and female - and each brings their own problems with them. Some are obvious, some are not. With that said, The Healing Quilt can be read as a stand alone, however, since some people from past books are either referenced or have a part in this book, I would encourage the series be read from the beginning.

In The Healing Quilt, Emma and Lamar Miller are staying at the Pinecroft community in Sarasota, Florida. Emma misses home but knows Lamar needs to be there in the wintertime, so she decides she'd like to teach classes to keep her occupied. She, again, ends up with an interesting group with another set of problems, and this time she's not sure she can help.

With her patience and understanding, Emma guides the group through both quilting and life lessons and shares her Biblical understanding and God's love with the group. She is an endearing woman who will win the heart of the reader as well as impart some strong faith and belief that will reflect God's will and love for all.

This is an interesting series that is sure to delight lovers of Amish fiction as well as those that enjoy a story with a positive Christian message.

About the Author:

A nationally recognized authority on the Amish community, Wanda E. Brunstetter has sold more than seven million copies of her fiction and nonfiction books. Wanda enjoys an uncommon kinship with the Amish and continues to visit their communities throughout the country. Her books have won numerous awards and topped several bestselling charts.

If you'd like to learn more about Wanda or the books she's written, please visit her page at: http://www.wandabrunstetter.com/

 I received a copy of this book from Handlebar Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.