To me this was a mash up of a Sci-fi series I watched during Covid and the movie Water World. I tried many times to get through this book but kept falTo me this was a mash up of a Sci-fi series I watched during Covid and the movie Water World. I tried many times to get through this book but kept falling asleep.
It is a coming-of-age story set in post-apocalyptic New York. Unfortunately, it seemed repetitive throughout the story.
I did not connect with the book’s characters or the environmental destruction caused by man’s bad behavior over many generations.
Netgalley graciously allowed me to read this book and I’m sorry but I didn’t really like it. ...more
This is first book by Louise Marley I have read. I found it engaging. The beginning drew me in. I could feel the panic of the children in the car.
I thThis is first book by Louise Marley I have read. I found it engaging. The beginning drew me in. I could feel the panic of the children in the car.
I thought the premise was sound. There are plenty of family sins and village secrets to keep anyone guessing after the discovery of the body in the dilapidated green house.
Unfortunately, I found that the book dragged in many places. For that reason, I rate it a 3.5. I cared more for Harriet and her grandmother than anyone else in the book.
I was given and advanced readers copy by Netgalley and am not required to leave a positive review. ...more
This book has three novellas in it. My favorite was the last one, Mrs. Claus and the Sinister Soda Bread Man by Liz Ireland. April Claus returns to OrThis book has three novellas in it. My favorite was the last one, Mrs. Claus and the Sinister Soda Bread Man by Liz Ireland. April Claus returns to Oregon with three elf friends to take care of inn repairs. April finds that things are not well at the inn. The elves must keep their identities secret. They are roped into an Irish Soda Bread contest and parade. The neighbor lady is and terror and a half. I thoroughly enjoy this series and loved that this story took place in Oregon. I liked the change of scenery.
I found all three stories well written with wonderful characters. Keep writing these and I’ll keep reading them. Nice stories to fill the gaps while waiting for a full book to be written in each series.
Bonus - recipes provided.
Netgalley gave me an advanced copy and these are my own opinions. I am not required to leave a favorable review....more
Netgalley offered this book in it’s read now section. I read the synopsis and had to give it a try. It sounded intriguing with a good dose of humor. TNetgalley offered this book in it’s read now section. I read the synopsis and had to give it a try. It sounded intriguing with a good dose of humor. This is the first book by Elle Cosimano that I have read.
At first, I was not sure I would stick with it but loved the premise of someone overhearing a writer and her agent discussing an upcoming book that is misinterpreted by another customer. After a slow start and a few eye rolls, I got into it. I easily feel in the “Steven needs to go” camp. Ms. Cosimano infuses humor throughout the story. I am looking forward to the next book. ...more
This is the fourth book in the Secret Bookcase Mystery series by Ellie Alexander. The story is set in Northern California at the Secret Bookcase booksThis is the fourth book in the Secret Bookcase Mystery series by Ellie Alexander. The story is set in Northern California at the Secret Bookcase bookstore where Annie works. She has set up a gingerbread house competition to benefit the community and Sugar’s bakery.
Unfortunately, the influencer hired to promote the event and Sugar’s bakery dies. If she was murdered, why?
Annie and her friends investigate to resolve the death’s circumstances.
I enjoyed the story but knew early on who the killer was. There is plenty going on in this story but I never waivered on who the culprit was.
I recommend this story. The method of death was ingenuous.
I was given an advanced readers copy and am not required to leave a positive review. ...more
This is the second book in the Cece Barton Mystery series. It is set in California’s wine country shortly after the holidays. Cece’s friend Josie callThis is the second book in the Cece Barton Mystery series. It is set in California’s wine country shortly after the holidays. Cece’s friend Josie calls her when she discovers her ex-husband under a lift in her place of business, an auto garage. Her ex turns out to be a not so nice guy so, who wouldn’t want him dead.
I enjoyed the twists, turns, and mis-directions. The author does a great job leading the reader around the crime. We get to know more about Cece’s support crew and Cece’s relationship with her sister.
I like the hometown feel, the descriptive narrative that let’s me picture the town and its inhabitants and visitors.
If you like strong women, this cozy mystery is probably for you. I recommend this book.
I was given an advanced readers copy and am not required to leave a positive review. ...more
This is the fifth book in the Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series. The story is set in Mistletoe in Maine at the Reindeer Tree Farm. The farm is run byThis is the fifth book in the Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series. The story is set in Mistletoe in Maine at the Reindeer Tree Farm. The farm is run by Holly White Gray’s family. Holly runs the inn at the farm.
There were plenty of holiday games, a try at the largest Gingerbread Man cookie, and unfortunately a death. So, this is the fifth holiday death in five years. It was not unexpected. I enjoyed every twist, turn and mis-direction.
The ending was a bit of a surprise but well worth the read. Looking forward to next year’s book.
I was given an advanced reader copy by Netgalley. I am not required to leave a positive review. ...more
This is a first in a possible series by Deborah Benoit. I liked the story but it did seem stiff in places. I figured out early who the killer was. It This is a first in a possible series by Deborah Benoit. I liked the story but it did seem stiff in places. I figured out early who the killer was. It took me a while to find a reason.
There were plenty of suspects for the dead man. As the victim, he isn’t well liked and didn’t deal fairly with people. There isn’t any gore so I would classify this book as a cozy.
Looking forward to book two to decide if I want to continue this series. I am rating this a 3.5 out of 5.
Netgalley provided me an e-copy of an Advance Readers Copy. I am not required to leave a positive review. ...more
This is a good start to a series. The characters have depth and are setup well for more books in this series. I felt it rambled in places but over allThis is a good start to a series. The characters have depth and are setup well for more books in this series. I felt it rambled in places but over all I liked it. It was a little dark for a cozy mystery but was deftly handled. Most readers will be surprised as the secrets are revealed.
I am looking forward to book 2. Netgalley provided me an e-copy of an Advance Readers Copy. I am not required to leave a positive review. ...more
This is the third book in the Maple Syrup Mystery series. I enjoy this series set in Vermont on a family maple sugar farm with a café.
There is a lot gThis is the third book in the Maple Syrup Mystery series. I enjoy this series set in Vermont on a family maple sugar farm with a café.
There is a lot going on in this story. The café gets a new hire suggested by Noah. Some kills the overbearing neighbor who fancies herself as food taster beyond compare at the pie contest held on the grounds of the maple sugar farm. The son of the overbearing neighbor wants to sue the maple sugar farm into oblivion.
While the mystery unfolds, Leila realizes that the intended victim was not the neighbor. I enjoyed the story and the reveal. The epilogue was the best in the series.
I highly recommend this cozy mystery with a strong female lead and a host of supporting characters.
Netgalley gave me an advanced copy of the ebook and am not required to leave a positive review.
This is the nineth book in the Amish Candy Shop Mystery series by Amanada Flower. The story is set in an Amish county in Ohio. Bailey King, the sweetsThis is the nineth book in the Amish Candy Shop Mystery series by Amanada Flower. The story is set in an Amish county in Ohio. Bailey King, the sweets maven of her Harvest is opening a candy factory which will be able to handle more customers and online orders than her shop in town. Unfortunately, a young Amish teen falls from the roof of the factory after a snow storm and doesn’t survive. It appears to be an accident until they take a closer look. Also, local businesses have been robbed. We don’t know if the occurrences are related or just a coincidence.
As the mystery progresses, we are subjected to an overbearing Margot as she stages an oversized Candyland game using the square. I came to like Lida and wanted things to work out for her. I enjoyed this story as much as I have enjoyed the series. This book can be read as a standalone story. Netgalley gave me an advanced copy of the ebook and am not required to leave a positive review. ...more
This is the fifth in the series. I have read them all but it is not necessary to follow along with the story. I think the previous ones just help you This is the fifth in the series. I have read them all but it is not necessary to follow along with the story. I think the previous ones just help you understand the characters more. Screenwriter and winery co-owner Norrie Ellington allows her producer to use Two Witches Winery as a back drop for a scene in a film, all does not go well. Would you expect that? This is a cozy, after all.
The obnoxious director is found dead and Norrie is one of the prime suspects. Read and find out who really did it and why. I enjoy this series along with the Sophie Kimball series. This writing team always delivers a well-thought out plot.
Escape from COVID-19 news into this story. You’ll love it.
I was given an advanced e-copy of this book from Netgalley and would like to thank them, the publisher, and the author. I am not required to leave a positive review.
Merged review:
This is the fifth in the series. I have read them all but it is not necessary to follow along with the story. I think the previous ones just help you understand the characters more. Screenwriter and winery co-owner Norrie Ellington allows her producer to use Two Witches Winery as a back drop for a scene in a film, all does not go well. Would you expect that? This is a cozy, after all.
The obnoxious director is found dead and Norrie is one of the prime suspects. Read and find out who really did it and why. I enjoy this series along with the Sophie Kimball series. This writing team always delivers a well-thought out plot.
Escape from COVID-19 news into this story. You’ll love it.
I was given an advanced e-copy of this book from Netgalley and would like to thank them, the publisher, and the author. I am not required to leave a positive review....more
What a wonderful addition to the series. Meg & Seth are settling in as a newly married couple. Meg has a new orchard manager, Larry. A dead body is disWhat a wonderful addition to the series. Meg & Seth are settling in as a newly married couple. Meg has a new orchard manager, Larry. A dead body is discovered by them on the property and of course they are intrigued to get to the bottom of the matter. Seth is a landlord along with his other duties.
What I liked was the concern for each other and neighbors. The not placing themselves in reckless positions.
I liked learning more about the newer characters, the process of investigating and small town policing. I like the thought of building a tiny house for the new orchard manager. I see a lot of potential in Larry.
What I didn’t like, the larger city’s police force not trying, in my opinion, hard enough to resolve this. I felt Seth’s renters were placed in danger.
I voluntarily read an e-book issue provided by Netgalley and Beyond the Page Publishing. These are my own opinions.
Merged review:
What a wonderful addition to the series. Meg & Seth are settling in as a newly married couple. Meg has a new orchard manager, Larry. A dead body is discovered by them on the property and of course they are intrigued to get to the bottom of the matter. Seth is a landlord along with his other duties.
What I liked was the concern for each other and neighbors. The not placing themselves in reckless positions.
I liked learning more about the newer characters, the process of investigating and small town policing. I like the thought of building a tiny house for the new orchard manager. I see a lot of potential in Larry.
What I didn’t like, the larger city’s police force not trying, in my opinion, hard enough to resolve this. I felt Seth’s renters were placed in danger.
I voluntarily read an e-book issue provided by Netgalley and Beyond the Page Publishing. These are my own opinions....more
What a great way to sample many new to me writers. I think this is a perfect delivery method to open readers to many authors. I found the stories inteWhat a great way to sample many new to me writers. I think this is a perfect delivery method to open readers to many authors. I found the stories interesting, well written and worth my time. This publication contains an introduction followed by sections: Fiction with a list of fiction books noted "The Notables", "Highly Anticipated", "Emerging Voices", "Debut Fiction", "Commercial Fiction.", Then there are the Nonfiction books broken into many other categories.
Each excerpt has the book cover, a brief summary, and after the excerpt, info about the book, the author and publication information.
Thank-you for offering samples of over 40 books/stories. I was able to sift through and pick out a few new authors for me. Looking forward to reading the entire work they offer. I look forward to Diane Chamberlain's The Dream Daughter; Jude Deveraux's A Willing Murder; Barbara Kingsolver's Unsheltered, and many more.
I will be looking for these in the future as they are a great way to sample many new books coming to market. The anticipated publication dates are between September 2018 and February 2019.
I received this book from Netgalley and these are my own opinions.
Merged review:
What a great way to sample many new to me writers. I think this is a perfect delivery method to open readers to many authors. I found the stories interesting, well written and worth my time. This publication contains an introduction followed by sections: Fiction with a list of fiction books noted "The Notables", "Highly Anticipated", "Emerging Voices", "Debut Fiction", "Commercial Fiction.", Then there are the Nonfiction books broken into many other categories.
Each excerpt has the book cover, a brief summary, and after the excerpt, info about the book, the author and publication information.
Thank-you for offering samples of over 40 books/stories. I was able to sift through and pick out a few new authors for me. Looking forward to reading the entire work they offer. I look forward to Diane Chamberlain's The Dream Daughter; Jude Deveraux's A Willing Murder; Barbara Kingsolver's Unsheltered, and many more.
I will be looking for these in the future as they are a great way to sample many new books coming to market. The anticipated publication dates are between September 2018 and February 2019.
I received this book from Netgalley and these are my own opinions....more
I enjoy the Buzz Books Excerpts. They provide a good look at some of the upcoming publications for this year. I like that the book is divided into thrI enjoy the Buzz Books Excerpts. They provide a good look at some of the upcoming publications for this year. I like that the book is divided into three main categories: fiction, commercial fiction, and non-fiction. There are 44 substantial excerpts- surely enough to let you know whether you want to read more by the author.
I have added quite a few to my TBR pile. Now I am just waiting for publication dates. Thank-you Publisher Lunch for offering this book to entice us.
I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy from Publisher Lunch via Netgalley and these are my own opinions.
Merged review:
I enjoy the Buzz Books Excerpts. They provide a good look at some of the upcoming publications for this year. I like that the book is divided into three main categories: fiction, commercial fiction, and non-fiction. There are 44 substantial excerpts- surely enough to let you know whether you want to read more by the author.
I have added quite a few to my TBR pile. Now I am just waiting for publication dates. Thank-you Publisher Lunch for offering this book to entice us.
I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy from Publisher Lunch via Netgalley and these are my own opinions....more
This is the seventh book in the Nick and Nora Mysteries written by T. C. LoTempio. Nora runs a sandwich shop and has her PI license. She has a great meThis is the seventh book in the Nick and Nora Mysteries written by T. C. LoTempio. Nora runs a sandwich shop and has her PI license. She has a great mentor and an intuitive cat that saves her bacon often.
Nora wants to save the fundraiser and prove it wasn’t a vampire that caused the man’s death in the ‘haunted” decrepit mansion.
The jealous detective isn’t working for me in this story. I basically wrote her off.
The twists, turns, and mis-directions were great! Waiting anxiously for the next book in this series. This story maybe read as a standalone.
Netgalley provided me an e-copy of an Advance Readers Copy. I am not required to leave a positive review. ...more
I was fortunate that Netgalley allowed me to download this book after publication. I am not required to leave a positive review. I enjoy this series aI was fortunate that Netgalley allowed me to download this book after publication. I am not required to leave a positive review. I enjoy this series and this book does not disappoint.
Casey Feldstein local baker and retreat hostess has a crochet retreat planned. The participants are known to each other and have planned their own activities. At the hosting hotel there are two other retreats scheduled, a mindfulness retreat for Silicon Valley start-up entrepreneurs and a bird-watchers group. The hotel manager has arranged the mindfulness retreat. The group finds it lacking and approaches Casey to provide a class on beginning knitting along with a few take away goodies.
Casey stumbles upon a dying mindfulness participant. We find that the crochet group and the mindfulness group know each other. This creates plenty of suspects when the death is determined to be murder.
I liked this book but I don’t like the ploy as used on TV of holding back clues. Since I like to figure out who did it, it’s difficult without clues.
I enjoyed the touches of humor sprinkled throughout the book.
Merged review:
I was fortunate that Netgalley allowed me to download this book after publication. I am not required to leave a positive review. I enjoy this series and this book does not disappoint.
Casey Feldstein local baker and retreat hostess has a crochet retreat planned. The participants are known to each other and have planned their own activities. At the hosting hotel there are two other retreats scheduled, a mindfulness retreat for Silicon Valley start-up entrepreneurs and a bird-watchers group. The hotel manager has arranged the mindfulness retreat. The group finds it lacking and approaches Casey to provide a class on beginning knitting along with a few take away goodies.
Casey stumbles upon a dying mindfulness participant. We find that the crochet group and the mindfulness group know each other. This creates plenty of suspects when the death is determined to be murder.
I liked this book but I don’t like the ploy as used on TV of holding back clues. Since I like to figure out who did it, it’s difficult without clues.
I enjoyed the touches of humor sprinkled throughout the book....more
Fan Mail is the second novel in the Aspen Adams Suspense. It is not a cozy mystery. This is a nice departure from Ms. Gerber’s other mysteries. The stFan Mail is the second novel in the Aspen Adams Suspense. It is not a cozy mystery. This is a nice departure from Ms. Gerber’s other mysteries. The story is set in Lake Tahoe, NV approximately six months after the last book. Our protagonist is Aspen Adams, a local private investigator and previously a child psychologist. She works for her Aunt Max and is the guardian to her 14-year old niece, Candance. A popular TV news anchor and acquaintance to Aspen, Gloria Morning asks Aspen to investigate a Lake Tahoe doctor’s murder when she gets an anonymous note telling her it was done for her glory. There are a few more deaths with a similar message sent to Gloria each time. Aspen has her hands full trying to ferret out a connection between the murder victims.
Nick Shaper, is a detective sergeant with the Placer County sheriff’s department and Aspen’s boyfriend. There was some sharing of information. Nick, like most cops, worries about her safety. He does not want her involved in this investigation.
Their relationship is going smoothly enough but there are difficulties due to Candance’s emotion baggage from her mother’s behavior, Nick’s alcoholic sister, Aspen’s own emotional baggage, and their demanding jobs. None of the characters are flawless. I found Aspen's expectations of Nick unrealistic.
There are plenty of suspects, less clues, and lots of twists in this well-written suspense story. If you don’t’ have enough background on the characters, read Desolate Shores, the first in the series.
I was given an ARC e-book copy from Netgalley. I am not required to leave a positive review.
Merged review:
Fan Mail is the second novel in the Aspen Adams Suspense. It is not a cozy mystery. This is a nice departure from Ms. Gerber’s other mysteries. The story is set in Lake Tahoe, NV approximately six months after the last book. Our protagonist is Aspen Adams, a local private investigator and previously a child psychologist. She works for her Aunt Max and is the guardian to her 14-year old niece, Candance. A popular TV news anchor and acquaintance to Aspen, Gloria Morning asks Aspen to investigate a Lake Tahoe doctor’s murder when she gets an anonymous note telling her it was done for her glory. There are a few more deaths with a similar message sent to Gloria each time. Aspen has her hands full trying to ferret out a connection between the murder victims.
Nick Shaper, is a detective sergeant with the Placer County sheriff’s department and Aspen’s boyfriend. There was some sharing of information. Nick, like most cops, worries about her safety. He does not want her involved in this investigation.
Their relationship is going smoothly enough but there are difficulties due to Candance’s emotion baggage from her mother’s behavior, Nick’s alcoholic sister, Aspen’s own emotional baggage, and their demanding jobs. None of the characters are flawless. I found Aspen's expectations of Nick unrealistic.
There are plenty of suspects, less clues, and lots of twists in this well-written suspense story. If you don’t’ have enough background on the characters, read Desolate Shores, the first in the series.
I was given an ARC e-book copy from Netgalley. I am not required to leave a positive review....more
This is the fifth book in the Mrs. Claus mystery series by Liz Ireland. I enjoy reading this series due to its characters, humor, and zaniness. I can This is the fifth book in the Mrs. Claus mystery series by Liz Ireland. I enjoy reading this series due to its characters, humor, and zaniness. I can always count on a great escape to Santaland. It brings a spring to my step whenever I can escape the craziness of the political ads running most of this summer.
This installment deals with an injured group of searchers looking for Santaland. These individuals want to make millions off of developing the area into a major tourist attraction. They are found close to death after their plane crashes in the mountainous area not far from the town and transported to the small hospital in town.
Unfortunately, out of the blue, one of them dies. Let the well-plotted mystery begin.
I applaud the town’s cooperation in trying to make the strangers believe it is an ordinary town in the Artic Circle. It made me laugh many times. Another concern for April and the town is the delay in Santa and the team’s return from delivering Christmas presents around the world.
This story had plenty to keep you interested and the twist and turns were as much fun as a rollercoaster.
The book is a standalone story but I would read them from the start in order to get a better understanding of the recurring characters.
I received an advanced readers e-copy of the book and am not required to leave a positive review. This series always moves to the top of my read pile. ...more